PHOTOGRAPHERS AND FISHERMAN HAVE MUCH IN COMMON

WHERE FISHERMAN GO | DARK COAST PORTFOLIO

When I go out photographing here on Maui, I often find myself in a stunning location at sunset, enjoying watching the passing clouds and listening to the sounds of the ocean. If I'm lucky and things go well, I may get something to work with in my camera. They are places you may have to hike to or rock-hop along rugged coastline to get to, so generally there aren’t many people around. If there is anyone around, it’s always fisherman. 

If you live by a body of water larger than a swimming pool and often find yourself along it's edges to photograph, then you too have probably noticed - photographers and fisherman have much in common! Like us photographers, they've got all the gear that they carry-in, manage and tend to; all the techniques that they apply in hopes that they put themselves in an optimal setting to catch something; wait endlessly and into the night, in the elements, driven not only by the chance of a bite, but also for the love of simply being there, in the setting.

Indeed, there's a certain kinship between photographers and fisherman, even in their attitudes. Here are a few quotes from fisherman that could easily be reinterpreted for photographers:

"I've gone fishing thousands of times in my life, and I have never once felt unlucky or poorly paid for those hours on the water."

                                                         -William Tapply

"I frankly don't make much of a living, but I make a hell of a life."

                                                          -Jack Gartside

"Scholars have long known that fishing eventually turns men into philosophers.  Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to buy decent tackle on a philosopher's salary."

                                                           -Patrick McManus