Acceptance is not a concept that comes easily to my perfectionist mind. But years have worn away the crisp edges of aspirational photography goals to reveal something more. Something that is difficult to express with words, but seems to flow more easily through the alchemy of light, lens, timing and chemistry. These photographs made with some of the first cameras I acquired many years ago are helping me to see the world anew, with a beginner's mind. Freedom from the ease and precision of a modern digital camera allows me to release some control to the elements. They're more of a collaboration with the environment to find connection and rediscover a sense of awe at the beauty in the moment of discovery... Come what may.- Deb Dawson

Deb Dawson was introduced to Maine 30 years ago while honing her photographic eye and craft at Maine Media Workshops + College before completing her BFA in Photography at the University of Southern Maine. Embarking on a series of adventures as an archaeological and museum photographer in Carthage, Tunisia, she later returned to explore Maine’s craggy coast while earning her merchant mariner captain’s license. This time, living close to the land and sea solidified Dawson’s deep appreciation for the natural environment. To better tell the story of the changing landscape and coastal communities, Dawson developed her narrative voice at SALT Institute of Documentary Studies in 2018. MMPA is lucky to have Dawson on our Advisory Board where she is a tireless contributor. These varied experiences now seem to coalesce into a poetic vision, conveying Dawson’s sense of awe at the beauty found while contemplatively observing our changing world.