yarrow logo
search icon
SEARCH
close search
Shape of Water
Narrative
Behind the scenes
Prints
mouse scroll icon
SCROLL

Shape of Water

Devon, United Kingdom - 2020
Devon, United Kingdom

This photograph, taken up river at low tide on the Bantham Estuary in Devon, was hatched in my mind when I scouted the location alone the previous week.

I needed a day when sunset would be coupled with low tide and mathematically that only happens once every two weeks. When shooting west, a low tide was necessary to be able to work the Estuary on foot and a low sun would allow for shade.

Finding the day required just 60 seconds research on the internet, but of course there could be no assurance that the weather on the optimum day would be good - especially in the UK. Without sunlight, there wouldn’t be a picture - I would not have enough light to freeze the action and secondly there would not be enough contrast between the subject and the background. I needed a beautiful evening and a sky free of cloud.

But that day our luck was in and I was able to shoot the running stallion at 1/3000th of a second. This was enough for every drop of water to be pin sharp. The configuration of the spray and the shape of the water was always going to be random, I just had to try and focus on the horse’s head. It was a low percentage shot, but this one frame was almost exactly what I had in mind.

I would like to thank my friend Nicholas Johnston for allowing me to work on his stunning estate and also providing the help we needed on the day.

But that day our luck was in and I was able to shoot the running stallion at 1/3000th of a second.

David Yarrow
Print sizes

Standard

37" x 61" Unframed

52" x 76" Framed

Edition of 12

Large

56" x 92" Unframed

71" x 107" Framed

Edition of 12

Rocket ManAfter the FloodGhost RiderVantage PointThe WaitOn the RocksSnap ShotHigh NoonSummitThe Black Panther ReturnsHorsepowerOne for the RoadThe White TurfThe RancherLiving Without BordersWaterworldDesert FlightVikingsHappy HourMeet the FockersShape of WaterPegasusThe KillersMars AttacksTrue NorthPunkThe Barber Off FairfaxThe BorderThe Lost Horse SaloonNorseTrue GritThe Quick and the DeadThe American DreamRed Dead66 Degrees NorthThe Magnificent SevenPirates Last SupperThe Push WestThe BillsNo NearerThe Rio GrandeGold