Making history, Cunard’s three queens, giant liners Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria called at Liverpool today as part of the company’s 175th anniversary celebrations.

Queen Elizabeth off New Brighton

First in the convoy up the Mersey was Queen Elizabeth. Picking a good viewing point (and making sure you’re there on time) is a difficult decision. I opted for New Brighton, seafront, where there’s a clear view of the Mersey Estuary where the three ships gathered and also a good view down the river towards the famous Liverpool waterfront.

Patriotic crowds gather.

Snapping shots of the crowd helps sum up the atmosphere and scale of the occasion. The number of  onlookers was vast and public transport very congested as many thousands headed for the banks of the Mersey.

Cunard flagship Queen Mary 2.

Queen Mary 2  passing New Brighton.

Striking profile of QM2.

The traditional maritime welcome.

The shot the most people want is the three ships together with the Liverpool skyline. With quite a distance between them, I had to wait for the right moment and put my 18-300mm lens to the test. Dull hazy weather was against me, but over exposing by one stop and Photoshop editing helped cut through the haze!

The three Cunard Queens arrive at Liverpool.

Of course, the Liver Building just had to be visible, even if only partly, to give away the location. I liked the contrast of the beach and people in the foreground to make a shot I was quite pleased with.

300mm zoom on maximum a moment later!

The Red Arrows make an appearance.

Getting back to Liverpool Pier Head by train and squeezing through the enormous crowds for a view of Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth with the Red Arrows was a major challenge. This was the best shot I could manage. Trying to avoid the inevitable clutter of signs, lamp posts, ice cream vans (and tall people!) is a major challenge, especially when you only have a few seconds to grab the shot. This was my only (passable) shot. Alas, I couldn’t remove the very distracting modern streetlight; ever the perfectionist!

I hope you enjoyed my brief look at this nautical  photographic challenges. Feel free to leave a comment. More ‘Photographer’s Ramblings’ from further afield coming soon!