Above: Rolleiflex Automat X F3.5 Kentmere 400 @ 800 in HC-110 Solution B
If you ever find yourself wanting to listen to a song that is positively aquatic, look no further than the title. The Lonesome Boatman is a haunting tune that will threaten to sweep you into a romanticized past of your own creation.
The boatman or boatwoman (boat person?) in this photo is not from Ireland but Florida. I found them meandering lazily towards an old decommissioned bridge (now pier) upon which I stood in the tranquil pre-dawn light. The boat was fishy judging by how the gulls circled, swooped and squawked. Off the stern some dolphins stalked lazily. Wishing that I had brought a telephoto lens I quickly metered and took the shot.
This photo has since become one of my favorites and I am glad that I wasn’t able to get closer. It is also a great example of how split toning can be used to enhance a black and white image.
They weren’t a lonesome boat person, but since I failed to capture the gulls or dolphins we can imagine they were.
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brad s sprinkle on The Lonesome Boatman – One Shot Story
Comment posted: 29/05/2026
Beautiful image that evokes a sense of calm that is almost tangible. I love minamiist photography so this one really speaks to me.
Cheers!