Peter ralston
Peter Ralston's photography explores and celebrates the two defining characteristics of Maine's coast and islands: the beauty, of course, but - more tellingly - the character of the communities and working waterfronts.
“Like the good fishermen, I’ve had to know my territory and respect the rules, be ready to take a few calculated risks when it felt right, look people in the eye, keep the gear as simple as possible, get out early and come in late, watch the sky and, above all, respect the people and place where I work.
Like my fishing friends I have spent many long hours, usually alone, often with nothing to show for a lot of work but a sense of having been there and having tried, going over the same ground again and again, often disappointed, occasionally coming back with a worthy catch to show for the endless investment of what Melville referred to in Moby Dick as ‘Time, Strength, Cash and Patience.’”
— Peter Ralston
Browse "The whole enchilada"
Browse by Theme
"STATE OF THE UNION"
This collection fundamentally reflects how we feel about caring, community, patriotism and engagement. These are dark times in many ways, but there is always hope!
All are available in our established sizes, as well as Dye Sublimation prints to your own specifications. Enjoy!
Scroll through new images using arrows (or swipe on phone or tablet)
"Keepers"
Maine lobstermen throw back non-legally sized lobsters……the ones they bring ashore are called “keepers.”
Here are a few of my recent “keepers,” newer images that I like enough to print and share.
All are available in our established sizes, as well as Dye Sublimation prints to your own specifications. Enjoy!
Scroll through new images using arrows (or swipe on phone or tablet)
going deep: inside the coast and islands of maine
Available mid-July, 2026
Going Deep is Peter's life and work since 2003 when he resumed photography after a six-year hiatus following a near-death medical odyssey in 1997.
The Foreward was written by Peter's special friend, Heather Cox Richardson. It ends thus:
"Going Deep is a loving, vibrant, sad, hopeful, funny, exciting, and profoundly personal portrait of a world that is passing, but which might simply be passing on to a new version of that same unique and magical world shown here: the dynamic interplay of land, water, and humanity that has always defined the Maine coast.
The world's great storytellers are both outsiders and insiders, their craft an entry into closed villages and the tales they discover a gift to carry to the rest of us. This book is one of Peter's stories, full of tales about communities, family, love, art, and life. Settle in and listen. It'll be worth it."