My brain is constantly on a quest for a quiet, simplistic scene. I call this time “Quiet Mind.” Often, my mind is racing. That is one of the problems with being neurodivergent (I’ve been diagnosed with ADHD since I was seven and PTSD since I was 27). I use my photography as a method of therapy. This has been the purpose of my work. To forcefully find tranquility in crowded places. To find solitude in a crowd. To purposefully acquire space whenever and wherever I need it. This image reflects those ideas well.

This image was captured while walking on the beach with my wife in Atlantic City. We finally had some time to walk with one another. At this particular point, I have been away from her and my family for three months doing medical humanitarian relief work for the Afghan refugees. While that work can be fulfilling, I always miss my wife when I am away.

The beach was crowded this day, as northeastern beaches tend to be. We both had lattes (my drink of choice after scotch). Her's was iced. I think that is sacrilege. Then I saw this person. My camera, as always, was at the ready.

Compositionally, I often place my subjects directly in the middle of the image. I do this to draw attention to the subject and to ensure I have a sense of ‘scene’ in each image. There should be no reason to imagine where this is.

I opted to place my subject off to the right to further the sense of isolation and seclusion the piece conveys. Attention is immediately draw to my subject with two devices, the stark contrast and the leading lines of the ocean itself.

Please let me know what you think of this image.

-Maurice