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This month's Mainer Spotlight brings us Downeast to Islesford, where Jeremy Alley, better known as @outofthebluealley on Instagram, resides. Jeremy's Instagram is a must follow, as it delivers a taste of what Maine's island life is all about. From amazing photos of sunrises out on the ocean to equally stunning sunsets behind the mountains of Mount Desert Island, Jeremy's picture-perfect backyard will make any Mainer jealous.
Hey Jeremy! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Jeremy Alley, I'm from Islesford and have lived here all of my life. I'm a lobsterman.
What is life like on Islesford? Are you located there year round?
I personally like the island life, it's not easy, but worth it for the beauty and peacefulness.
How long have you been into photography? When did you start taking pictures while on the water?
I've taking pictures for the last 5-6 years more or less because phone cameras have been more convenient. I've never had a real camera and if I did it would never be with me all of the time. I really enjoy just being able to capture the moments that I see working on the water and on land.
Has photography changed the way you view your work?
It hasn't changed my view, photography does allow a view into my work and the work of other commercial fisherman and what we see on the water.
What does an average work day entail? Does your work change with the seasons?
On average we haul 300-400 traps a day, 4-5 days a week, sometimes less or more depending on the season. Long days and weeks mid-summer through early winter and opposite mid-winter through early summer. Most years all my traps and boat are on the bank from mid December to early March.
Based on your Instagram feed, you seem to catch a lot of beautiful moments while working. But we can assume that not all days are picture perfect. What is it like when you have to face bad weather, rough seas, and/or cold temperatures? Do you have a greater appreciation for the nicer days because of that?
You definitely appreciate the good days. The fog, wind and cold are hard to deal with, on those days I think of the old timers that were out doing this work in dorys and small boats with maybe just a compass and then it doesn't seem so bad.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to be outside just enjoying the view, recreational fishing, hunting, hikes with my dog Bruno, and woodworking
What does living in Maine mean to you?
It means a lot, I feel very lucky to have grown up and live in such a beautiful state and not in a congested city or away from the ocean.
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To see more of Jeremy's photography, head over to his Instagram page
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A weekend on Mount Desert Island is a weekend well spent. The island is most notably home to Acadia National Park, but adventuring off the beaten path reveals some hidden gems not commonly seen by most visitors.
