10
FEBRUARY 2021:
Houseboats
in the mist.
Copr. Copyright © 2020 GREIG CLIFFORD.
The houseboats on the River Adur at the Shoreham estuary have always
interested me. I pass by them often and wonder what it might be like
to live in one. In 2017 I spent a day on one photographing behind the
scenes on a music
video shoot. It spiked my interest in houseboat life even more...
perhaps one day I'll pluck up the courage to approach some of the residents
for a project idea, something sensitive to their privacy and lifestyle.
Since then I have continued to admire from a distance, promising to
myself I would find time to make a photograph featuring the houseboats
one day. Well, the mist this particular morning created an atmosphere
I felt was too good to ignore. The day was very still, hardly a breeze
in the air, and the tide was out so the river level was low, exposing
some interesting features of the estuary bed.
Copr. Copyright © 2020 GREIG CLIFFORD.
I love the sense of mystery that mist produces, how it has veiled the
houseboats here, showing the slightest hint of their shapes.
Copr. Copyright © 2020 GREIG CLIFFORD.
I was lucky enough to be there at just the right time for a heron (I
think), or some other similarly large water bird to fly in to my frame.
Copr. Copyright © 2020 GREIG CLIFFORD.
The river attracts people in row boats, paddle-boarders and, as seen
here, canoeists. The estuary at low tide has much to explore, and the
river Adur winds through very scenic Sussex countryside.
Copr. Copyright © 2020 GREIG CLIFFORD.
The houseboats have been at Shoreham for many years, although the number
moored changes from time to time. According to some online resources
the community was established during the 1970's, but I believe there
were houseboats positioned in the area before this.
Copr. Copyright © 2020 GREIG CLIFFORD.
Some of the current homes are actually decommissioned military vessels,
motor torpedo boats and other Royal Navy Coastal Forces craft, built
during the Second World War. It's nice to think boats designed for warfare
have found a much more peaceful use. Each home is unique, with all sorts
of modifications to the original boat shapes. I imagine they must be
true reflections of their residents' personalities, and what interesting
people they must be.
Copr. Copyright © 2020 GREIG CLIFFORD.
If these images are the first of mine you have seen, or you are
relatively new to my work, please know I'm always keen to make new contacts
and push my photography to wider horizons. If you like what you see,
say hello!
If you are able to help bring my photography to a larger audience, then
lets talk! I'd be glad to hear from you!
Finally, prints
of my images are available, starting at affordable prices to encourage
new collectors. Signed archival quality prints are strictly limited
in number. Your support is very much appreciated.
More posts...
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GREIG CLIFFORD.
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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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