Ferry Night Crossing
Late winter 2014 and after a photography shoot on the Isle Of Wight I grabbed my cameras and went top side of the Wightlink Ferry as it left the small village of Fishbourne. The light was fading fast and with night drawing in the other passengers soon settled down inside the large cabin with their warm cappuccinos. They must have thought me mad as I explored the deck of the ship stopping every now and again to take my photos. As the ferry sailed out to sea the darkness enveloped us like a cloak, that really dark slightly depressing blackness that only winter time allows, but as my eyes adjusted the light was actually amazing! It was very blue and had an eerie look and feel to it, very unexpected for a dark Decembers night! I had spent all day taking photographs and although tired the light re-energised me as I took my photographs and created a story of my return trip.
As the ferry forced its way across the solent the wind picked much to the annoyance of the smokers who braved the elements. For me though it just added to the experience. There is something special about being on board a boat especially at night. Your senses come alive with the smell of the sea and the sounds of the ship as it crashes though the waves. The taste of salt on my lips reminded me of happy, long summer days spent on the beach as a young child. As I day dreamed whilst taking my photos everything seemed to become quiet. The engine chugged away in the background but I had now become accustomed to it and beyond this sound there seemed nothing! Even the seagulls who had sung to me upon my arrival earlier in the day had settled in for the night. Sure it felt a little disconcerting at times but a truly beautiful moment.
A ferry passes us by heading back to the island. I wonder who's onboard? Off on an adventure I expect. Shame I didn't have longer to stay. As my ferry neared the mainland the lights of Portsmouth and the Spinnaker Tower could be seen in the distance. Joined now by a young girl and her dad I took more photographs as they enjoyed the view. As the bright and courfull lights drew closer I felt slightly sad that the journey would soon be over. Back to the urban sprawl. Back to the busyness of life. As a child I used to sail a lot with my parents. Only small dinghies but it was great fun, happy days. So many memories of sailing trips with Dad at the tiller and mum handing out sandwiches often filled with sand.
I must start sailing again!
Till next time Scott the photographer.