Life & Work with Sean Proctor of Ann Arbor/Washtenaw County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Proctor.

Hi Sean, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started as documentary photographer and community journalist — right around the time when newspapers were tanking and there was a big shift to freelance in the editorial spheres. I did that for a while also taking time to have some adventures.

In 2019 I decided to try something new and got a job on an organic vegetable farm. I moved to a different farm in 2021 and have been there ever since. First as a crew member, then as the flower and social media assistant, finally as the production manager, a role I’ve held for 3 years.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It took some time for me to understand (or accept?) that as a freelancer I struggled without the tangible structure and outlet of a newspaper, or support of a team. I missed having a “purpose” in that regard.

Transitioning to farming hasn’t been without its hiccups, but I appreciate the tangible nature of what we do, being outside and seeing the changing of the seasons, but most importantly the team and culture we’ve built. It’s hard work, but it’s great times.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Of course I have to keep my creative side active as well. I do that a couple different ways. I still freelance occasionally and also go out and make my own photographs when the mood strikes.

I appreciate the idea of “sense of place” a lot, and while others may write in a journal I’m more inclined to make a photo of how I’m feeling, or how that place (the temperature, the color palette, the wind on that specific day) speaks to me. I like to drive on the back roads and just observe.

Additionally, my partner and I grow flowers at our home and make bouquets/arrangements for us or others (this started in Covid as a way to stay connect with friends and family,) and also make photographs of them. I love creating something beautiful somewhat chaotically, and then create a record of it that is equally as beautiful.

I also have taught myself how to sew and have been making fanny packs, sling bags, backpacks and tote bags.. They’re a fun way to create while using the more “systems” approach I use at work, especially if I’m making a run of a certain bag to sell.

The flowers and the bags, because they’re so tangible really scratch an itch for me. We’re working on some ways to combine the two together which I’m really excited about.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
The moment you hit gravel while driving on backroads.
Good coffee (a cortado or an affogato.)
The first cold days of stick season.
Winds whipping through tall grass.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.seanproctorphoto.com