The latest portrait series in my Endangered Lobstermen projects brings me to the working waterfront of Steuben, Maine, where generations of  the West family have made their living from the sea.

This series is dedicated to Thomas West, who was claimed by the ocean on April 21, 2026, while doing the work he loved. His loss is deeply felt by his family, friends, and the coastal community that knew him not only as a lobsterman, but as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Commercial fishing remains one of the most dangerous professions in America. For those who make their living on the water, risk is woven into everyday life. Storms, cold water, heavy gear, long hours, and the unpredictable nature of the sea are accepted as part of the job. Yet despite those dangers, Maine's lobstermen continue to answer the call of the ocean, preserving a way of life that has sustained coastal communities for generations.

The West family portraits speak to tradition. Standing together the family members honor both the man they lost and the legacy he leaves behind. A framed photograph of Thomas serves as a reminder that while a life may end, the values passed from one generation to the next endure.

Based in Waltham, MA, Cheryl Clegg Photography works with clients who want polished, professional imagery with a human touch. Stories rooted in family and industry deserve imagery that feels true to life and thoughtfully made.

Preserving a family story means honoring the people behind it.