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!

N'Ice Ice Baby

As a 25 year Michigander, I often get the question when traveling "Where are you from?"  I already know their response when I say with a smile "Michigan".  Usually it's one of these:

"Wow, it's cold up there!" 

"Too cold and gray for me in the winter"                          

                                                             "I hear the summers are beautiful, but short."

Who needs a movie when we have more than 50 shades of gray between November and April?  Let's start by saying, yes it's cold in the winter in Michigan.  We have winters that you can sink your teeth in to. 

Blue Ice in Mackinaw City, Michigan by Sheen Watkins

Our ice is nice.  Actually, it's more than nice.  Our ice rivals abstract sculptures.  Our ice is rich with color, texture and depth. 

A trip to Mackinaw City, Michigan during the ice breaking season offered caverns of rich, blue ice formations and blocks.

I grew up in the sunbelt in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas.  I happily thrived in the sunshine and heat.  When I moved to Michigan to marry my husband, neither of us realized if or how I would adapt to the cold and gray. 

Icy Slates at Sunrise in Northport, Michigan by Sheen Watkins

What I learned is with that the right gear and initiative, I see how Mother Nature adorns Michigan winters with works of art. 

You just have to go and explore.  

The iced tiles at sunrise in Northport, Michigan on the bay side of Lake Michigan lasted one day.

The evening before it was one big ice plate. 

Anticipating a potential shift from the forecast gale force winds, the alarm was set for oh-dark-thirty. 

Overnight, the winds picked up and the waves and conditions turned plates into formations that looked like slate tiles.  The sunrise brought a  color convergence of warm and cool.  24 hours later, they were gone.

Look for the less ventured view. 

Iced Cactus, Frankfort, Michigan by Sheen Watkins

On land, ice lasts a little bit longer in a given state. 

One of our most famous lighthouses, Point Betsie gets a lot of paparazzi with her stoic stance in the face of Michigan winters. 

I initially went to shoot the iconic beauty. 

Instead, a hike around the lighthouse uncovered a field of glistening iced 'cactus'. 

Don't let the gray get in the way!

For the many days that we don't see the sun, ice still  floats through the elements.

Frazil Ice by Sheen Watkins

Frazil ice, is a collection of soft, needle shaped ice crystals that form when the mist and water cool quickly.  From afar, the water looked like a film was on the surface.  A closer look revealed iced pancakes floating and shifting in the wavy waters.

Ice blocks by  Sheen Watkins

Note:  When photographing icy conditions, always use caution. 

Ice is slippery, sharp, can be thin in unexpected places. 

Take a partner.

Wear warm clothes.

Have the right foot gear (spikes are good!) and be careful. 

Carry your gear in a backpack when hiking.  If you fall with your gear you may be more worried about protecting your camera than you. 

No shot is worth putting yourself in danger.

Venturing out in the lower part of Northern Michigan in winter is definitely worth donning layers of clothing in winter. 

Oh yes, our summers are lovely too.

Happy shooting!

"Photographer" Does that Title Define You or Me?

It's normal to describe ourselves using titles.   Maybe, potentially, we use titles because, describing what we do is easier than sharing who we are.

You may be a wife, a mother,  a husband, a father, a manager, a teacher, an executive, a clerk, an artist or a doctor.  Pick one, or add one to the list.

For years, I've been in corporate America and enjoy it immensely today.  I work for an organization with a legacy reputation built on ethics, quality and integrity. Their values reflect mine, and I hope that mine in turn reflects theirs.  But while working for that company is a big part of me, my title doesn't completely define or describe who I am.

Lake Michigan Sunset by Sheen Watkins

Our passions,  how we look at life, how we handle the good, the great, the fun, the hard, the sad and the horrific show who we are.

With each experience, our 'who we really are' continues to evolve.

Photography was just something I had always wanted to try.  I had no idea that once a camera was in my hands that my eyes and dreams would change so dramatically.

Photography has been an epiphany, a passion and a way of connecting and sharing nature with the world, or realistically, those who are interested.

Initially photography was taking images of nature, with birds being front and center.  Each day that I have a camera in my hands, I feel a deeper connection with who I am and what I believe:

Time and experiences in nature and travel are not a given but a gift.  I am grateful for the privilege to combine nature gift's with the art of photography.

A favorite subject, the Snowy Owl by Sheen Watkins

I believe that nature's gifts should be cherished, shared and protected for future generations.  To grow as an artist and photographer,  is a continuous and joyous journey.  My photography time consists of being in the field is both exploring nature followed by post processing to share my personal eye with others. 

It isn't a one-shot moment and then moving on to the next subject. 

Each image that makes it to the light of day is a result of many photographs of the same subject taken from different angles using different settings.  Trial and error is a constant.  Then it's finding the 'one' image to process and bring to life on a computer screen or print.

Abstract of Forest or the Trees by Sheen Watkins

The other side of photography is not as easy or fun.  There's an element of guilt and self-centeredness. 

Photography is costly.

True, the gear expensive.   It's the investment of time in the field, time in thought, time in learning that can take it's toll on family and those close who don't share the same interest.

Time in the field is time away from family.  Many photographers have more than one job to support their livelihoods. 

Time immersed in learning is time distracted from those that are close and want to be with you.

Fall Monarch with Artistic Edits by Sheen Watkins

Finding the balance between the love of being in the field, the solo time of creating versus spending time with those that are your heart and soul is hard.

Our passions require sacrifices of ourselves and patience from those we hold most dear.

Every day, photographers share and display images and imagery that entices the eye and some may even stir the soul of a viewer. 

There is a ton of hard and diligent work.  The carrying of heavy equipment.  The unpredictability of the subject.  Dealing with nature's elements.  Studying post processing tools and techniques.

Behind each image is an artist, sharing their eye, their connection with that brief second of time. 

So if someone says that 'she's a nature photographer,'  I'm very comfortable being defined by that title.

Happy Shooting!






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Wildlife Photographers - Giving Our Profession a Good or Bad Name?

Cedar Waxwing by Sheen Watkins

Every day in the field is a gift, and not one to be taken lightly.  Birds, animals and our outdoor spaces are fragile.  It is up to us to help survival in our co-existence with mother nature.  

As a nature photographer, I see many photographers show respect for nature, for other photographers and hikers.  

I've also seen photographers exhibit behaviors that are 'not-so-nice'.  

What was most surprising is that some of these 'not-so-nice' photographers were not being intentionally careless or rude.  They were just  caught up in the moment getting the shot.  

Here's a few awareness reminders for all of us to help keep nature and our photography flourishing.

Awareness of Distance:  Safety first for you and them - avoid putting yourself and wildlife in danger.  They need their space and so do you.  When you get too close, you may frighten or stress the bird/animal.   They could leave their nest, the area for good.  Or, on the flip side an animal may feel threatened and feel the need to protect their space.   They waste energy instead of nesting and feeding their young. 

The two fox kits below were part of a family of 8 kits.  Several photographers, including me, had the privilege of watching them frolic, play and learn.  We all maintained a safe and respectful distance across the pond.  A photographer who had a shorter lens, made his way to the other side of the pond which was way too close to the kits.  Mama Fox was not happy.  By the next morning, the DNR reported that the fox had indeed moved the family.  

Two Fox Kits by Sheen Watkins using a Nikon 500mm

The Right Equipment:   Telephotos provide an up close image capture at a safer distance for them and for you.  Today's lenses offer diversity in quality and cost.  Plus there's the used option or the ability to rent lenses.  

Rules of the Road (or area):  If you're in nature parks, wilderness areas, take the time to review the rules of the area.  Stay on marked trails, boardwalks and mapped areas.  Be a protector of our fragile habitat and ecosystem.  Bogs, preserved areas are delicate and footprints last a very long time. 

Never, ever, ever, ever bait animals:  This is the one thing that makes me nuts.  There are no winners here.  When an animal is baited, you put them at risk.  Baiting IS different than feeding chickadees, cardinals, woodpeckers at a feeder.   With baiting, they are pulled away from their routine, their hunt and even their location.   

There isn't one photograph that is worth putting any animal or human in danger.

Lead by example:  Even when no one is around.  We are a only a guest, a visitor on this planet.  Treat nature with care.   

Savannah Sparrow by Sheen Watkins

Awareness of Other Photographers:  When other photographers are shooting a subject, respect that they were there first.  Don't be 'that photographer' that rushed in to join the shooting only to scare the subject away.  

Cool Heads Prevail:  Many of us have come across photographers who give 'photographers' a bad name in how they treat others and nature.  When it is evident they don't care, there's probably nothing you can do to change their perspective.  Instead of engaging in negative banter, there's the power of reporting them to the local area, photographing their license plate or them when not looking.

With all of our websites, social media outlets, blogs, books, many folks enjoy seeing the moments in nature we get to experience first hand in the field.  We do live a pretty amazing life!

Happy Shooting!

Time to "Eat Crow"

Rough-legged hawk by Sheen Watkins

Mother Nature, in all of her beauty, is not always kind or gentle.

We live part time near a remote small town on the Leelanau Peninsula in Michigan.

Outside of Northport it's quite common to see porcupines, bobcats, skunks, many species of birds and coyotes.

This week, I witnessed the brutal dependency of nature's food chain.
I initially thought I was seeing an injured hawk being attacked by crows.

I rushed to 'rescue' the crow only to discover that a rough-legged hawk had a very live and soon-to-be dinner crow in his talons.

Had I interrupted the process, it would mean a suffering crow that probably wouldn't survive.    Then there would be another needed food target for the hawk if he didn't have this meal.

Protecting Dinner by Sheen Watkins

So,  I decided to photograph the episode.

From capture, to defending his meal, he was he was doing what he needed to do to survive.

As a bystander, I wanted to save the crow.  I also wanted the hawk to eat.

The balance of nature.  The balance of life.  Nature in all her beauty has a side that is uncomfortable and painful.

As a photographer,  I'm grateful to see and enjoy nature in her finest.  I'm also grateful that she shares her reality - it's up to us to ensure that the complete food chain, the balance, is protected.

Plucking before eating  by Sheen Watkins

I also appreciate that no matter how tough my week, or day may be - I'm not being eaten by a hawk.

Happy Shooting!

So Ugly I'm Cute: Eyes Peeled/Cameras Ready!

Birds when first hatched don't rival their parents in the looks department.  With a lot of textured skin, sparse down they are interesting to watch and still adorable photograph.

A few weeks ago, I travelled to Edisto Island, South Carolina.  It was near the state park where I saw an adult Great Horned Owl take flight to search for food during the day.  I noticed a small movement which turned out to be a very young owlet.  (I named him Einstein, pretty original!)

"Einstein" by  Sheen Watkins

Great horned owls though, even in their earliest stages have that look of intellect that has given them their well earned name of "Wise Owl."

Austin, Texas - A Wise One by Sheen Watkins

As we are in the heart of migration and nesting season...keep your eyes peeled and your cameras ready.  Birding is going to be at it's best this time of the year and over the next few weeks.

Happy Shooting!
Sheen

Etsy? Website? Photo Sharing Sites? Do You Have the Time?

Painted Bunting by Sheen's Nature Photography

With all of the options to share and display your work, it can become a huge time commitment just to keep up with your accounts.  We're artists and we'd much rather be behind our cameras, photo processing software, paint brushes and other creative mediums of choice.

In today's environment, it is almost a must to have web visibility.  And yes, that also means with visibility comes risk.

Risk that you won't get traction.  Risk that you won't get "likes".  Risk that you won't get a return on your time investment.  Risk that you won't make the needed income to support your full time, part time or 'just in it to cover my costs'.

Risk is mitigated by reach and by maximizing your visibility.  Here's a few tips to consider as it is continues a journey.

Schedule - If you maintain multiple social media sites, have a schedule of when you are going to post.  For example - Facebook:  Mondays, Wednesday and Saturdays; Instagram: Tuesdays and Thursdays on occasions. Consider posting different images in a given week as many followers may be following you on both sites.  If they see the same thing multiple times a week, the impact is lost and potentially their interest.  My schedule on my facebook page is fairly consistent.  My Instagram is a work in progress.

Consistency - For those with multiple selling sites with the same offering such as a "nature" web page and a "nature" Etsy Studio, upload your images to each site at the same time.  This makes it easier to keep track of your additions and by doing it at one time, also minimizes rework.  If you're just getting started with Etsy and you already have a website that's loaded, don't worry.  Just start uploading the new mages at the same time. Over the course of time, add your other work you'd like to sell.

Reach - Tag, tag and tag your artwork.  With all of the SEO capabilities embedded into websites, this makes it faster for your work to be identified in a search from a customer looking for something specific.

For illustration I typed in the phrase: Snowy Owl Sheen Watkins.  Click on this link and you'll find pages of listings (some not all good by the way).  This search identified my tagged owl photos, links to websites, my articles for Light Stalking and Loaded Landscapes, my Sheen Watkins website, my older website on Fine Art America that's still open and my new Etsy Studio:  SheenWatkinsStudio.   Tagging definitely works.

Snowy Owl on Etsy by Sheen Watkins Studio

Recently, a fun website dedicated to owls, Owl Stuff posted my snowy owls from Etsy and the overnight traction was significant.  Had my images not been tagged, they would not have been as readily located.

Blog - Blogs do not need to be long to be effective.  Blogs DO need to effectively connect you with your audience.  It may be educational, philosophical, a funny story of how you captured a photo.

Look for an upcoming blog on how I made this photo:

Iced Teeth by Sheen Watkins/Sheen Watkins Studio

Your blog offers insight into the artist behind the work.  Initially I blogged weekly and over time shifted  to random blogging as I started writing for other sites.

Final tip:  Producing and publishing quality work is a must.  Sure, that photo of your dog that's really adorable and funny (and blurred) should be shared.  Fido's perfect place (unless you are a pet photographer) is on your personal Facebook page for your dog lover friends to enjoy.  Keeping your professional photography site stocked with your professional work will never confuse your customer or send the wrong message.

Do you have a tip to share?  Add a comment or two or email me directly at sheensnaturephotography@gmail.com.

Thanks for following and happy shooting!