ABOUT

Steindór Oliver is a fisherman who lives in Akranes, a small Icelandic town about 40km north west of Reykjavik. I found him baiting his fishing lines in his shed, tucked away in a small boat yard. It was a lucky meeting because Steindór represents an ever decreasing number of men who live a simple life centred around family and fishing. His fishing method is simple - long lines of hooks baited with cuts of mackerel.
His workshed is like a grotto - warm and colourful, full of interesting knick-knacks - a real treasure trove.
A friendly and welcoming man (he offered me coffee from his flask) made it very easy to chat with him for ages, about all sorts of things, while he continued to bait his lines, laid into round buckets ready for cold storage (until they were needed for fishing).
Time passed quickly as we talked about his grandchildren (in the shed they have their own chairs to watch TV made from cardboard), his previous job as a carpenter, his adoration of Naomi Campbell (calendar on wall), and politics... amongst other things. This was a moment in time I shall remember for a long time. Thank you Steindór.

[ Part of a recent trip to document Icelandic fishing and its people ]