Photography & Vacations ~ The Friends & Family Plan

Wormsloe Plantation by Sheen Watkins

It's almost that time.  Vacation!  You've planned, packed, researched and are ready to venture on to your vacation destination.

Camera's, lenses, filters ~ check.

Transportation schedule and documents ~ check.

Clothes, shoes, personal care items ~ check.

Shooting plan ~ check.

Are you sure?  Hold on a minute.  

As a photographer, traveling with friends and family can be rewarding and fun.  But what happens when you - the more serious photographer of the crew - wants to spend quality shooting time at various destinations?  Or you see something that just begs to be photographed?

Iceland, Metal Sculpture of Ship Bones by Sheen Watkins

Your travel companions are thinking, "Why is he/she taking so many photos of that?  We need to hit our next spot or we'll miss the next destination on our plan."

You're thinking, "Why don't they understand that I need at least 20 - 30 shots of this subject!  It's so unique, so interesting and there's so many different ways to capture it?"

Some may take their frustrated thoughts to words and they may not be nice ones at that.  After all, it is both yours and their vacation.

The Human Element by Sheen Watkins

What can you do to make vacations fun for all while including time for your photography?  

• Communicating and agreeing to a plan in advance.
• Dedicating a set amount of personal time each day or at each location for photography.
• Waking up earlier than the crew to go shoot and have a meeting time for you to join the group.
• Planning to stay an extra day or a few days if possible to go back and shoot those areas that require extra time.
• Involving your friends and family in the the scene.  Adding the human element provides a different feel.  Plus, if they are involved they become more engaged in the location and moment.  Sometimes the memory of making the photo happen is just as good as the photo itself! 
• Encouraging them to take photos with their smartphone.  You might convert someone.
• Creating and sharing a vacation photo book makes a wonderful gift that can be revisited over and over.
• Having a few pictures with you in them.  You are part of the family and should be included!

My Husband and me

Summer is almost here with family vacations on the horizon.  

How will you plan your time that creates opportunities for you and keeps group harmony - from a photography perspective?

Happy Shooting!

Sheen 

Life Changes are Just a Click Away - Always Aim for Your Best Shot!

Golden Moment by Sheen Watkins

When I first picked up the camera, I had no idea that some day it would become part of my DNA.

It wasn't long after the journey began that I anxiously looked forward to the golden day when I could pursue this either "almost" full time or in a much larger capacity.

A little over a month ago, that moment arrived. 

We sold our house in four days with the initial intent of working remotely a lot more.

A couple of days later, I exited the glass doors the last time of where I spent 20+ wonderful years working with many, many amazing folks.

By the time I walked from those glass doors to my car, I was bursting with an optimism that I couldn't put into words.


In retrospect, what I felt on that walk was gratitude.  Thankful for the experiences, the life and people lessons, the friendships and knowing that I had given my best.  I was also grateful that I knew exactly what I wanted to do going forward -  photography!

Eye on the Future by  Sheen Watkins

My first words came when I got in my car and called my hubby.  What came out was simply, "Dave, we're moving to our 'up north', now!"  His response?  "Let's go!"

Within a 30 day window we closed on our house, sold a lot of unneeded 'stuff', packed and moved up north to the place we refer to as a little slice of heaven.

Now my that my photography future is here where will I take it?

In my prior corporate life, I loved coaching, teaching, learning, working and growing professionally.  It was a rush to be all-in  the moment,  to watch others succeed.  With photography, the same principles apply.  Yet with photography - it's about growing in our artistry, shooting what gives us joy and sharing our personal eye with others. 

Facing the Sunrise by Sheen Watkins

I've had Etsy and gallery websites along with using social media sharing (recently Instagram and Facebook) and blogging for a while.  I've written many photography articles for Light Stalking and Loaded Landscapes. Every now and then,  I'd lead small and large workshops locally.

It's so rewarding so see others learn and  experience their creativity.  I also jumped in on workshops led by others and will continue to do so.  I never want to stop learning and growing in this amazing craft called photography.

Now it's time.  Time to get after it.  More time with Dave, our doggies, family and friends.  More hours behind the lens, more hours learning, spending time with other photographers.   And soon....more opportunities to expand the workshop portfolio to experience photography adventures with and for others.

Happy shooting!