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Diane’s Blue Forum 👩‍💻's avatar

Beautiful photographs of art might be a better term. As I read your piece I couldn’t help but think of another great Maine photographer Peter Ralston out of Portland. I fell in love with Maine through Heather Cox Richardson’s “Letters From An American” and her books. She spoke of Peter —and when I looked him up, I knew he was special. Today I see your work is equally beautiful and I’ll be enjoying each photo. Thank you!

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Benjamin Williamson's avatar

Diane, that's so amazing that you mention this. Just an hour after your note, I was meeting with Peter in Rockport to catch up! He's a huge inspiration and truly gifted 'eye' trained on the coast of Maine. He mentioned Heather and how he was getting a lot of attention through her these days. So cool!

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Diane’s Blue Forum 👩‍💻's avatar

Benjamin, I’m so impressed! I get Peter’s emails with photos, but I go to his website all the time. The problem is I tried to narrow down one two to buy —but I can’t decide. I love them all. Yours I feel the same way—I must win the lottery and move to Maine before I die! And meet the artists plus Heather and Buddy!

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Ella D's avatar

Your description of your southern roots, but how Maine feels more like home, mirrors our experience of embracing Maine as our "real" home that speaks to us through every season. It just feels right! Wishing you the best with this new endeavor.

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Benjamin Williamson's avatar

It's a funny feeling, almost a betrayal, but of course it isn't! There are many wonderful things about the south, and of course, like everywhere, great people, but I hear you on Maine. I'm so glad you and Knapp also have embraced all that Maine has to offer. Our community is richer because of you!

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Bryn Robinson's avatar

Beautiful work. It’s also great to hear how you also came into it as a relative “late bloomer” and without the formal training, but with a ton of sweat equity and learning from the community. Thank you for sharing your story!

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Benjamin Williamson's avatar

Thank you for reading! I appreciate the good words.

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SydneyMichalski🌿NatureMoments's avatar

Congratulations on your new book, and best wishes on what looks to be a fantastic year ahead!

"I think a big part of what has made me so curious about Maine, and therefore an effective artist and photographer intent on capturing it, is the fact that I’m not a native Mainer." I laughed when I read this, because I feel just the same. Our family moved here about 7 years ago, onto a little homestead in the forest near the coast, and I've really felt that my enthusiasm to photograph this richly-layered natural beauty stems in no-small-part from being a transplant and just being constantly amazed by it all :)

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Benjamin Williamson's avatar

Absolutely. I think at this point I could go back to Mississippi and be just as amazed, since I've been away so long, but I would want to get back to Maine. 7 years sounds like both a long and very short time. I'm glad you are enjoying your new digs so much.

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SydneyMichalski🌿NatureMoments's avatar

🤣True, it's both felt like a long time and absolutely flown by. We recently had to spend some time in Texas, and all three of our kids unanimously couldn't wait to get back to Maine - it's nice to know we've found a place that we all feel like is home :)

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Chuck Hatch's avatar

Thanks for giving us a chance to get to know you a bit! As a long time subscriber, I first noticed your work in Down East and have been appreciating it since. Best of luck in your endeavors!

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Benjamin Williamson's avatar

I appreciate the kind words of encouragement, Chuck!

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Kim Chopoorian's avatar

So nice Ben!

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Benjamin Williamson's avatar

Thank you for reading, Kim!

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Kim Chopoorian's avatar

So nice Ben!

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Beth T (BethOfAus)'s avatar

Beautiful work. A terrific read. Thanks so much. I’m so glad that life is going so well. Congratulations. 🤗🤗

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Benjamin Williamson's avatar

Thank you Beth. It is going well, but of course this is the made-for-quick-consumption overview of the story. Maybe someday I'll share the stories of depression and adversity that I've dealt with along the way, too. I don't mean to gloss over the truth. It feels good to share successes, and really, they are even sweeter because of the tough times. Either way I'm grateful for it all!

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Cynthia Watson's avatar

Most inspiring! The detail, about real life is helpful. And beautiful work. Thank you.

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Benjamin Williamson's avatar

I'm glad you enjoyed reading it, Cynthia. Thanks for the comment.

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