Portrait

Miguel Reis

BA (Hons) Photography + Visual Media
Heróis do Mar

Heróis do Mar is an series that documents the lives of a coastal fishing community in Espinho, Portugal. Centred around the traditional fishing practice of Arte Xávega, the project focuses on the individuals who sustain it, highlighting their resilience, routines, and the profound relationship between them and the sea.
Working exclusively with analogue film, both on land and in the water, the photographer adopted a slow and intentional process that mirrors the physical and rhythmic nature of the fishers' labour. The resulting images are intimate and carefully composed, revealing the gestures, tools, and collective strength of this enduring way of life.

Portrait of a fisherman called Zé, the Image was shot in black and white and was taken at 6AM on the Boat, the background is dark and the rest of the Fishermen are barely visible.
Portrait of a fisherman called Zé, the Image was shot in black and white and was taken at 6AM on the Boat, the background is dark and the rest of the Fishermen are barely visible.
Portrait of a Woman called Guida, she is seen with a utensil in her mouth used to tie the nets used by the fishermen.
Portrait of a Woman called Guida, she is seen with a utensil in her mouth used to tie the nets used by the fishermen.
Portrait of a Fisherman, his name is Américo. He is standing on the beach he works at with the sea behind him. The photo was taking at sunrise after Américo came from the sea.
Portrait of a Fisherman, his name is Américo. He is standing on the beach he works at with the sea behind him. The photo was taking at sunrise after Américo came from the sea.
Four Fishermen working on the boat on the early hours of the morning.
Four Fishermen working on the boat on the early hours of the morning.
Portrait of a Fisherman called Zé, he is seen smoking a cigarette while pulling the fishing nets with a tractor.
Portrait of a Fisherman called Zé, he is seen smoking a cigarette while pulling the fishing nets with a tractor.
Black and White Seascape taken from the Fishermen's boat.
Black and White Seascape taken from the Fishermen's boat.
Portrait
Miguel Reis
BA (Hons) Photography + Visual Media

Miguel Reis is a visual artist and documentary photographer from Porto, Portugal, currently based in Dublin. His work is driven by a strong interest in socially engaged projects that explore themes of community, cultural tradition, and the human relationship with the sea. Rooted in long-term, research-based practice, he works primarily with analog photography, blending portraiture, landscape, and observational imagery. His projects aim to document and preserve lived experiences within communities, highlighting overlooked or endangered practices.

BA (Hons) Photography + Visual Media