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:
Dennis Current Work
Evening Prayer
Soul Cloud
Field of Grace
In the Land of the Free
Ephemeral Bloom
Faded Glory
Gotham’s Glow