2023 Michigan Hawking Club Winter Field Meet
Ever since I was a kid I’ve been fascinated by falconry. For the past couple years I’ve been trying to find a way to get in contact with local falconers to photograph them and their birds. Finally in 2022 I got in touch with Lisa Clements who invited me to the 2023 Michigan Hawking Club’s Winter Field Meet. I had an amazing time getting to go on a hunt with Walter the Harris Hawk. I’m incredibly thankful to finally have been able to start this personal series on falconry. If you or someone you know is a falconer and would like photos of you and your bird I’d love to work with you.
Simon Family Portrait
It is always great getting to work with the Simon family. I got to photograph Tyler and Kayla’s wedding back in 2021 and their family portrait in 2022. For the last session of the year I got to photograph the entire Simon family.
2022 A Year in Review
In August 2021 I left my job as a direct care worker and decided to make photography my primary source of income again, like it was pre-pandemic. I also started a part time job as a janitor, which allowed me the flexibility to run my own business and fulfill my other vocations. In 2022 I got to photograph 15 weddings, the most I’ve ever had in one year. I also got to photograph real estate, events, headshots, models, families, and senior portrait work.
For personal work, I started several personal series that I’d been contemplating for a long time. The first of which being an on running series called Localism which features images from the towns in Mid-Michigan I frequent and have the most sentimental connection too. Most of the images so far are taken in Clare and Midland counties. I originally hoped to have made more progress on this series throughout the year, but ended up focusing on other priorities as the year went on. The second personal series was titled Fantastical Shenanigans and features images from various whimsical and lighthearted model shoots. I was originally planning to have this be two separate series. One focusing on humor and the other on fantasy but after looking at the images I’d shot I decided to make it one series.
Outside of running my business I have several other vocations as well. I’ve been a deacon in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church since 2021 and also teach the middle school aged Christian Education class. I’m now the Vice President and Treasure of the Clare Area Jaycees for 2023. I’ve also been a photographer for Fostering Hope/Royal Family kids camp since 2018. Reading has been my main hobby since 2016. This year I was able to read over 130 books thanks to audiobooks, which allow me to listen while driving and retouching. I’ve started taking dieting and exercise seriously and hope to be in far better health by this time next year.
For 2023 I have several weddings booked that both my second shooter Nikki and I will be photographing. I also plan to continue to offer portrait sessions, headshots, event, and commercial work in addition to selling fine art prints online.
Below are my favorite images from 2022.
John and Carrie Wedding
John and Carrie’s beautiful wedding at the Great Hall in Midland, Michigan was a great final wedding for 2022. I couldn’t have asked for a kinder couple to work with.
Meet My Second Shooter Nikki
My second shooter Nikki and I have been shooting weddings together since 2017. Here are a few of Nikki’s best images. Also check out her facebook page.
Kelley Family Portrait
I had a great time getting to work with the Kelley family for their portrait at the historic Doherty Hotel in Downtown Clare, Michigan.
Eliy Simmer Modeling Shoot
I had a great time getting to work with Eliy Simmer for a recent modeling shoot! Check out the interview 9&10 News did with Eliy here.
Awning Real Estate
A few real estate photos from a recent shoot for Awning in Harrison, Michigan
Place Wedding
My second shooter Nikki and I had a great time getting to photograph Matthew and Renee Place’s wedding at Christian Celebration Center in Midland! It was great getting to see many familiar faces of fellow volunteers from Royal Family Kids Camp.
Simon Family Portrait
I had a great time getting to photograph the newest addition to the Simon Family.
Haremski Family Portrait
I had a great time getting to photograph the Haremski family portraits near the Tridge in Midland, Michigan!
Mike and Kara Engagement Session
I had a great time getting to photograph Mike and Kara’s engagement session at Veterans Park in Sanford during the great fall colors.
Tiffany Halloween Shoot
I had a great time getting to work with Tiffany from Moon Child Modeling again. This time for a Halloween shoot in Mt Pleasant, Michigan.
Robin Halloween Shoot
I had a great time working with Robin from Dark Angel Modeling again this time for a Halloween and Fall themed shoot.
Brock and Rachel Wedding
I had a great time getting to be part of Brock and Rachel’s wedding in Greenville, Michigan!
Featured in Voyage Michigan Magazine
Voyage Michigan recently featured an interview with me in their magazine. View the article here https://voyagemichigan.com/interview/daily-inspiration-meet-ryan-watkins/
Josh and Amber Wedding
My second shooter Nikki and I had a great time getting to photograph Josh and Amber’s wedding in Ithaca, Michigan! It was great getting to spend time with so many people we’ve know most our lives.
Hayley Clown Shoot
I had a great time working with Hayley from Hayley’s Wild of Modeling again this time for a clown themed shoot at Island Park in Mt Pleasant, Michigan.
Alison Halloween Shoot
I had a great time getting to work with Alison from Alison Kay Modeling this time for a Halloween themed shoot at the McIreland Trail in Clare, Michigan.
