Matthew Maples: Photographer, Writer, Part-Time Tall Ship Sailor.
There are many photojournalists in the world. There are few who can take their camera atop a 100 foot mast of a wave-pounding tall ship. There are few who do write about what it actually feels like to work, live and sail these ships. That is what makes this site unique.
Through these pictures and words, you can see what sailing a tall ship is like, or get a glimpse at what those sailors who came before us saw and possibly felt, on the seas.
Don't take my word for it though. These ships are not just for the professionals. You too can sail on them. There are hundreds of ships open to those uninitiated by Neptune. Whether as a volunteer, paying trainee or crew member, you can find an adventure for yourself.
I hope that my website here is not merely a portfolio to inflate my ego, nor simply a shopfront to sell pictures. While I am not completely altruistic, I hope that it inspires you and others to find a bit of adventure in traveling. To expand one's horizon...preferably by going to place where one can see it!
In our modern world bench-marked by the technological, It is refreshing to get back to the basics: The smell of unspoiled sea-brine breezes and the power of unrestrained wind and wave. Of hands hardened by work and weather. The pulse-quickening thrill of a steep climb aloft and the calm of a thousand unmarred stars. The silence of the night sea and the laughter of joking shipmates on watch.
This low-tech life is how most of the entirety of humanity has lived. I believe it is something that everyone should experience once. To "disconnect" and re-connect to our past. It is uniquely satisfying in a visceral and unexplainable way. Whether it is done through sailing, camping, hiking or whatnot I fail to see how it can hurt!
While focused on tall ships, I could not resist filling this site with my other travel photography. Ship's can't go everywhere after all!
If you find yourself inspired, here are some solid links that can get you started on some tall ship sailing. If you go, you should keep your cell phone turned off. You won't need it.
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There are many photojournalists in the world. There are few who can take their camera atop a 100 foot mast of a wave-pounding tall ship. There are few who do write about what it actually feels like to work, live and sail these ships. That is what makes this site unique.
Through these pictures and words, you can see what sailing a tall ship is like, or get a glimpse at what those sailors who came before us saw and possibly felt, on the seas.
Don't take my word for it though. These ships are not just for the professionals. You too can sail on them. There are hundreds of ships open to those uninitiated by Neptune. Whether as a volunteer, paying trainee or crew member, you can find an adventure for yourself.
I hope that my website here is not merely a portfolio to inflate my ego, nor simply a shopfront to sell pictures. While I am not completely altruistic, I hope that it inspires you and others to find a bit of adventure in traveling. To expand one's horizon...preferably by going to place where one can see it!
In our modern world bench-marked by the technological, It is refreshing to get back to the basics: The smell of unspoiled sea-brine breezes and the power of unrestrained wind and wave. Of hands hardened by work and weather. The pulse-quickening thrill of a steep climb aloft and the calm of a thousand unmarred stars. The silence of the night sea and the laughter of joking shipmates on watch.
This low-tech life is how most of the entirety of humanity has lived. I believe it is something that everyone should experience once. To "disconnect" and re-connect to our past. It is uniquely satisfying in a visceral and unexplainable way. Whether it is done through sailing, camping, hiking or whatnot I fail to see how it can hurt!
While focused on tall ships, I could not resist filling this site with my other travel photography. Ship's can't go everywhere after all!
If you find yourself inspired, here are some solid links that can get you started on some tall ship sailing. If you go, you should keep your cell phone turned off. You won't need it.
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© Matt Maples