A visual journey through Manapad’s fishing culture, capturing tradition, resilience, and coastal life.
Eyes of the coast started with the photographs of a woman, draped in a bright sari, skillfully weaves fabric, her movements echoing the generational stories passed down through time. The elderly, whether smiling warmly or lost in contemplation, become living records of Manapad portraits, offering glimpses into a culture deeply rooted in history. Their attire—colorful saris and lungis—remains a testament to their enduring traditions, making them subjects of coastal life photography.
Holy Water A girl collects the water from a natural spring well by the shore.
In contrast, the younger generation stands at the crossroads of tradition and modernization. Children and young adults, while embracing education and technology, remain deeply connected to their roots. They balance school and digital life with responsibilities like helping their families with fishing culture, cooking, or maintaining the village’s routines. Women in rural Tamil Nadu photography embody quiet strength, seamlessly managing coastal life while adapting to new challenges.
Joyful Pause A fisherman smiles warmly while mending nets.
Homeward Bound A fisherman heads home after the catch.
A fisherman, silhouetted against the horizon, stands on his boat, ready for the day’s labor. His nets, sprawled across the deck, are the tools of his survival. Another, gripping a rope with steady hands, waits for the tides to turn—a reflection of life’s rhythm in a traditional fishing village. Their portraits encapsulate the struggles and triumphs of men whose lives revolve around the sea.
Dock Commander A fisherman stands poised with his rope on a boat.
Shoreline Palette Fisherman’s world painted in bold tones.
Under the fading sun, a fisherman sits with quiet concentration, mending his net with hands toughened by years of work. Each knot he ties is a step toward tomorrow’s catch, ensuring that the fishing culture endures. Yet, amid the toil, there is warmth—a fisherman pauses, smiles, and shares a brief moment of ease. Manapad portraits are not just about labor but also about pride, camaraderie, and an unbreakable bond with the sea.
Next Generation An adolescent fisherman prepares his net, embracing the trade of his elders.
Anchored Bliss A fisherman cheerfully mends his net for sea.
As evening sets in, a fisherman makes his way home, the weight of the day carried in his steps—whether his catch was plentiful or scarce. Not far from the shore, a young girl leans over a well, lowering a rope with practiced hands. The water she collects sustains her home, just as the sea sustains the fishermen. The eyes of coast This simple, rhythmic act reflects the generational stories of coastal life, a timeless cycle passed down through Eyes of the Coast.
Seaside Grace An egret wades through the shallow waters.
Coastal Wanderer A sandpiper strolls along the shore of an estuary.
Copyrights: All the photos and text in this post are the copyright of Kevin Navis and the Creative Hut Institute of Photography and film. Their reproduction, full or part, is forbidden without the explicit approval of the rightful owners.
