The boats barely seem to move. The water has other plans.
In our harbor clip, ripples keep crossing the foreground while the boats and buildings hold the larger shapes in place. A little light remains on the far side. There is no big arrival or departure to follow, which leaves the smaller movements easy to notice.
Pick one fixed edge
Choose a boat's outline or a corner of a building across the water. Hold your attention there for a few seconds. Then look at the surface underneath it. The contrast between the steady edge and the broken reflection is the detail that keeps this view interesting.
The scene has several speeds at once. Small surface changes happen quickly. The boats shift much less. The buildings give the whole arrangement a background that stays put.
A frame does not need an event
If you make a little harbor video of your own from a public viewing spot, try holding one composition for a few seconds. Let the water move within it. You may find that the scene supplies enough variation without the camera having to search for more.
In this clip, the buildings, boats, and ripples share the frame without competing very hard for it. It is a good view precisely because you can choose which part to look at.
The harbor looks still until you pick something to follow.
