Acadia was going to be a challenge.

I wanted to capture the essence of coastal Maine by photographing our National Park. Not only would the increasing crowds distract me from my focus, but there was also a risk of not finding the right shot and resorting to busy tourist sites. I was finding this increasingly troubling for my creativity and sanity.

Then there were my demons. I had lived on Mount Desert Island many years ago. The island shuts down in winter. Rural Maine is not easy for a young, single person. It was a hard winter. And every time I had visited Acadia since that time, feelings of loneliness would creep in and threaten any creative ideas I might have had. I decided that this year would be different.

I enjoyed staying at a hotel in town, where the manager and staff were very hospitable. The research was easier than in most places because of the plentiful photo guides published by the many photographers who visited. But the challenge remained: how to emotionally connect with a place so busy with people? How can I help viewers see the ‘real’ Maine & Acadian coast without copying other photographers' work?

As it happened, Acadia helped me with this. In the spring, the weather produced rainstorms that filled the streams and waterfalls for a show. Intermittent fog lent an atmosphere. Then, in the fall, the colors changed a bit earlier, allowing me to photograph before the usual arrival time of the many photographers. I managed the crowds by visiting at off-peak times, avoiding popular places, and seeking out intimate moments on trails off the beaten path. My wife stayed for a few days too, which helped me gain a new perspective on my work.

I had rediscovered Acadia in my own way. I had found my center, my quiet space where I could focus on creating. The colors were exhilarating, the Park surprised and energized me with its natural beauty, and I was eager to return soon.