Meet Ryan Watkins

We recently connected with Ryan Watkins and have shared our conversation below.

Ryan, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from my Christian faith in God’s providence. Despite the hardships my business took during covid and the difficulties of balancing my work with the other organizations I volunteer with I can trust and all things are working together for the good of those who believe in Him.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My love of photography started back when I was in late middle school. A friend from my former church told me about a website, the now defunct called worth1000.com. I started doing photoshop contests on this website. I saw they had photography contests as well. I grabbed a few photos with my mom’s Kodak Easyshare and started entering them into the contests. My photography entries placed far better than my photoshop ones. After this I started saving money for better gear and my love of photography grew. I was published in several magazines including Outdoor Photographer, Digital Photo, Shutterbug, Audubon, and PDNedu which I was in high school.

After high school I studied photography at the Hallmark Institute of Photography in Turner’s Falls, Massachusetts. I studied under renowned portrait photographer Gregory Heisler and the late fashion photographer David Turner. I graduated with the highest academic honor.

When I first got started with photography I mostly photographed nature and wildlife. I now primarily photograph weddings, portraits, and events.

I ran my photography business full time until the pandemic. I know work at Dow Gardens in Midland, Michigan in addition to running my photography business and volunteering with several organizations including the Jaycees, Orthodox Presbyterian Church, and Royal Family Kids camp.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

My formal photographic education at the Hallmark Institute of Photography played a big role in my development as a photographer. One of the biggest things I learned was to look for gesture in a photograph. This could be anything that sets the photo apart from your average snapshot. In the case of my work it is usually an expression during a wedding or event which shows the subjects nature emotions.

Secondly it was the importance of prioritizing responsibilities. As someone who’s involved in several different things it’s important to realize what is most important to get done first and how to manage ones time.

Lastly something I’ve learned from running my business and being part of other organizations over the past several years is the importance of rest to avoid burnout and to ensure you’re working at the highest possible capacity.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

Reading is one of my favorite hobbies. There have been several books which have had a huge impact on me. One of the most practical books I’ve read which I still implement it’s principles everyday is Do More Better: A Practical Guide to Productivity by Tim Challies. Challies gives incredibly helpful and practical advice for managing your calendar, to do list, and notes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ryanwatkinsphotography.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanwatkinsphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RyanWatkinsPhotography/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanwatkinsphotography/
• Twitter: https://x.com/rywatkinsphotos

Image Credits

Ryan Watkins Photography