Please offer a warm welcome to first-time contributor Mike Wacht, a 48-year-old man from Orlando, Florida who suffers from Type II Bipolar disorder with frequent bouts of depression and anxiety. Although diagnosed about 10 years ago, it is something he’s suffered with since his teen years. He is married for the third time with daughters from his previous marriages. He is a professional storyteller. He started his career in journalism and most recently worked in PR. He is now working to get a fledgling photography business off the ground.
About this photo: “My wife is in the U.S. Army Reserve and 18 months after we got married, she was deployed to Afghanistan. She told me she was going to have me read a couple of books when she returned to help me understand her experiences. We were unable to find any books that would help her understand mine. I set out to create one, photographically interpreting my feelings on a quasi-weekly basis. This photo is part of the project. Titled “Who’s Got My Back?” it draws a contrast between her (with an identified battle buddy who always protects her physically and emotionally) and me (who found that very few of my friends were available when I needed someone).”
Find more from Mike at his web site.
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Broken Light Collective 
love this!
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I love the title “Who’s got my back” and I feel that we all at sometimes must feel we need to ask ourselves this question – but it must be very hard to not be sure that someone is there…Karen
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Lovely shot. Perfect lighting
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This is a brave question to ask. Most of us tend to assume that there is someone there for us, but would we dare to ask this question out loud and wait for an honest answer? Very thoughtful and thought provoking photo.
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I saw this image this morning, right when I have been at a rather low ebb. I can certainly relate. This simple shot speaks volumes to me. Well said, Mike.
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Wonderful picture! Inspiring words!)
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Thank you all for your kind comments. I’m touched. This photo has meant a lot to me, and I am very happy to share it. I will be sharing more photos from my project.
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A really interesting photo, but even more so when I read your words. My son was there, too, but I had a strong group of friends whose sons were there. Without that it would have been so much worse. Best of luck with the photography business!
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My wife is USAR (Reserve) so I don’t have the benefit of being on a base or in a strong community of spouses. Being a male spouse, it’s even harder because there are so few of us, and most resources are for wives.
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That makes sense, and I think it’s harder when you’re a spouse – certainly a male spouse. It looks like you have the technical as well as the imaginative sides of photography down – I hope it keeps you happy and busy.
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Even more amazing than the stories and images are the people whose bravery and talent knows no limits. Welcome Mike to Broken Light.
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