A day in the life of a dockman.
As a videographer, I often find myself immersed in diverse worlds, capturing stories that unveil the essence of professions as everyday heroes. Recently, I had the privilege of shadowing The Dockmen for a day, delving into their world from sunrise to sundown.
From the crack of dawn, when most are just beginning to stir, the dockman’s day commences. Luckily, I gave a GoPro camera to dockman Garrick, who dockumented his day. It had to be captured this way, because this man begins work as soon as he rolls out of bed.
What struck me most was the sheer work ethic that resonates in every movement and decision made by these professionals. They don’t just work; they embrace the tasks with a passion that becomes a measuring unit for my own filmmaking efforts. It dosn’t matter what’s required of them, changing breaks, constructing a seawall, operating heavy machinary- they take on all tasks creating a well rounded skill set.
As the day progresses, my camera follows the dockmans steps, capturing their physicality and resilience in the face of demanding labor. Dock removal season is no cakewalk; it’s an arduous journey marked by relentless effort. Each swing of a hammer, each lift of steel panels—moments frozen in time by my lens, showcasing the unwavering dedication and determination of these workers.
But amidst the laborious tasks, there’s an undeniable camaraderie and lightheartedness. The banter, the shared laughter—those brief instances of camaraderie amidst challenging work illustrate the humanity and spirit of these dockmen. And it’s the bright spot in many of their days. Something to look forward to.
The day culminates in the office, where administrative tasks take precedence. Emails, phone calls, and reflections on the day’s endeavors paint a holistic picture of their work. As I capture these moments, I can’t help but admire the dockman’s unwavering dedication and commitment to their craft.
Ultimately, filming The Dockmen isn’t just about capturing a day’s work; it’s about encapsulating the ethos of dedication and passion. Their work ethic serves as a beacon, inspiring me to push the boundaries of my own craft. The day spent behind the lens with The Dockmen wasn’t just about documenting; it was an invaluable lesson in resilience, passion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Watch the entire dockman series on Amazon Prime Video today.
