Searching the Shadows Photography

Sparks flying as steel meets the wheel, the edge slowly taking shape under Ed’s hand. In the shop at Brant & Cochran, steel is forged, ground, and set into wood handles with a focus on balance and feel.
There is something so inspiring about seeing an axe made this way, directly from the elements, carrying a piece of history and tradition forward.

I was there recently to shoot a video, project but couldn’t resist snapping a few quick photos along the way of Ed and Tanner during the process. Looking forward to sharing more from the project soon.

Out on the Damariscotta River with the crew at Glidden Point Oyster Farms for the latest story in Down East Magazine.

This harvest happens below the surface. Diver Andrew Jonash works the river bottom by hand, collecting oysters directly off the mud. It only happens when conditions line up. The water needs enough visibility and the tides have to cooperate.

I pulled on my winter wetsuit, grabbed an underwater housing, and went in with Andrew to document the process from below. Shooting underwater added a whole new layer. Slower movements, careful framing, paying attention to light and silt with every kick.

Cold water. Tidal current. A heck of a lot of fun. Watching the oysters come straight from the river floor to the boat gave me a deeper respect for what goes into each one.

March issue of Down East Magazine
Written by Jaed Coffin