What does trying too hard really mean?  If you're in a great location surrounded by beauty, does it matter how many tries? We took a trip back to my home state of Arkansas.  Instead of driving directly back to Michigan, we took a couple of days to driving the long way back.  A hike and a bit of photography was on our agenda.  Every stop surrounded us with rugged, natural beauty.  The weather conditions served up some challenges but we take what mother nature delivers which begs the question...   How many tries on average do you take to get the 'one' that you're truly jazzed about ..read more

Home Office by Sheen Watkins What do you remember about the long, two hour meeting you sat through a year ago?   You know the one.  There was death by Powerpoint.  There was a lot of multi-syllable corporate speak followed by scurrying to update action items and craft emails.   Truthfully, we probably don't remember much about that meeting unless something crazy-cool or unique happened (or we took a lot of notes!).  Lunch with my Co-worker by Sheen Watkins I bet that you do remember attending your kid's events where you celebrated or wiped away tears afterwards.   You probably also re ..read more

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 jus ..read more

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 fro ..read more

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 I ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

Photo by David Watkins,A couple of years ago this month I provided a list of my camera gear in response to many emails and inquiries.  Today, it is still one of the top questions I still receive. As my photography continues to evolve and expand, so does the gear in the bag. Camera gear is an important decision and not one we take lightly. Before I dive into my revised list (products with links take you to Amazon) - a few considerations: I am still a believer that the best camera and lens for the task is the one in your hand.  You are the one that creates and composes the images.  Time in th ..read more

Fire in the Sky - Omena, Michigan by Sheen Watkins Over the course of time, I've experienced many of Michigan's finest sights from behind the lens.  My idea of a good breakfast?  A fiery, Michigan sunrise! I've taken thousands of images trying to reflect the diversity that's commonly known as "Pure Michigan." With a vivid, intense sunrise glistening over our Great Lakes, it's an easy and energizing way to start the day. If rising and shining is a bit of a challenge, get a jump start with a rich cup of coffee from Coffee Beanery, one of Michigan's finest businesses operating since 1976.  Or ..read more

Historic Greyhound Depot by Sheen Watkins A road frequently traveled may host a few surprises.  Sometimes, you just have to look for the unexpected intentionally. It's easy to get caught up in reaching your destination quickly, that we may miss some amazing sites along the way. My family still resides in the same town and house I grew up in.  After many 16-hour road trips from Michigan to Arkansas, I decided to explore the small town we use as a regular stop-over.  Arriving before sunset, I  "googled" Blytheville, Arkansas just to see what was there.  I was thrilled with the results. The ..read more