Photographer and educator Tianxu Zhou of Marion, Massachusetts, has recently published The Way Home, a collection of black and white and color photographs that capture the quiet beauty and character of this New England coastal village. The book is available at Mimi’s, the Sippican Historical Society, and the Marion Art Center.
The Way Home features landscapes, close-up details, and everyday scenes from woodland conservation areas, boatyards, wildlife habitats, and Sippican Harbor across all four seasons. The images reflect both the lively energy of summer and the calm stillness of winter. While rooted in Marion, the photographs also speak more broadly to the essence of coastal New England. Many of the scenes – boats at rest in the harbor, shifting light on the water, narrow woodland paths – can evoke a sense of familiarity and memory even for those who have never visited the town.
Viewers have often remarked on the timeless quality of the images and the way they evoke personal memories – warm summer light, quiet shorelines, and the distinct textures of the New England coast. Even without knowing Marion, many people find that the photographs resonate deeply, reminding them of their own connections to coastal landscapes.
Zhou explains that the project grew from a desire to honor the place where he and his family have lived for more than two decades.
“I’ve lived in many different places – Beijing, small towns in Virginia, and larger suburban areas,” he says. “But Marion is the place where we chose to raise our family, and every aspect of it feels like home. Every time I leave – whether it’s a long trip or just an afternoon away – I’m reminded of how special it is when I return. This book reflects the feeling of taking that look again and appreciating this place with fresh eyes.”