A green logo design with text reading 'Back to Our ROOTS' and 'Responding to Our Own Trauma and Stigma'.

 

SHOW YOUR RESILIENCE TODAY!

 

 

ALL New England First Responders - This is your call to action!

Check Out the Galleries Below!

 

 

There's So Much More Behind the Badge

 

Responders show up in various ways- professional, steadfast, capable of handling anything.  Behind the badge is a person who cannot unsee or un-experience the things that they face to bring stability to their communities.  These are their stories of struggle, growth, and resilience.


ROOTS IS A project with the goal of sharing the message that mental health is as important as any other investment you can make in yourself.  Struggles are real.  Success is possible.  I am offering a free photoshoot for first responders who are willing to share the story of their mental health journey.  Together we can bring awareness to how common these feelings and struggles are and bring the conversation out of the shadows.  Contact today, and help show our peers that they are not alone!


if you'd like to share your story contact me today to become part of the roots project.  ALL First Responders are welcome!


Join ROOTS!

Sean: Lux Ex Tenebris - Light from Darkness

Close-up portrait series showing a bearded person's face from different angles in dark lighting.
Someone pays respects at a memorial for fallen police officer Sgt. Gary R. Norton with a thin blue line flag displayed.
Close-up portrait of a man with gray beard looking down thoughtfully.
Side profile of a bearded man in black jacket showing emotional expression.
Side profile of someone in a black jacket with their face covered by their hands showing emotional distress.
Man in dark jacket sits alone on green bench with contemplative expression.
Close-up view of a person in a black hoodie covering their face with their hands in apparent distress.
A series of close-up portraits showing a contemplative person in dark clothing against a blue sky background.
Person wearing a dark jacket sits alone against a concrete wall looking downcast.
Person in black jacket and jeans standing beside police vehicles in a parking lot during autumn.
A brick wall background with dramatic lighting creates an atmospheric setting.
Person in black jacket and jeans sits on brick steps near small American flags.
A person kneels in prayer beside American flags and white flowers outside a brick building.
Person in black jacket and jeans kneels by brick wall while placing something on ground.
Small American flag planted among blue hydrangeas and soil in a memorial or garden setting.
Professional contact information banner in navy blue and gold with green text for Dwayne Mann Artworks.
Close-up portrait series showing a bearded person's face from different angles in dark lighting.
Someone pays respects at a memorial for fallen police officer Sgt. Gary R. Norton with a thin blue line flag displayed.
Close-up portrait of a man with gray beard looking down thoughtfully.
Side profile of a bearded man in black jacket showing emotional expression.
Side profile of someone in a black jacket with their face covered by their hands showing emotional distress.
Man in dark jacket sits alone on green bench with contemplative expression.
Close-up view of a person in a black hoodie covering their face with their hands in apparent distress.
A series of close-up portraits showing a contemplative person in dark clothing against a blue sky background.
Person wearing a dark jacket sits alone against a concrete wall looking downcast.
Person in black jacket and jeans standing beside police vehicles in a parking lot during autumn.
A brick wall background with dramatic lighting creates an atmospheric setting.
Person in black jacket and jeans sits on brick steps near small American flags.
A person kneels in prayer beside American flags and white flowers outside a brick building.
Person in black jacket and jeans kneels by brick wall while placing something on ground.
Small American flag planted among blue hydrangeas and soil in a memorial or garden setting.
Professional contact information banner in navy blue and gold with green text for Dwayne Mann Artworks.

Sean has been bringing the message of healing and resilience to first responders through peer driven support.  He not only talks the talk, but in this session he showed up to walk the walk.  Finding light in his darkness he has catalyzed his pain and suffering into a strength and determination to help others in their time of need.  Today we celebrate Sean and his ability to share the most vulnerable parts of himself and help spread the message that you are not alone on your journey, and that healing and recovery are possible.

Sarah:  "It's not about what broke me.  It's about what rebuilt me"

A person walks along a serene forest path surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage and tall trees.
A tranquil forest trail covered in fallen orange leaves winds through tall evergreen trees on an autumn day.
A person peeks from behind a tree trunk in an artistic outdoor portrait.
Three white fire chief helmets rest on fallen autumn leaves against weathered tree trunks in natural lighting.
A person sits against a large tree trunk in an autumn forest setting with fallen leaves scattered on the ground.
A person walks along a serene forest path covered in golden autumn leaves with evergreen trees lining the sides.
A person in a gray sweater stands on a rocky shoreline overlooking a misty lake with forested islands in the distance.
A person in a gray sweater sits outdoors among autumn branches with a burgundy scarf against a natural backdrop.
Woman in burgundy top and gray cardigan poses in different angles against neutral background.
Person in red sweater and gray patterned cardigan stands on dock by lake with forest in background at dusk.
A person in a gray coat sits against a rustic wall surrounded by autumn foliage in a series of outdoor portraits.
A person wearing a brown hat and cozy fleece jacket gazes thoughtfully at a winter lakeside scene.
Person wearing a winter coat and baseball cap gazes thoughtfully at a scenic lake view on an overcast day.
Professional contact information banner in navy blue and gold with green text for Dwayne Mann Artworks.
A person walks along a serene forest path surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage and tall trees.
A tranquil forest trail covered in fallen orange leaves winds through tall evergreen trees on an autumn day.
A person peeks from behind a tree trunk in an artistic outdoor portrait.
Three white fire chief helmets rest on fallen autumn leaves against weathered tree trunks in natural lighting.
A person sits against a large tree trunk in an autumn forest setting with fallen leaves scattered on the ground.
A person walks along a serene forest path covered in golden autumn leaves with evergreen trees lining the sides.
A person in a gray sweater stands on a rocky shoreline overlooking a misty lake with forested islands in the distance.
A person in a gray sweater sits outdoors among autumn branches with a burgundy scarf against a natural backdrop.
Woman in burgundy top and gray cardigan poses in different angles against neutral background.
Person in red sweater and gray patterned cardigan stands on dock by lake with forest in background at dusk.
A person in a gray coat sits against a rustic wall surrounded by autumn foliage in a series of outdoor portraits.
A person wearing a brown hat and cozy fleece jacket gazes thoughtfully at a winter lakeside scene.
Person wearing a winter coat and baseball cap gazes thoughtfully at a scenic lake view on an overcast day.
Professional contact information banner in navy blue and gold with green text for Dwayne Mann Artworks.

Sarah arrived to the lake ready to tell her story and get some weight off of her back.  She gave her all to express that it's not the challenges in life that weight you down, but rather the strength you gain from facing them head on.  Raised in the firehouse by her grandparents, she found a love for providing for her community.  Whether she is providing emergency services or training the next generation of providers, she shows up whole despite the pieces that have gotten battered along the way.  It's all about what makes us better and finding resiliency.  

Hannah: Reclaiming Herself through Nature

Side profile shots of someone in a black shirt against a blurred background.
Person covering their face with one hand in an outdoor setting with blurred background.
A person wearing a black jacket and glasses looks to the side while standing outdoors.
Medical professional wearing a stethoscope and dark shirt shown in multiple close-up profile views.
Emergency medical technician holding up a blue and gold EMT patch against blurred outdoor background.
Athletic person in black t-shirt holding a paddle outdoors on a sunny day.
A series of outdoor portrait shots taken during autumn with colorful foliage in the background.
Portrait of someone in a brown t-shirt holding a paddle against a blurred outdoor background.
A person in black clothing sits on a turquoise paddleboard on calm blue waters.
A person paddleboarding on calm blue waters near a wooded shoreline on a sunny day.
Series of blurry photos showing a kayak on a calm blue lake with trees and buildings along the shoreline.
Person paddleboarding on a serene blue lake surrounded by hills on a sunny summer day.
A series of four connected photos showing someone in a black shirt with crossed arms against an outdoor autumn background.
Professional contact information banner in navy blue and gold with green text for Dwayne Mann Artworks.
Side profile shots of someone in a black shirt against a blurred background.
Person covering their face with one hand in an outdoor setting with blurred background.
A person wearing a black jacket and glasses looks to the side while standing outdoors.
Medical professional wearing a stethoscope and dark shirt shown in multiple close-up profile views.
Emergency medical technician holding up a blue and gold EMT patch against blurred outdoor background.
Athletic person in black t-shirt holding a paddle outdoors on a sunny day.
A series of outdoor portrait shots taken during autumn with colorful foliage in the background.
Portrait of someone in a brown t-shirt holding a paddle against a blurred outdoor background.
A person in black clothing sits on a turquoise paddleboard on calm blue waters.
A person paddleboarding on calm blue waters near a wooded shoreline on a sunny day.
Series of blurry photos showing a kayak on a calm blue lake with trees and buildings along the shoreline.
Person paddleboarding on a serene blue lake surrounded by hills on a sunny summer day.
A series of four connected photos showing someone in a black shirt with crossed arms against an outdoor autumn background.
Professional contact information banner in navy blue and gold with green text for Dwayne Mann Artworks.

Hannah showed up for the roots project and shared her story of resilience and tackling the difficult situation that was covid and finding her center.  When faced with disconnection, uncertainty, and daily changes in both her professional and personal life, she chose strength.  Digging deep with her paddle she embarked on many journeys on the water to ground herself in nature and return to her roots.  These portraits explore that effort and where she is now.

Shelby:  EMDR and Moving Forward

A dramatic portrait of a person in burgundy against a moody cloudy sky backdrop.
Person in burgundy shirt stands against dramatic cloudy sky with arms outstretched in emotional pose.
Profile view of person with long brown hair wearing a burgundy sweater against a blurred green background.
Figure in maroon top sits contemplatively by rippling water under moody skies.
Person sits on rocky shoreline overlooking serene lake with mountains and cloudy sky in background.
Person in purple sweater and jeans cleaning and maintaining a firefighter helmet outdoors.
Someone in a burgundy sweater holds a black firefighter helmet with yellow reflective stripes against a green background.
A person in a maroon sweater holds a firefighter helmet while sitting outdoors.
A person in a burgundy sweater sits thoughtfully with hand on chin against a green foliage background.
A series of close-up shots showing someone wearing a burgundy sweater and holding a colorful striped object.
A person in purple holds an illuminated book in an outdoor setting with trees.
Person in a burgundy sweater sits at a window looking out at green foliage in soft focus.
Person in red plaid shirt leans against tree trunk while holding glowing light stick in forest setting.
A contemplative moment captured in profile against a natural forest background.
Close-up view of colorful tattoo artwork on shoulder with burgundy sweater visible in frame.
A sequence of upward-looking shots in a forest setting with someone wearing a maroon knit sweater.
A blue banner with white text celebrating someone's courage and journey through difficult memories.
Professional contact information banner in navy blue and gold with green text for Dwayne Mann Artworks.
A dramatic portrait of a person in burgundy against a moody cloudy sky backdrop.
Person in burgundy shirt stands against dramatic cloudy sky with arms outstretched in emotional pose.
Profile view of person with long brown hair wearing a burgundy sweater against a blurred green background.
Figure in maroon top sits contemplatively by rippling water under moody skies.
Person sits on rocky shoreline overlooking serene lake with mountains and cloudy sky in background.
Person in purple sweater and jeans cleaning and maintaining a firefighter helmet outdoors.
Someone in a burgundy sweater holds a black firefighter helmet with yellow reflective stripes against a green background.
A person in a maroon sweater holds a firefighter helmet while sitting outdoors.
A person in a burgundy sweater sits thoughtfully with hand on chin against a green foliage background.
A series of close-up shots showing someone wearing a burgundy sweater and holding a colorful striped object.
A person in purple holds an illuminated book in an outdoor setting with trees.
Person in a burgundy sweater sits at a window looking out at green foliage in soft focus.
Person in red plaid shirt leans against tree trunk while holding glowing light stick in forest setting.
A contemplative moment captured in profile against a natural forest background.
Close-up view of colorful tattoo artwork on shoulder with burgundy sweater visible in frame.
A sequence of upward-looking shots in a forest setting with someone wearing a maroon knit sweater.
A blue banner with white text celebrating someone's courage and journey through difficult memories.
Professional contact information banner in navy blue and gold with green text for Dwayne Mann Artworks.

Shelby joined the roots project to tell her story of overcoming trauma.  she shared how her own resolve, commitment to challenging the difficult memories, and growing friendships has helped her recover and grow.  She expressed that in particular, EMDR therapy, had been a life changing treatment modality.  She was down, stared into pandora's box, and came out the other side.  Her strength and vulnerability is reflected in these moving images where she lowered her guard and immersed herself in the experience.

Michael : Portraits in Finding Your Voice

(Black and White version of the above Gallery)

A series of black and white headshot portraits showing different people wearing headsets and smiling.
Dramatic black and white sequence of a firefighter performing an emergency rescue with breathing apparatus.
Black and white profile portraits showing a bald person with glasses in contemplative poses.
A series of black and white close-up portraits showing glasses, facial hair and hands in dramatic lighting.
Black and white photo of someone with tattoos and glasses crouching down in grass at night.
A firefighter in protective gear with visible tattoos kneels down during an emergency response operation.
Black and white photograph showing a sequence of fish swimming underwater in a repeating pattern.
Black and white photo series showing firefighter in protective gear with helmet and tattoos in different action poses.
A series of black and white photos showing someone with tattooed arms holding and displaying a motorcycle helmet.
Professional contact information banner in navy blue and gold with green text for Dwayne Mann Artworks.
A series of black and white headshot portraits showing different people wearing headsets and smiling.
Dramatic black and white sequence of a firefighter performing an emergency rescue with breathing apparatus.
Black and white profile portraits showing a bald person with glasses in contemplative poses.
A series of black and white close-up portraits showing glasses, facial hair and hands in dramatic lighting.
Black and white photo of someone with tattoos and glasses crouching down in grass at night.
A firefighter in protective gear with visible tattoos kneels down during an emergency response operation.
Black and white photograph showing a sequence of fish swimming underwater in a repeating pattern.
Black and white photo series showing firefighter in protective gear with helmet and tattoos in different action poses.
A series of black and white photos showing someone with tattooed arms holding and displaying a motorcycle helmet.
Professional contact information banner in navy blue and gold with green text for Dwayne Mann Artworks.

Bullying isn't just for the school yard.  The loud voices exist around us, and they have lasting effects.  Explore Michael's journey through dealing with criticism, administrative betrayal, and lack of support to coming out the other side finding his voice and spreading the message of hope and resilience to others!  In this gallery we created an intimately classic black and white series showing his resolve, roots in tradition, and commitment to excel and develop a better environment for all.

Stickers - Exploring Administrative Betrayal and Toxicity

A row of silhouetted figures looking through telescopes against a dark blue background with gold accents.
Dramatic black and white photos on red background show person cradling and examining small objects in their hands.
Profile silhouettes in black and white against purple background show artistic portrait sequence.
Black and white portrait photo series showing a person wearing glasses and smiling in different poses against a dark background.
Person in dark clothing and cap crouching down in sequence of stylized brown-tinted photos.
A series of red and black artistic banners with trumpet silhouettes creating a dynamic musical design pattern.
Silhouetted figures wearing protective helmets against distressed orange background with overlaid text elements.
A yellow-tinted text block describes the Back to Your Roots project and its dedication to sharing voices in the fire service.
Professional contact information banner in navy blue and gold with green text for Dwayne Mann Artworks.
A row of silhouetted figures looking through telescopes against a dark blue background with gold accents.
Dramatic black and white photos on red background show person cradling and examining small objects in their hands.
Profile silhouettes in black and white against purple background show artistic portrait sequence.
Black and white portrait photo series showing a person wearing glasses and smiling in different poses against a dark background.
Person in dark clothing and cap crouching down in sequence of stylized brown-tinted photos.
A series of red and black artistic banners with trumpet silhouettes creating a dynamic musical design pattern.
Silhouetted figures wearing protective helmets against distressed orange background with overlaid text elements.
A yellow-tinted text block describes the Back to Your Roots project and its dedication to sharing voices in the fire service.
Professional contact information banner in navy blue and gold with green text for Dwayne Mann Artworks.

Bullying isn't just for the school yard.  The loud voices exist around us, and they have lasting effects.  Explore Michael's journey through dealing with criticism, administrative betrayal, and lack of support to coming out the other side finding his voice and spreading the message of hope and resilience to others!  In this gallery we dove into his nickname, "Stickers", to create a less traditional and more dynamic series of portraits.

Be the Next Face of the ROOTS Project

Reach out today to express your interest.  This is a free photoshoot for first responders who are willing to share their story.  Right now I am focusing on responders in the New England area.  Please reach out today, or help spread the word, the more faces that show up the stronger the message of solidarity and strength.  I understand, it can be a big ask for someone to share their struggles, but if you are ready let's work together to create something to expose, educate, and inspire others to keep moving forward.