October 2025 - Suspension Bridge New Portland Maine
Original
About the Image(s)
Wire Suspension Bridge New Portland Maine
Location: New Portland, ME
Shot: January 2013
Photographer: Grace Dunklee Cohen
Gear: Canon 5D, EF 8-15 f / 4L Fisheye
Settings: 1/100 - f / 11 handheld
Always excited to find an apropos subject for my (then newish) fisheye, the wire suspension bridge in New Portland Maine was just the spot. I envisioned this shot well in advance of arriving. I wasn’t sure the overcast weather would work that, but I really like the way this turned out.
Adjustments were made to light, contrast, color, and clarity. I cropped to square it, and added a light vignette to soften the outer edges.
I offer a B&W of this image for your feedback, but felt that the wood and pine trees helped add overall depth and dimension.
A note on the Canon EF 8-15 Fisheye ??“ I ordered this from Hunts Photo when Canon announced it would be introducing this lens in their next release. I’ve done a lot of business with Hunts over the years and the owner Gary Farber promised to get me on the advance order list and it was due in the spring of 2011. However, all shipments came to a standstill after the Fukushima earthquake/disaster and the lens was delayed. Canon delivered their first shipment in August to Nat Geo photographers … and me. I rarely use this lens ??“ but it’s just the right tool for a very few fun shots!
I’VE GOT GALAPAGOS QUESTIONS ??“ HAVE YOU BEEN? I’ll be going to the Galapagos this month and will appreciate any suggestions and advice on traveling with gear, shooting, etc. from other Group members!
6 comments posted
Grace Cohen
I've attached the B&W version for comparison Posted: 10/06/2025 22:32:58
Larry Treadwell
Being very much a naturalist I really am not a fan of this kind of gimmick. That said either you have a really great eye (likely true) or you got really lucky. The symmetry in this is amazing and that make the fish eye look work. I see this as more of a creative, artistic image than a natural one. And I like the B/W the best. Posted: 10/08/2025 23:15:02
Barbara Gore
Hi Grace. A circular fisheye lens was never on my list of lenses to try, but I have to admit it's probably a lot of fun to experiment with. The bridge is perfectly centered, making it a strong focal point. I like how the curve of the bridge cables and the trees in the background help to create a nice flow. However for me, the lighting feels flat. Possibly consider a bit more contrast to give it more pop. Nice job. Posted: 10/12/2025 23:22:37
Michael Jack
This to me is an excellent use of the fisheye lens. Great composition and subject. The B/W image appears to be a bit flat so I would consider increasing the white point, reducing the black and adding a S curve to the tone curve. Posted: 10/16/2025 19:47:51
Bill Peake
Great work with the fisheye! The symmetry of the bridge makes it a natural for it. I like the B&W treatment the best and agree with the others that a little more contrast would improve the image. Posted: 10/23/2025 20:43:03
Adi Ben-Senior
WoW what a wonderful picture. It is the perfect composition for the perfect lens. I like both options but prefer the B&W.
On the edit - I would shift the histogram abit to have more dark tones (+5%).
Posted: 10/24/2025 14:22:06
