The effect of opening the central paddle

photo: a one-piece lock gate fills the centre of the image, slimy moss-covered walls to either side; water is gushing out around the central panel of the gate, almost frozen in time by the camera; the flow is frothy white, infinitely textured, appearing as droplets in some places, appearing as smooth turbulence in others, like the side of a candle covered in melted wax gone cold.

Location: Wolverley Lock on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal.

Date: Tuesday 30th June 1998.

Equipment: Canon EOS 50e using 28mm f/2.8 lens.

Emulsion: Kodak Gold 200.

Keywords: canal lock, lock gate, central paddle, gushing water, water surge.

Notes: this is what happens immediately after lifting up the central paddle on a lock gate with such a mechanism. Water forces itself through the centre of the gate at some pressure, gushing down over the front of long boats.