Through the eyes of Emma: Maine

Indian Lighthouse

Even though I was born in Texas, I grew up in Maine-Midcoast Maine, to be exact-with a camera constantly in my hand, chasing the sun day in and day out. I was lucky to often see the sun sitting high above the water of The Penobscot Bay; there is something truly beautiful about that high northern sun hitting that bay, whether it is light diffused through thick summer fog or late afternoon rays hitting the lobster boats and leaving magnificent reflections in the water. It was these experiences with the Maine light-not to mention some of the most magnificent landscapes in the U.S.-that moved my love of photography from a hobby into a career.

In my images of Maine, I try to capture all of the five senses, whether through the crisp salty air, the sight of an electric blue hue in the sky 30 minutes after sunset, the smell of a beautiful steaming lobster or the feel of wet moss after a summer rainstorm. The feelings that can come from some of these images are as close to serenity as I can shoot.

I have traveled to many distant places and photographed the landscape and people, however Maine always holds a favorite place in my heart. The challenge I continue to run into, however, is that it is all too familiar; I have to find something different out of a view that, fortunately, has become ordinary to me. These images you are viewing here were taken not far from where I grew up, reminding me that you do not have to go far to capture something beautiful. It can be in your own backyard.

Maine lobster straight from Penobscot Bay

Maine lobster straight from The Penobscot Bay

Marshall Point Lighthouse

A lobsterman preparing to throw his traps back into the water

Rockport Harbor at twilight

Marshall Point Lighthouse, Port Clyde, Maine

Penobscot Bay, Maine

A typical Maine view

Friendship, Maine

Friendship, Maine

Camden Maine in the winter

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Emma Simmons is a professional photographer who splits her time between the east and west coasts. Although permanently residing within the continental U.S., her passion for photography has taken her across the globe. Check out the world from the eyes of Emma at http://www.emmasimmons.com

Tagged: Photo essay