This photo was taken in Koa Samui, Thailand. It was a scene I have seen in another South East Asian country but I was never able to get face on with the fishermen as they were facing out to sea and I did not have a boat. This time I was standing on a reef nearby almost opposite the fishermen. It was rather dangerous as I was walking on a dead coral reef and was told later a fall onto this reef could lead to infectious cuts.
The major issue with taking this photo was my lack of telephoto lens, the camera lens only extended to 125mm. A greater crop of this photo will lead to photo deterioration. With that in mind it was still worth taking the photo as I found great fascination watching them casting the net and pulling it in to hopefully catch fish. An activity we do not see in Australia, net fishing from the beach.
Canon Powershot G10. Focal length not accurately recorded, 1/800, F5, ISO 80
Process with Topaz AI Photo, PT Photoeditor to bring out some facial details.
5 comments posted
Richard Goldenberg
Hi Ron - I like your photo very much! As someone who is often thinking, "I wish I had my other lens with me," I can relate to your wish for the telephoto. But I think the actual focal length, whatever it is, works for your photo. Would zooming in to see more details of the net or the fisherman add interesting detail? I'm quite happy to see the background setting in which this activity is occurring and lots of that would be sacrificed with more zoom. Also appreciate your effort to get to a good vantage point for seeing this activity. Glad you didn't get hurt! Posted: 07/02/2026 10:13:43
Leslie Larson
Nice fishing action shot. I also agree having the background is a plus here. Sadly, the one face is completely blacked out. Their shirt colors add some pop. Posted: 07/05/2026 10:57:24
Jen Fawkes
I really like this image, it has location, activity, culture and life. As you say, we don't see this in Australia. I can see the constraints you had to take this (your position, your lens choice) however these constraints may have limited the image's success as a Human Interest image, but still has strength as a PJ-General image. As a HI image you may consider cropping (I can see this was not an option for this image). By cutting the image in half and focussing on the right side, you make the subject in red larger in the frame, and keep the interesting movement of the net, while still having evidence of location. The story then becomes about the fisherman. Also looking for subjects wearing red is always a good thing, as this makes the subject pop in the frame. Posted: 07/12/2026 22:24:39
Tom Brott
Ron, I like this image a lot especially with the local village/houses in the background. I have to agree with Jennifer that a half way crop would work better concentrating on the red/orange shirted person and a lot of housing still in the background. My only concern is that I always considered fishing and net casting a sporting event (not allowed in PJHI) even though in this case it is for livelihood and a means of food. Posted: 07/18/2026 15:38:28
Jen Fawkes
You raise a good point Tom, and there would be judges that might see this as sport, and those that do not. Perhaps entrants might consider this problem when entering HI sections of PJ Competition. However, I think there are very few themed sections these day anyway.
My view is that this would be Ok for HI, but the people are very small in the image as presented. Posted: 07/19/2026 01:47:16
