Dennis Maida - Resident Artist

Dennis Maida's biography is a compelling narrative of resilience, artistic passion, and dedicated service. His 31-year tenure in the US Navy, encompassing both active and reserve duty, is a testament to his commitment to his country. Following his retirement from the Navy, Dennis transitioned into the field of cyber security, where he has accrued substantial experience in both defense and financial services sectors. This diverse professional background underscores his adaptability and skill across different disciplines.

Photography entered Dennis's life in 2008, at a time when he was grappling with undiagnosed PTSD following his tour in Iraq in 2007. It quickly grew from a pastime to a therapeutic medium, aiding him in finding tranquility and a renewed focus. Initially drawn to landscape and astrophotography, Dennis has since expanded his artistic scope to include minimalism and fine art photography. This evolution in his work mirrors his journey of self-discovery and healing through the lens of his camera.

The transformative power of photography in Dennis's life led to the creation of the f/22 Project, a program designed to assist veterans with PTSD in finding similar solace in photography. His approach to photography is predominantly self-taught, driven by a mix of online resources, hands-on workshops, and personal experimentation. His dedication has earned him numerous accolades, including significant awards in judged shows, a Best in Show at the Phillips' Mill Photographic Exhibition for 2023, and the selection of his images by Nikon for social media campaigns. Dennis's photographs have adorned the cover of The Journal NJ Magazine and have been featured in Vue Magazine. He won the New Jersey Monthly December 2019 Cover Contest and was the runner-up in 2022. His personal exhibition, "Faces of Boonton," highlights his exceptional talent in capturing the human essence through photography. Most recently he opened his own gallery in Boonton NJ, called the Covert Collection. Dennis Maida's journey through the military, cyber security, and photography is a narrative of enduring commitment, artistic exploration, and a deep-seated desire to give back to the community, particularly to those who have served.

You can find a collection of Dennis’ work here:

A person holding a camera stands next to a horse in a grassy field with more horses in the background.

Dennis Current Work

A rural church with a steeple surrounded by green grass under a colorful sunset sky.

Evening Prayer

Vast barren field under a clear blue sky with a single small cloud and distant trees on the horizon.

Soul Cloud

Field of purple lupines with a white church in the background, surrounded by green trees, under a colorful sky.

Field of Grace

American flag on a wooden fence post at a grassy beach with a cloudy sky.

In the Land of the Free

Close-up of daisies in a field with a rustic wooden building and a water wheel in the background, sun setting behind trees.

Ephemeral Bloom

Old building exterior with an American flag painted on a wooden pallet leaning against the wall.

Faded Glory

New York City skyline at sunset with colorful clouds and reflections on water.

Gotham’s Glow