I’m heading north at the end of next week to continue my project to document deep-sea fishing trawlers. Just getting up to Lerwick is a distance of 670-miles, 450-miles of that is by road: it’s a good job I enjoy a road-trip. Now, if everything goes to plan, I leave the Isle of Man of Friday, get to England at midnight, drive all night and hit Thurso Bay in Caithness for a late breakfast in Scrabster.
North of Scrabster is new territory for me – 10-hours of ferries to Lerwick on Shetland, via Orkney. On Orkney, I need to get from Stromness to Kirkwall, but I plan to engage a known driver in conversation on the ferry to resolve that logistical issue.
After a night in a Lerwick bed & breakfast, I will join Mizpah for a 10-day outing, reverse my journey and head back to Scrabster for a stint on Caledonia III. I have a third trawler lined-up, out of Ullapool, as yet unconfirmed. So basically, what I’m saying here is that I’m going to be seasick for a month.
I’ll be attempting regular updates while I’m away, although marine internet is furiously expensive, so skippers do tend to ration it. I have been asked to do a live-feed at some point, although I have to say these never go well for me; even sober, I just end up talking complete jibber-jabber. In my current dark humour, it could be entertaining. We’ll see. 
The cure for anything is salt water — sweat, tears, or the sea. — Isak Dinesen
The Cure for Everything
26 responses to “The Cure for Everything”
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You can try Kickstarter just to make some money for these needs – an internet for the month on the boats, plus some additional rolls of film. everyone here will be ready to support you and to get some more updates (maybe also live updates)
also this doing there in the middle can somehow distract you from the seasick problem.
anyway – take care and good luck! -
I don’t comment usually, but I really must this time! I live in Melbourne, Australia and have visited both Orkney and Shetland so I appreciate the remoteness and know that smooth seas may not happen too much. I hope, though, that seasickness does not render you totally miserable this time. I love your work and look forward to seeing the results of this trip. Good luck!
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Hi Phil, I do organised tours around Shetland; I’d gladly show you around in exchange for some nice photos, if you’re around Lerwick for any length of time. I’ve followed your work for a long time and would love to meet you!
I also know the Skipper of the Caledonia! Small world! 😊 -
I spent a couple of hours last night looking back through your work. Your images are incredibly evocative and honest and your obvious compassion and empathy for your subjects shines through. Calais, SA, Fishermen, et al – all very important stories, perfectly documented. I shall be sharing and encouraging others to do the same. Thank you for doing what you do.
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I know you made that first image on your iPhone, because you told me. What I don’t know is how you manage to produce better images with your phone than most people can with a £10K Canon setup? I know you struggle with the film/digital dilemma, but forget it man! Free yourself up to concentrate on getting the shots with digital.
See you on Monday, you beautiful man! -
I know folk are always blowing smoke up your ass, but genuinely, you’ve inspired me for years.
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No idea how I posted that under a comment about your new pants 😂
Stay safe, lovely, and keep us all updated ❤️LikeLike
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I’m looking forward to see the photos!
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I hope you aren’t drinking all that Red Bull tonight? 🙂 Another one here looking forward to seeing this latest body of work. Big hugs (as if you haven’t had enough from Hannah already 🙂 ) x
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Phil Kneen 
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