While on a recent trip to Jeju Island, my good friend Wesley Chang and I stumbled upon a rocky outcrop dotted with fishermen while looking for a place to spend an underwhelming sunset before heading in for the night. I was testing the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm and I wanted to do some people photography with it, so this was a perfect situation.
As I clambered over the rocks, I gradually zeroed in on my soon-to-be subject, Mr. Lee. I approached this as I would any editorial assignment and tried to create a story arch that showed all the, albeit simple, parts of the scene. Beginning with some wide shots highlighting the rocks and Mr. Lee’s place on them, I gradually got closer and introduced myself. I had been intrigued by his silhouette, but it was his smile and openness that I feel in love with.
While chatting with him about how often he visits the seaside, how many fish he catches, and what brings him to Jeju Island (he had a Seoul accent), I learned that he had retired here and now spent his afternoons catching his dinner and a few extras to share with the villagers around him. He showed me his process and explained why there were so many fishermen on this outcrop. Since I was shooting such a wide-angle lens, being in close and chatting with him over the noise of the waves allowed for a very intimate few minutes.
I hope you enjoy this small set of images as much as I did making them.
