As a young girl I started working on the fish pier at the small retail fish market, Nickerson's. I worked there for nine summers, preparing chowder and lobster bisque, shucking clams and oysters, cooking thousands of lobsters and selling all kinds of seafood to customers. It was a wonderful place to work and has always been special to me.
On Monday I went down to the pier with my 5D to try and capture some moments that used to be very common to me -- and now feel more appreciated that I spend so much time in the city. I saw many familiar faces and many new ones as well. The fish market has been renamed to Chatham Fish Pier Fish Market and is under new ownership. Perhaps one day I will be able to run the place and retire there, selling fish and taking photographs. For now, I hope you enjoy the images I captured that afternoon.
The seal population has increased significantly over the years in Chatham waters, including by the fish pier. They have quickly learned that fish discards end up in the waters by the pier and there are several large seals covering the area searching for food. This boat was unloading skate and I thought the name worked well with the seal swimming behind it. I waited several minutes for this moment and was pleased with how it all came together.
Lee Tallman, one of the Chatham Harbormasters, came down to the pier to check on things and was rather surprised to see me. We hadn't seen each other, formally, for at least six years. He didn't quite recognize me with bangs and no fish boots, but we shared a few laughs from the past and enjoyed catching up. He was always a part of my work week at the pier and I was happy he agreed to let me photograph him quickly. I was drawn to his eyes and his ability to fit into the scene at the pier naturally.
An overall scene shot of some of the fishing boats moored up right off the pier on the other side of the channel. A rather stoic shot but peaceful and calming, which is why I think I like this one.
People are always flooding the upper viewing deck to watch the boats unload their daily catch and enjoy the views at the Pier. This shot reminded me of one I did at a wedding years ago, but I like the simplicity of it, although typically I'm not drawn to photos of people's backsides. Here I think it works though just fine.
Young "Davie" Murdoch was unloading his catch for the day, skate wings. Murdoch used to fish with John Our on the Miss Fitz and I would go out fishing with them on occasion to do some photography. He has since gotten his own boat, Jack Tar, and is doing well. I was happy to catch him at the pier and just grabbed a few quick shots. Although this photo isn't anything too special, I liked the gulls in the water in the background and Murdoch's relaxed mood as he washed down the boat for the day. Typically, the best part of the day for fishermen.
Nice work Kristen. I like the seal shot and the last one with the gulls! Cool to see you working on one of your passions! Can't wait to see you.
ReplyDeleteI would say you got a good shot of Davey smiling! Not something you see on a lot of fisherman, but at the end of the day! You got a shot of my husband's boat too, the Sea Dancer. Davey is my brother in law. Come back again, the fish pier is a big draw!!!
ReplyDeleteNice pictures!! I grew up on Cape Cod in the 50's (Eastham) and my Dad (Jackie Crosman) fished out of Chatham from about 1955 to 1980. I love seeing old pictures of the fish pier and have started collecting old postcards. My sister Gail, worked at the Rocky Bottom Fish Co. for a number of years in the 80's. Keep up the great work!!
ReplyDeleteBest, Mike Crosman