FisherFolk Tales

A Photo Essay

In the coastal fishing harbors that I frequent, after the colorful sunrises, when the storms aren’t raging, when the drama is over and the postcard scenic images have been made, I often wander around with my camera and photograph totally different subject matter.

I’ve been making documentary photos like this for a long time.

In a way, they are a release from the expectations of creating images that garner likes on social media or would sell as prints. They’re also just a way to tell more of the story of these places that I’ve become very fond of observing over many years.

It’s not that the dramatic light and interesting weather aren’t real or honest, they certainly are, it’s just that there is so much more here.

Lots of humor. Lots of creativity. Lots of interesting colors, textures, and shapes, too.

Expressive signs, and little familiarities, like the name of a well-known fishing family on a mailbox, all help tell a deeper, more intimate and nuanced story.

A collection of fading photographs on a wall was probably the most moving sight I’ve come across. I got a lump in my throat thinking about the care of the person putting these up, the people represented that I didn’t even know, moments fading into memory just like the photographs themselves.

These spaces are intimate, but also open. Most are on public or community wharves. The writing, signs, and folk art speak to creativity and storytelling that is made to be shared.

Not all spaces are open, however, and I think the conflicting signage in the window below speaks very truly to the personality of many people in this community… and probably people in general. Open, private, no trespassing.

And then, of course, there can be downright hostility.

Mostly, I see people just trying to go about their lives, in what I think we all agree is a beautiful and mesmerizing environment, the edge of, and on, the sea.

But before we get too sentimental and veer back into picture postcard territory, let’s remember that it isn’t easy. It takes a lot of work to stay afloat out here.

I’ve put these images into a gallery on my website, along with a few more to round out the series. Check them out HERE.

Thank you for looking.

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