Life-size cyanotypes using ultraviolet contact printing to record sea life in the Atlantic Ocean, paying tribute to the original form of photography invented more than 170 years ago by astronomer John Herschel.

“As a waterman and artist, I feel compelled to document the ocean’s stories by incorporating one of the original forms of photography with my passion for fishing and craftsmanship,” — Paul Brooke.

Marine species in Paul’s collection were harvested and caught by local commercial fishermen and himself to showcase what we find in our waters throughout the summer in Montauk. The collection is a testament to what we can create with our hands – from rod and reel fishing to the origins of photography. It showcases a plethora of marine species found in the Atlantic Ocean, primarily off of Montauk Point. The unknown effects of climate change and over-fishing sparked Paul’s dedication to telling the ocean’s story of our origins and largest food source, wild caught fish. Afterall, it could be one of our last chances to record these deep oceanic treasures in their natural forms using their bodies as specimens, which is an important historical context. Paul aims to record as many species as possible during annual harvests, similar to how Japanese fishermen record their catches, through a printing process known as Gyotaku. This collection signifies Paul Brooke’s eye for design, natural beauty, and craftsmanship as well as his deep roots on the waters in Montauk and throughout the Atlantic Ocean. Every print is unique and can not be recreated.