SALTY DOGS
JOHN COLE on his new book Sea Dogs: Hastings Fishermen and Their Companions
When I first began laying out the photos for the book Generations: Hastings Fishing Families, my wife Sally noticed that there were many dogs in the photos, and suggested that I do a separate book on fishermen and their dogs. My immediate reaction was, “Photos of dogs! Please, I’m a serious photojournalist. I don’t do pet photography!” Then she reminded me that one of my early photographic heroes, Elliot Erwitt, had throughout his long career taken photos of dogs all over the world, quirky photos laced with wit and eccentricity. I quickly dumped my pomposity and got on with it.
The result is Sea Dogs: Hastings fishermen and their companions, a collection of photographs of Hastings fishermen with their beloved dogs, from boxers to labradors, collies to pugs, and a full pack of breeds in between. I think that the owners’ own words about their affection for, and devotion to, their loyal companions provide a touching complement to the photos.
One of the biggest challenges in producing Sea Dogs was getting the dogs to sit still for me to get a close-up shot. When all else failed, I’d gently bark at the dogs, who would then – if only for a few seconds – move closer and look intently at the barking mad photographer.
I have been photographing Hastings fishermen and women since 1991, finally publishing the collection as Generations, in 2001, after building up exceptional rapport over thirty years. I also photographed the building of the Jerwood Gallery (now Hastings Contemporary), and of the pier and the Observer building, showcasing the workers. Along with actor/producer David Westhead I founded, in 2010, a world-wide charity for young disadvantaged people interested in improving their lives through learning photographic skills, and have taught on this course all over the world.
The Sea Dogs book launch was a huge success, attended by many of its subjects, who brought their fishermen along with them.
Sea Dogs is now available at Hastings Contemporary Gallery, The Hastings Bookshop on Trinity Street, Endlings Shop on Courthouse Street, Hastings Waterstones, Rye Art Gallery and at the upcoming Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival on September 16-17. If you love Hastings and love dogs, please buy a copy. Profits from the sale of Sea Dogs will go to the Hastings Fishermen’s Protection Society.
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