Weekly Photo Challenge – Community
“A community is like a ship. Everyone should be prepared to take the helm.”
Henrik Ibsen
This week we have been challenged to illustrate the concept of “community”. In response, I’ve chosen to highlight one of the more interesting communities here in the lowcountry, the shrimpers. The warm waters surrounding Charleston make it an ideal environment for catching sweet, delicious shrimp and the result is a community of hearty, determined shrimpers who brave the elements to bring back their annual crop.
“We don’t heal in isolation, but in community.”
S. Kelley Harrell
Theirs is not an easy life. Work begins long before the sun and runs deep into the night, often overnight. Results are inconsistent, depending on so many variables. Even when the catch is a good one, rising costs and low-priced foreign competition contribute to very thin margins. Shrimpers are restricted to certain areas and specific times of year, and are of course impacted by the tremendous fluctuations in shrimp population.
“A community with neither poverty nor riches always has the noblest principles.”
Plato
Challenges not-withstanding, the shrimpers whose livelihoods are so precarious could not have been more gracious as I wandered around their workspace with my camera equipment! Clearly they thought I was a bit crazy as I shot things that to them could not have been more mundane, but which for me were wonderful examples of color and texture, and a life completely foreign to me.
“In every community there is work to be done; in every heart, the power to do it.”
Marianne Williamson
It seems to me, at least during their season (typically May through November), that the work never ends. When they aren’t out dragging their nets, they’re back at the dock cleaning, repairing and outfitting their trawlers for the next time. Then, of course, they need to sell and deliver their catch. Their numbers are dwindling as fewer and fewer of them are able to make a living – often ending generations of working the waters here in our area.
“The community stagnates without the impulse of the individual.”
William James
As you might expect, birds often follow the trawlers as they work, hoping to steal either the catch or the bait – their grace and speed are amazing as they swoop and swirl behind the boats in a veritable aerial ballet. Once the boats return to the docks, the birds take up residence anywhere they can find a spot to observe the action, hoping for a spill or a toss.
“Communication leads to community.”
Rollo May
When not on the water or working their boats, the shrimpers can often be found in the packing house, where catches are weighed, counted and packed in ice. My home is not too far from Cherry Point Dock, where I shot these photographs. The local shrimp, tuna and redfish are incredibly fresh and are available for purchase directly; my husband and I have taken advantage of it many times. The delicious seafood also finds its way onto the menus of some of the best restaurants in town.
“Until our country is free and happy and peaceful as part of the community of man, we cannot rest.”
Oliver Tambo
I’ll close with a shot of a shrimper that I captured one morning just before sunrise here on Kiawah’s beach. I vowed never again to complain about waking early for photography when I saw the trawler which had arrived long before I had and would surely be there long after I left. Here’s to the working communities everywhere who make life so much easier for the rest of us.
“An enlightened person raises the level of consciousness of the entire community.”
Phyllis Theroux
To see the communities featured by some other bloggers, click here.
Beautiful series of shots Tina… There is something peaceful about a seaside city that makes me want to just sit down and look out (or in this case look at your photos). The photos along with your words are a perfect blend.
Thanks so much Randall – as a transplanted Northerner I’m fascinated by these hearty and close-knit communities!
Beautiful, Tina. I love your seagull :). Merry Christmas!
Thanks Paula! Nice of him to drop by; and nice of you too!! Merry Christmas!
Hi Tina, Great post. These photos really convey the subject and with exceptional clarity and color. Nets didn’t load here in Aussie land but I’m sure it’s beautiful. Is “On Track” an HDR image? Jumps off the page. Nice shot that departs from a normal view. And your detail shots are great.
Hi Jane – and thanks! I think On Track was indeed HDR. Bummer about Nets – I reloaded it, you might see it if you try again. Another shrimp boat sunk this week, very sad 😦 Hope you’re enjoying your romp on the coast!
What a grand post! Excellent collection of photos, just to my liking – so beautiful, Tina.
And the opening quote by Ibsen is of course a big door opener with me! 🙂 I don’t know what I like more, your writing or your photography, together it’s perfect.
Happy Holidays to you and yours, Tina!
Best wishes, Dina
Thanks Dina–yours are always the nicest compliments 🙂 And Happy Holidays to you too!
Nice collection!
Thank you Ajay–love your new little gravatar!
Out of them all, hooked had me…hooked!! Love that image, thanks for sharing the series.
🙂 Thanks David! That one seems to be the runaway favorite !
every image is a story in its own…beautiful work as always Tina
Thanks Jo – and happy holidays to you!
This is a beautiful entry.
Thanks PJB – happy holidays to you!
Thank you, all the best to you as well 🙂
Love all these images. Fishing is another one of my passions. You have approached this theme very well. Love the old TV antenna on the boat. Those are some serious circle hooks. Somebody is going after Tuna and Swordfish.
Thanks Eduardo! You’re right, I wouldn’t have wanted to be on the wrong end of those hooks – they meant business! Our waters are quite popular for deep sea fishing as well as shrimping.
Your photos are fantastic.
Thanks very much Imelda! Blogging is such a great way to relive moments, isn’t it?!
beautiful words and photos to go with them…Tina
best wishes for the coming year.:-)
take care
sriram
Thanks so much Sriram, and A wonderful New Year to you as well.
Love this take on the theme for the challenge of community! Nice. I enjoyed your photos today. 🙂 Ruth
Thanks very much Ruth! Appreciate your visit and comment.
Good quality photos that are sharp clear and good lighting
Thanks James 🙂 It was a late afternoon shoot and the light was lovely.
BEAUTIFUL photos! 🙂
I hope you have a beautiful day!!! ❤
Many thanks BBBB 🙂 And a beautiful day to you too!
Beautiful series 🙂
Thanks EP – they’re quite a set of characters!
Thanks so much for showing me the world of shrimpers. Great images! Happy holidays to you and yours!
Thanks very much Sherry, and Happy Holidays to you too!
Beautiful post. Yes community gatherings release group energy and make one feel more at peace.
Thank you!
Thanks so much Dilip. They’re such an interesting group, I enjoyed seeing them at work!
Right here in our own backyard … My favorite is the set of dancing hooks- so clear and defined
Thanks Gin! Yep, a great spot just around the corner. Let’s head out there one warm spring day for some shooting!
Tina, you captured such interesting details here while telling us a bit about the life of these hardworking people. Nothing like a little reality rub of how hard some people have to work for a living to appreciate our own lives….
Thanks Annette – yep, that reality stuff really hits you over the head sometimes, doesn’t it?! Don’t know about you but I sure consider myself darned lucky in life!
Ditto.
As always, I love the quotes you link to your beautiful photos. My favorite photo in this series is Shrimp Shack — the color red and the composition draws me in.
Many thanks Rusha! Yes, I found it interesting that they chose red for their only real building – it definitely calls out for attention!!!
OMG….another lesson in local life I have learned….”lights on” is just an amazing capture….a real WOW……as usual INCREDIBLE stuff……
You’re the best April, thanks for your continued support and Happy Holidays to you!
You have great attention to details. Kudos. I like the one with the seagull on top 🙂
🙂 Thanks Brad – he was quite vigilant and as of my departure still hadn’t scored any leftovers as far as I could see!!
Tina. your photos are wonderful. I’m “hooked” 🙂
LOL – excellent comment Jo! Thanks for the visit and clever appreciation!
Great interpretation Tina , Love this post 🙂
Thanks Jake! So good to see you back in the blogosphere!
Great post! Whenever I feel like to complain my job I think about the people who had to work heard in hot and/or weather… Thank you so much for the important message, Tina!
Thanks Amy – I’m guilty of the same thing for sure. We often forget the people who help us to enjoy so much. Glad you agree w the message!
Nice captures Tina…great opening shot and enjoyed reading the post. Tough way to make a living…hard work and no guarantees.
Many thanks Andy! Hard work and no guarantees for sure, explaining why their numbers are dwindling. Not to mention how much gas those trawlers use every day-yikes!
Tina, fishing/shrimping is a lot like farming in the difficulties and joys it presents. My grandparents on my dad’s side were farmers and so I saw it not first-hand really, since we were young and only got to do mostly fun things, but enough to realize what the life was like. I really enjoyed your lovely photos and your story (as usual.)
janet
Thanks Janet – yes I think the two have a great deal in common. Hard life, precarious conditions, limited returns, hearty stock! The term “salt of the earth” seems to fit, don’t you think?!
Hello Tina,
Just wanted to let you know that the ‘Nets Up’ photo link is broken. Didn’t want to miss out on your lovely photos.
Many thanks Mightwar. Hopefully the problem’s been resolved. Appreciate your letting me know!
Hi Tina,
I always enjoy the stories and quotes that accompany your beautiful photos! I appreciate the education I receive from your posts. You’re a talented writer & photographer!
Thanks so much Miki – appreciate your visit and kind comment!
Beautiful photos! I love to explore seaside communities.
Beautiful photos.
Thanks David – it’s a very interesting place with plenty of opportunities to capture such a colorful life!
I love being able to rely on you to write an excellent post about community. I have enjoyed hearing about these shrimpers and your photos are a delight, I particularly like your composition of Hooked and the Secured Lines (nets not showing for me?) . I am so glad that I discovered your blog.
Jude xx
Oh Jude, you’re making me blush 🙂 I’m so happy you’re enjoying the blog. BTW, not sure what happened on “nets up” but if you go back in you should see it. I also had to log in twice to get that one 😦 Technology-not always our friend!
You really are a poet Tina. You have woven a wonderful story with words and images. Thank you.
What a lovely compliment Andrew, thanks so much! I love the challenges, as they make me think outside the box a bit 🙂
Marvelous photos!
Thanks Cee! Always something interesting going on there – even when there’s no action! Appreciate your visit and comment!
Great idea for this theme and lovely photos.
Thanks Milka! There were so many ways to go with this one, thought I’d try something different 🙂
Tina! Fantastic! It’s a great idea and it’s nice to see what you photograph close to home. The first shot is excellent – so much there – and the hooks, just perfectly done. I love these old coastal traditions. And good for you for highlighting the effort it takes.
Thanks BB! I love visiting the docks, there’s always something interesting going on! Best is when a big load of fish comes in and all the excitement mounts! It really is a hard life but they seem to thrive on it. Thanks for your lovely comment!
Beautiful photos Tina – you never fail to show us the beauty of our world! I do love images of fishing areas, the ropes, the boats and the gulls, all fundamental to our continuing existence. Thank you.
Thanks so much Nancy! Like the rest of us, I doubt the fishermen see the beauty of their world but it really has so much character! Appreciate your visit and comment.
..love the old charleston, the battery, the harbour and the “little fishing communities along the low country”…reminds me of my area..wilmington/southport..great photo’s!
Yes, it’s really so picturesque. We’re in the midst of a major battle to stop them from allowing huge cruise boats to dock here, which everyone worries will change the character of the city for the worse 😦 Appreciate your visit and comment!
Your post was well knit indeed with the stirring photos and of course the quotes. Will look forward to your future posts…
Many thanks Preeti – appreciate your visit and comment!!
Thanks for stopping by my new blog, it’s been fun stumbling around trying to figure it all out. Your site, photos, and quotes are Beautiful! I look forward to checking back…your shrimper observations gave me chills…ten years ago at this time of year I began work on a commercial lobster fishing boat on Long Island Sound…I only did it for a year…your documentation here is wonderful, thanks.
Wow-must have been quite something working the lobster boat! It’s a really hard life I think. Good luck with the blog and thanks for stopping by !
Fascinating aspects, and fine pix. Enjoyed the details of the story – it’s a tough life for those at sea.
Thanks so much – it’s a tough life indeed. So many of them are giving it up these days; it’s very sad.
Engaging take on the challenge. Nicely done.
Thanks Sally – something a bit different this time.
Fabulous photos and commentary. I love the way you use the quotes too.
Thank you Ellen – they really are a very tight-knit community that’s vital to us here in the lowcountry. Nice to have an opportunity to give them some encouragement!
Excellent pictures.
Many thanks Rabirius – and Happy Holidays to you!