Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheen Watkins.
Hi Sheen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Who knew that photography and artistry was in my DNA? For years, I worked in corporate roles that spanned Technology and Human Resources staffing services. The thought that I could ever be an artist was not even on my radar. In fact, in high school, one of my art teachers even said, “you’re not a natural artist so it’s good that you enjoy math and your business classes.” At the time, he was correct.
Almost 10 years ago, my husband surprised me with a camera. I guess I said, “If I had a camera, I’d photograph this bird, that butterfly, or the wildflower on the path” quite a bit.
When I picked up the camera and really used it the first time, it was as if something erupted in my soul. The potential to capture and translate what I saw and felt from behind the lens into a piece of work was, life-changing. And so the love of being in nature shifted to capturing nature from behind the camera.
Initially, I focused primarily on birds, then other wildlife using telephoto lenses. It wasn’t long until the photography bug completely took hold. I expanded into flowers, landscapes, adventure, and travel photography. I started writing and contributing work to global photography blog and news sites. (www.lightstalking.com and www.loadedlandscapes.com)
My business and life goals changed to plan for the day I could pursue this full time.
Today, pursuing photography as a craft and earning an income as an artist takes many forms. I’m a full-time photographer, individual/group workshop instructor (Zoom and in-person) and editor of Aperture and Light (www.apertureandlight.com), a photography, lifestyle, and travel blog. With an Etsy shop, website, and recently a youtube channel, it’s both rewarding and a challenge to balance the creative side with the business aspects.
Two significant groups that helped me grow as a photographer and artist include Northport Arts Association (NAA) and Motor City Camera Club (MMCC). Networking with peers and artists of different genres helped open my eyes to more possibilities of what I could create behind the camera.
I’m also a believer that being involved in your local community makes a difference. As a nature photographer, I actively participate in organizations that protect and preserve nature. A docent in training for the Leelanau Conservancy and past board member of Saving Birds Thru Habitat are examples of local engagement.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
At times, when I’m out in the field, it’s an open road. Searching, exploring, shooting. Then back home in post-processing. It’s not always easy. One big reason is that I don’t have a defined niche. I love birds, flowers, wildlife, street, adventure, and travel. When I see photographers who hone and narrow their subject matter, I do see the benefits of how that can positively impact your brand. You become known for a genre, a style, a given expertise.
Those of us who’s work is so diverse, our body of work doesn’t always have the same look and feel, or a theme.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The phrase “a photographer who can’t focus….on a single genre” applies to my work and mindset. Today, my scope evolves with the base being landscape, nature, and travel photography. Bird photography is still a piece, but it’s only one facet of the total.
I think what I’m most proud of is that my photography and the work around my photography continues to shift and expand. Organizations that I respect and trust continue to reach out to feature and license my work in publications, websites and newsletters. I also create content for other companies using many of my images.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
When I embraced photography, I found many inspirational role models. The veteran photographers such as Richard Bernabe, Ian Plante, Sarah Marino. Each has a unique style and longevity in this business. They publish books, share their work and what’s behind their work – in the context of finding your own creative vision. Locally, I credit my camera club for constructive insights and for trusting me to become a judge. By looking more deeply into the work of others, it offered a hindsight view of my own work. Both at the time of image capture and in post-processing.
Contact Info:
- Email: sheensnaturephotography@gmail.com
- Website: www.sheenwatkins.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/swnaturephoto
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sheensnaturephotography
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/swnaturephoto
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SheenWatkins
- Other: www.apertureandlight.com
