Living
Life at Sea | Photographs by Maine Fisherman Joel Woods
A collection of intimate images depicting the beauty and danger of life at sea from Maine fisherman photographer Joel Woods.
By Heather Marcus|Apr 04 2022|
Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine
Photo Credit : Katherine KeenanLife at Sea | Photographs by Joel Woods
On a blustery autumn day, the boys wait for the cue from the wheelhouse to let the south end go. Foreground – Roger Raymond Background – Dennis Pollak on board the F/V Carol Coles – Portsmouth, NH
Photo Credit : Joel Woods
This is one of my favorites…It’s an example of seeing a shot whilst working and having whomever do it again while I get my camera. This is simply a lobster being thrown into a tank after being banded. The afternoon light just happened to be perfect for the shot…
F/V No Worries – Matinicus Isle, Maine.
Photo Credit : Joel Woods
There are times when someone who has spent a lot of time on the water, will often offer to go fishing for the day for no pay, simply get back out there for a hot minute. The sea has soul-healing properties that can not be found anywhere else. Adam Roberson, tired of being on land, offered to come with us on this day to work for free, which allowed me a unique opportunity to shoot a full three-handed boat crew. Usually I’m one of the 3.
Photo Credit : Joel Woods
A rare day when the snow flakes were wet and fat enough, that they didn’t immediately get washed away. Jay Harrington was one of my favorite crewmen to photograph. He never posed for the camera or appeared to be uncomfortable when I had it shoved in his face. We were fishing, and the snow storm was pushing through. I looked up at Jay as the snow accumulated on his head. I threw off my gloves and grabbed my camera…
Photo Credit : Joel Woods
This is Friendship harbor, Maine during the deep freeze of 2014.
Photo Credit : Joel Woods
An image is all about perspective. In other words,where the subject is in relation to where I am. With the type of photos that I take, this perspective is what makes an image either dull and bland, or one that makes you take pause. From the boat I was standing on, it appeared as though Josh Ames and Nick Geatz were about to be swamped. And though this day was definitely a “dirty day” and very few lobstermen deemed it fit, the boys were in no particular danger at that moment. Or should I say that at that moment, they were in no more or no less danger than they were the rest of that day…
Photo Credit : Joel Woods
Stevie Ames coils rope. As a member of a multi- generational fishing family, coiling warps was probably one of the first things he learned as a child.
Photo Credit : Joel Woods
This is an image of gannets fighting for a mackerel that had escaped the net.
F/V Jeanne McCausland – Portsmouth, NH
Photo Credit : Joel Woods
On a particularly dirty day down below Matinicus Rock. Stevie Ames is setting a string back, throwing it well clear of the boat to avoid any snarl with other traps.
Photo Credit : Joel Woods
I was on David Ames’ dock on Matinicus, just talking with Dave and Darlene. I rarely go anywhere without my camera, and when I walked out onto his dock and saw this, I grabbed the shot.
Photo Credit : Joel Woods
During an abnormally high tide, combined with a nasty little northeast gale, the F/V Dirty Deeds, owned by Stevie Ames, broke it’s mooring and wound up on the rocks, where she was found at day break. I got the call from Stevie’s Uncle and we rallied the troops to help out.
From left to right.
Adam Roberson, Noah Ames, Dima Zaets, Dorian Ames, Stevie Ames
Foreground: The late, great, salty dog: Spartacus
Photo Credit : Joel Woods
Jason Hooper of Spruce Head Island, Maine, salts fresh fish directly from the boat. This is one of the acts done by 1000s of lobstermen up and down the coast 1000s of times, but I have never seen an image of it.
Photo Credit : Joel Woods
Herring seining is one of the most physically demanding fisheries I’ve been involved in. Unlike with lobstering, there is no opportunity to grab my camera while we’re hauling the gear aboard. However, once we start pumping the fish, we get a brief respite in our duties. Here Adam Roberson has just gotten out of the twine and is covered in the fish and scales which are constantly raining down upon you.
F/V Western Wave – Rockland, Maine
Photo Credit : Joel Woods
Atlantic Porpoise playing in the bow wake on a beautiful summer day on George’s Bank.
Photo Credit : Joel Woods
We had just hauled a trawl and were steaming back up the set to set it back up. It was one of those evenings that the light was perfect between the setting sun and the deck lights.
Photo Credit : Joel Woods
Biscuit Ames shifts a string, just as he passes in front of the rising sun.
Photo Credit : Joel Woods
Have you ever considered producing a calendar–if so I’d like one for nest year–
My husband, who is a very critical of most photographs, and I were extremely impressed by your photos. We would love to have a photo book of these images. It would make a gre
In my Phoenix, AZ home, this Maine born girl could image the smell of the salt air while viewing these amazing photos. I’ve always wanted to go out on a lobster boat and watch them haul traps. Your photos made me feel like I was there!
I would like to purchase prints to hang in my new England room. I live in PA now but maine born and bred. These pics represent the essence and heart of maine.
You are the best photographer i have ever seen, i cant thank you enough for the enjoyment i got out of seeing your work in Yankee Magazine, amazing. Regards, jeannie
Is it possible to purchase photographs by Joel Woods?
“Perfect LIght” is a keeper!
These are so poetic. I can feel what the men must feel out at sea. Thanks for sharing these with the descriptions.
Each picture is quite a story. I cannot fathom being a lobsterman or a fisherman in Maine, especially in cold weather! WONDERFUL pictures!
I’m a watercolor artist and your photos are so inspiring! What would it take for me to turn them into a painting?
Your photographs are so wonderful, you capture the lobsterman’s, emotions and , the hard work and labor . I grew up inNew England born and raised spent many summers in Maine but have never been out on a lobster boat. Enjoyed lobster feasts with my family way back then and these fisherman and generations before them are why we all can enjoy lobster! Thanks for sharing the life through your photos. They are wonderful photographs.
Wonderful photos!!!
Need a current picture of a Maine Lobster Fisherman all decked out for a day of fishing in
Color ❗️Thanks‼️
Oh these photos are fantastic!!
Joel Woods photos are worthy of a book. He seems to catch many special moments and the color is eye-catching. Lobsterman are involved in really dangerous work at times and people moan about the cost of lobster. Great pics….I’will look for the book.
Joel, your photos are amazing. I’m a watercolor artist and I wish I could paint what you see.