There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when your hands are in the dirt, the sun is just beginning to rise, and the first signs of new life peek through the soil. I recently had the honor of photographing for Coast of Maine Organic Products, whose beautiful line of organic soils and composts is helping people grow not just gardens, but more sustainable futures. The shoot took place at The Ecology School—a place where education is rooted (literally and figuratively) in the land.

From the vibrant magenta beans cradled in dirt-covered palms to the golden light of a harvest morning, every frame tells a story of intention, care, and connection. The Ecology School, with its regenerative campus and immersive learning gardens, was the perfect backdrop for this story. It’s a place where students, educators, and growers come together to explore the interwoven systems of soil, food, and sustainability.

What I love most about working with Coast of Maine is how real it all is—no staged perfection, just honest, earthy goodness. These are the kinds of images that don’t need to be polished; the dirt on someone’s hands, the act of planting, harvesting, and building community—that’s the gold.

One of my favorite shots from the day was of a greenhouse doorway with the sign: "Live like you'll die tomorrow. Farm like you'll live forever." That quote hit me hard. It’s a powerful reminder of the legacy we leave behind and the hope we sow with each seed, each act of care, each composted scrap turned into nourishment.

I walked away from this shoot not just with a memory card full of photos, but with a deepened appreciation for the quiet revolution happening in gardens and farms across the country. A revolution led by brands like Coast of Maine and cultivated by educators like those at The Ecology School.

Here’s to growing boldly, organically, and in community.