Aphrodite, a 1937 Purdy Launch — Photographed at Mystic Seaport

This photograph, taken by Caryn B. Davis, captures the classic launch Aphrodite, launched in May 1937 by the Purdy Boat Company. The image was made at the Antique & Classic Boat Rendezvous held at Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Connecticut. Published in the June 2013 issue, the photo highlights the timeless appeal and craftsmanship of pre-war wooden launches that continue to draw attention at classic boat gatherings.

Aphrodite represents a generation of finely built wooden boats whose lines and varnished surfaces convey the care and pride of traditional boatbuilding. At a gathering such as the Antique & Classic Boat Rendezvous, these vessels are shown not only as functional watercraft but also as pieces of maritime history—examples of design, joinery, and finish that attract restorers, historians, and photographers alike.

Photographer Caryn B. Davis used a Canon EOS-1D Mark II to make this image, choosing settings that balance sharpness and depth of field: a shutter speed of 1/320 second, a focal length of 95 mm, aperture f/6.3, and ISO 400. Those choices helped freeze subtle motion on the water and maintain sufficient depth to render the boat’s details—planking, varnish, and fittings—while keeping the background slightly softened. The 95 mm focal length is well suited to compress perspective slightly, creating an intimate view that still preserves the vessel’s graceful profile.

When photographing classic wooden boats, attention to light and reflection is essential. Midday light can produce strong highlights on varnish and chrome, so positioning for side light or gentle backlight often yields richer textures and better separation from the background. A moderate aperture such as f/6.3, as used here, keeps the hull and key details sharp while allowing the surroundings to remain softly out of focus, which emphasizes the subject without losing context.

ISO 400 in this shot provides a useful compromise: it maintains image quality on a camera like the Canon EOS-1D Mark II while allowing faster shutter speeds to avoid motion blur from wind or water movement. Likewise, 1/320 second is fast enough to capture the subtle motion of a launch at rest or underway without introducing camera shake, especially when handheld or shooting from a dock or tender.

Beyond technical choices, composition plays a large role in presenting a classic boat. In this image the photographer frames Aphrodite to show her profile and lines, creating a visual narrative of elegance and utility. Reflections in the water and the interplay of light on varnished wood add depth and atmosphere. Close-up detail shots of hardware, planking, and instrumentation complement profile images by telling the story of craftsmanship and restoration work that keeps such boats afloat today.

At events like the Antique & Classic Boat Rendezvous at Mystic Seaport, viewers can appreciate both the aesthetic qualities and the cultural value of historic boats. The Mystic Seaport setting provides a maritime backdrop that reinforces the connection between these vessels and the seafaring traditions they embody. Photographs from these events—such as this one published in June 2013—help preserve visual records of boats like Aphrodite for enthusiasts and researchers, and they inspire the next generation of boat owners and restorers.

For anyone interested in classic boat photography or in learning more about historic wooden launches, studying images and metadata—camera model, shutter speed, focal length, aperture, and ISO—can be instructive. These technical details, combined with thoughtful composition and respect for the subject, enable photographers to communicate the beauty and history of vessels like Aphrodite while contributing to the broader appreciation of maritime heritage.

Photo details:
Photographer: Caryn B. Davis
Subject: Aphrodite, launched May 1937 by the Purdy Boat Company
Event: Antique & Classic Boat Rendezvous, Mystic Seaport, Mystic, Conn.
Camera: Canon EOS-1D Mark II
Shutter speed: 1/320 second
Lens focal length: 95 mm
Aperture: f/6.3
ISO: 400
Published: June 2013 issue