Mizpah – Its first usage (Gen 31.49-50) refers to it as a pillar of stones set up by Jacob and Laban. The pillar of stones acted as a witness to the bond between the two men.
These are the first of many images I made in the last couple of weeks aboard the fishing trawler, Mizpah LK173, based out of Lerwick in Shetland. I’ve had to come home for a few days; however, I’ll be heading north again very soon.
My statement, ‘I’ve never met a fisherman I didn’t like’, stands true – David (the skipper), Ross, Bobby, Sergei and Roman granted me the usual kindness, generosity and patience that I’ve become used to since starting this project, 5-years ago. I’ll never be part of the crew, but on Mizpah, it was nice to feel like I was.
Over the years, shooting on film has become unmanageable and expensive. Loading film, putting the camera into a waterproof housing, going out on-deck and only having 36 shots to work with. Then having to go back inside, dry the housing, change film and repeat the process…it’s all just a pain in the ass. And there’s the expense – for an average trip, the cost can be around £500 in film and developing, alone. And let’s be honest – how many people actually notice the difference? 
PHIL KNEEN 
This is a great body of work you’re producing – historically very important. Well done.
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Oh Phil! Let me, at least, consume my stock of film… Seriously though, I believe you will still remain whoever you were before the “switch”.
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Hahaha! I’m still shooting film, don’t worry! Just not on fishing boats 🙂
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Great work, as always, Phil! Your long-term dedication to this project is inspirational. Your artistry in representing these people, and taking us inside a place and profession that most of us know nothing about is a gift to all of us. (Good point too about shooting film/digital. Shoot film when/where/how it makes the most sense — where the benefits outweigh the hassles — otherwise we’re just shooting film for the sake of shooting film.)
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This is a very special body of work. I don’t care what you shoot on – the images are incredible.
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Worth the wait 🙂
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Such brilliant photographs! You really capture the feeling of being there.
Alison
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the difference is less important then your wonderful storytelling with every gear you hold in your hends. and the short story “Russian” was not less interesting even almost without photographs.
thank you !
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