When I sat down to talk to photographer Sharon Seaward about using her photo for my book cover, the conversation got interesting when she talked about her passion for photography and how her business came about. I thought I would share that conversation with you.
R. Ann: When did you become interested in photography?
Sharon Seaward: Around 1995, I was hiking most every weekend and I felt a desire to capture the beauty that surrounded me. It provided a way of holding onto the peaceful, serene feelings that being in the mountains provides.
R. Ann: Where did you like to go hiking for inspiration?
R. Ann: Where did you like to go hiking for inspiration?
Sharon Seaward: The first several years I hiked here in New Hampshire's White Mountains. In 2003, I became a member of AMC's 4000'er club having hiked all 48 mountains in New Hampshire that are 4000' or higher. Today, I hike a lot in the National Parks as well as New Hampshire. I've hiked the Grand Canyon three times, backpacked Alaska's 33 mile Chilkoot trail and completed a 7-day backpack on Vancouver Island's West Coast Trail.
R. Ann: Who influenced you to pursue your interest in photography?
Sharon Seaward: I was dating a guy who enjoyed photography, and we did a lot of hiking together. When we'd compare our photos, I asked him why his looked so much sharper and cleared than mine. He told me it was because he had a better camera (a Minolta 35mm). I was using one of those little Kodak Instamatic cameras, remember those? It wasn't long before I purchased a Nikon N50 which I used until 2005 when I switched to digital. Today I shoot with a Nikon D300s.
R. Ann: Did you have any mentors?
R. Ann: Did you have any mentors?
Sharon Seaward: George, my friend who introduced me to photography on those early hikes, taught me about aperature, shutter speed, polarizers and the importance of using a tripod. I'm forever grateful to him for opening the doors of photography to me. Today, my friend Paul and I shoot together on a regular basis. We have different photographic styles and different strengths so we tend to mentor each other. He pushes me out of my comfort zone, especially on photo shoots, which I love (well I don't always love it at the moment). We'll photograph the iconic places and then head out and explore backcountry areas, places I'd never go to alone. I'm so lucky to have his support and encouragement in pursuing my passion.
R.Ann: I see you placing in several contests. You seem to be a natural. Did you ever take any classes in photography?
Sharon Seaward: I took a couple classes with Thom Hindle in Dover, New Hampshire, a few local workshops, several online classes with www.betterphoto.com, and a lot of trial and error.
R. Ann: Are there any professional photographers whose work you admire--past or present?
Sharon Seaward: Jim Zuckerman. Whenever I need inspiration, I go to www.jimzuckerman.com I've been told by photographers that you need to focus on just one aspect of photography to become a great photographer, but Jim disproves that theory.. he does it all, landscapes, portraits, macro, cityscapes, and he has amazing creative abilities in photoshop.
R. Ann: When did you decide to go into business for yourself and offer your services to the public?
In 2008, I retired after a 29 year career in the telecommunications industry and decided to start a photography business. However with the downturn in the economy that year I decided to accept a three month job offer back in the fast paced, demanding, stressful telecom world. The three months turned into nearly three years, ending with a layoff in September of 2011. So now with the time to pursue my passion, I'm back doing what I love to do... photography! And hiking..
R.Ann: Would you encourage others to follow their passion?
R.Ann: I see you placing in several contests. You seem to be a natural. Did you ever take any classes in photography?
Sharon Seaward: I took a couple classes with Thom Hindle in Dover, New Hampshire, a few local workshops, several online classes with www.betterphoto.com, and a lot of trial and error.R. Ann: Are there any professional photographers whose work you admire--past or present?
Sharon Seaward: Jim Zuckerman. Whenever I need inspiration, I go to www.jimzuckerman.com I've been told by photographers that you need to focus on just one aspect of photography to become a great photographer, but Jim disproves that theory.. he does it all, landscapes, portraits, macro, cityscapes, and he has amazing creative abilities in photoshop.
R. Ann: When did you decide to go into business for yourself and offer your services to the public?
In 2008, I retired after a 29 year career in the telecommunications industry and decided to start a photography business. However with the downturn in the economy that year I decided to accept a three month job offer back in the fast paced, demanding, stressful telecom world. The three months turned into nearly three years, ending with a layoff in September of 2011. So now with the time to pursue my passion, I'm back doing what I love to do... photography! And hiking..
R.Ann: Would you encourage others to follow their passion?
Sharon Seaward: Absolutely! Do what you love, if at all possible.
R. Ann: What advice would you give to others?
Sharon Seaward: Follow your dreams and don't allow anyone to take the "Wind out of your sails." If you need encouragement, I highly recommend the audiobook "The Power" by Rhonda Byrne. I just love her wisdom and passion!
To see more of Sharon Seaward's photographs, visit her website at Summit to Sea Images
Subscribe to Explore Beyond the Usual™ by Email
To see more of Sharon Seaward's photographs, visit her website at Summit to Sea Images
Subscribe to Explore Beyond the Usual™ by Email
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
R. Ann Rousseau writes about metaphysical, spiritual and astrology topics on her blog Explore Beyond the Usual. She is author of the new novel PORTSMOUTH A Love Story Now Available in Print and Ebook on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Smashwords. Follow R. Ann Rousseau on Twitter @RAnnRousseau
Facebook. www.facebook.com/PortsmouthALoveStory
Other Blog Posts by R. Ann Rousseau: The Gift of Criticism - Does it Belong to You?, The Real Rules of Life Book Review, Tales of Everyday Magic - My Greatest Teacher (My Dad) Movie Review, What Did You Do Tomorrow? A Hay House Radio Show Discussion, Yes! Energy Book Review, Are You a Women’s Libber? Oprah’s Next Chapter with Gloria Steinem Discussion, What is Spirituality? - Oprah's Life Class Tour with Deepak Chopra, I Believe - Book Review, Hay House Radio Show Discussion, Living On Purpose - Oprah's Life Class Tour Discussion, My Titanic Family Legend, Pearls of Wisdom Book Review, Enough Already - The Power of Radical Contentment Book Review, Wishes Fulfilled - Oprah's Super Soul Sunday Discussion with Wayne Dyer, A Facebook Message from a Friend in Spirit, Are You Having a Life Crisis? Do You Know What Integrity Is? Wishes Fulfilled - Mastering the Art of Manifesting Book Review, Authentic Power - Oprah's Super Soul Sunday Discussion, KEM - Sophisticated, Sexy, Soulful and Spiritual, Are You Out of Alignment? Choice Point Book Review, The Middle Lane, Clean Your Mirrors, Three Feet From Gold - Book Review, Do You Need a Most Benevolent Outcome?, We Are All Connected Oprah's Super Soul Sunday Discussion, Release the Anger: Oprah's Super Soul Sunday Discussion, One Big Global Blogging Family, Book Review - Psychic Exploration A Challenge for Science, Hay House Radio's New Show SoundWave A Bit Hit!, Do You Believe in Soul Mates, The Future of Astrology, You Always Had the Power- Oprah's Life Class Discussion, Love Doesn't Hurt - Oprah's Life Class Discussion, The Unconditional Love of Animals-Oprah's Life Class Discussion, Your Life is Whispering to You. Pay Attention. Oprah's Life Class Discussion, The Power of a Second Chance: Oprah's Life Class Discussion, Aging : Oprah's Life Class Discussion, Connecting the Dots- Steve Jobs' Stanford Commencement Speech, The Truth Will Set You Free, Discussion of Oprah's Super Soul Sunday Premiere: The World Beyond, A Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom Moment, Breaking Out the Top Shelf Advice for Rough Times, Eat Dessert First -The Art of Extreme Self Care, Queen of the Law of Least Effort-Seven Spiritual Laws of Success Book Review, The Secret of Instant Healing Book Review, Transforming Fate into Destiny Book Review, Awakening the Lightworker Within Book Review, The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane Book Review, Trust Your Gut Book Review, The Spirit Whisperer Book Review, Astrology for the Light Side of the Brain Book Review, How to Be Inspired Book Review, Infinite Quest Book Review, Biology of Belief Book Review, The Morning Breeze Has Secrets to Tell, The Gentle Way II Book Review, Do You Fear or Respect Mother Nature?, You Can Heal Your Life Movie Review, Impossible Situations are Great Opportunities, Do You Have Enough?, A Wright Brothers Moment! The Sacred Promise Book Review
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