11/23/2021
Thanks, Ben!!
There’s such a variety of subjects and scenery around the Maine coast. While we see a lot of lighthouses and lobsterboats in many photographers’ images, one subject I don’t see as much interest in is the amazing sailboat culture we have. This makes me grateful for Tricia Ladd. Tricia has been capturing these scenes on the water around Islesboro for years, and has a special gift for bringing this tiny part of the world to us. Andrew Wyeth’s advice to artists is to go deep, and that’s exactly what I see Tricia doing here. I love the way the composition crops in very close to the sailboat, a Dark Harbor 20, cutting off the bow and top of the sail, so the focus is on the occupants. Seeing Grindle Point Lighthouse across Gilkey Harbor in the background is the perfect touch and really places the viewer in this unique spot, just off the boat launch on Islesboro, which you can make out near the mast. The bright light and blue sky with puffy clouds work perfectly here, placing us on the water in the heat of the day, no doubt exactly where these sailors want to be.
📷 Tricia Ladd Photography
See more of Down East staff photographer Benjamin Williamson's favorite pics here. ➡️ downeast.com/photography/maine-photography/