Coal boat on Lake Erie

Night-time photographs are among the most interesting, because they combine the physical aspects we always see and an element of time.

This photo is of a coal ship transporting its load to Hamilton, Canada, from Sandusky, Ohio, while passing under a bridge.

Pressing the camera lens onto a cabin window and exposing the film for about five minutes kept the ship crystal clear while blurring the overhead bridge, giving the illusion of action in a still photo.

So, this is where the ship was, and -- zip!-- this is where the ship is now.

It's easy, but makes for an interesting picture.