Photographing Fishermen at Sunset on Benaulim Beach, Goa

I encountered this scene by chance during a photo walk along Benaulim Beach in Goa, India. I arrived near sunset with the intention of photographing any local activity I could find amongst the tourists, when I noticed birds circling above a group of fishermen working along the shoreline. The birds gathered overhead as the men hauled in their nets after returning from sea.

By this point, most of the catch had already been removed. The fishermen were clearing the nets of unwanted jellyfish and fish that were not required. Buckets sat nearby, ready to collect the discarded catch once the nets had been fully cleared.

The work was directed by one or two men standing at a distance, calling out instructions and gesturing toward the group. I drew a few brief glances in my direction, but for the most part the fishermen remained focused on their task and paid me little attention.