A Sunset on Ocean in India with Fishing Nets have become a very popular tourist attraction in India. Their size and elegant construction are very photogenic, and the slow rhythm of their operation is quite hypnotic. During our visit to India's Kerala region, we spent some time in Kochi (previously known as Cochin). When I asked the locals, "what is one of the key and unique must see stops in Kochi", the Chinese Fishing Nets always came to mind. Why, I wondered? Upon seeing these fishing nets you'll understand why. Huge mechanical contrivances hold out horizontal nets of 20 m or more across. Each structure is at least 10m (33ft) high and comprises a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea and large stones suspended from ropes as counterweights at the other end. Each installation is operated by a team of up to six fishermen.
Once I knew that I needed to photograph these unique fishing nets, the next task was how to get it done. My ideal image would have these fishing nets part of the image, hanging over the water, and I wanted to have it at sunset with the golden sun reflecting on the water. In order to achieve this shot required me to get on a boat and make my way to a specific location at the right time.
Once I was on the boat, making our way to the right location, we checked out several location to finally arrive a spot that aligned the nets, the sun, the reflections and some other minor fishing boats in the scene to ensure this story could be captured.
As the right time for the shot was approaching, I needed to act fast, as the sun was dropping and that would change the shutter speeds (slower). The key issue is that a slowing shutter speed due to the amount of light available and a moving boat due to the waves, makes image taking just a little more of a challenge. Having had the experience of taking photos from rocking boats, I was prepared for what needed to be done.
The resulting image here captures the very essence of what I was trying to achieve with the photo. The warmth of the setting sun on my face and the gentle rocking of the boat comes immediately back to me whenever I look at this image.
This image captures the Chinese Fishing Nets as they stand prominently in the fishing port of Kochi India, waiting for the next day's fishing adventure. The following day after capturing this image, we went back to the waterfront and actually got to get into the fishing nets and help the fisherman drop the nets and catch some fish. What an experience! The sights, sounds and smell of the fish in the harbor was intoxicating.
