We caught up with the brilliant and insightful John Watkins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi John, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Growing up in Florida, the son of a Vietnam vet and a waitress, I never had a clear vision of my “dream job,” but I was sure about one thing: I wanted to be successful. After college at Southern Arkansas University, I dove into aerospace manufacturing in Stamps, AR. Within five years, I climbed up to be a floor lead and manager. But the small-town life wasn’t enough for me. I craved more. This led me to Mukilteo, WA, through a phone interview.

Fast forward through five years of various roles and a layoff during Covid, I found myself with a Fuji mirrorless camera in hand, photographing wildlife. But the call of a steady job lured me back, this time as a corrections officer in Downtown Seattle. The job was intense, filled with stories and 70-hour weeks. After three grueling years, I took the biggest leap of my life: I quit to open Watkins Photography.

For the past six months, I’ve been riding on savings and income from corporate headshots and social media management. It’s a world where I create content to help other small businesses flourish. It’s the most significant risk I’ve ever taken. The future is uncertain, but every day is an exciting step in discovering whether I’ll make it. And honestly? I’m loving every bit of this journey.

John, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m John Watkins, the heart and lens behind Watkins Photography, based in the scenic Mukilteo, WA. My journey into photography wasn’t a straight path. After a diverse career spanning from aerospace manufacturing in Arkansas to a corrections officer in Seattle, I found my true calling behind the camera.

Photography for me began as a hobby, capturing the beauty of wildlife through a Fuji mirrorless camera. This passion evolved into a profession when I decided to take a bold leap and establish Watkins Photography. My studio, a cozy 350-square-foot space, is where I bring visions to life.

At Watkins Photography, we specialize in crafting headshots, portraits, and branding images that speak volumes. We also excel in family portrait work and social media content creation, helping businesses and professionals shine online. My unique blend of experiences gives me a distinct perspective, allowing me to create images that are not just pictures but stories captured in time.

What sets us apart? It’s the blend of professionalism, creativity, and personal touch. Each click of the camera is a commitment to quality and a reflection of our client’s essence. Being one of the highest-rated photographers in Mukilteo isn’t just a title; it’s a responsibility that we wear with pride.

I’m most proud of the risks I’ve taken to pursue this passion. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about building relationships and helping others grow their brand and presence through visual storytelling. To potential clients, followers, and fans, know this: at Watkins Photography, your vision is our canvas, and we’re dedicated to creating images that not only capture moments but also propel your story forward.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being a creative, especially in the realm of photography, videography and social media content creation, is the impact I can make on other small businesses. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about helping local bars, restaurants, and even local bands grow their success on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. My philosophy is simple: always deliver more than what my clients expect.

A perfect example of this is my recent work with an amazing new band from Mukilteo called Under the Puddle. When they approached me, they were looking for a way to amplify their online presence. Within just three months of collaborating, we skyrocketed their impressions on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube by over 400%. Their interactions across these platforms also soared by more than 600%. The band was in sheer disbelief at the success we achieved in such a short span.

That reaction, that moment of disbelief turned into realization and joy from hard-working, blue-collar clients – that’s what makes it all worth it for me. It’s not just about taking great photos and videos or creating compelling content; it’s about empowering these businesses to reach heights they never thought possible.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media has been a journey of consistent learning and creativity. I’ve recently crossed the milestone of 1,000 followers on Facebook and am on the brink of reaching the same on Instagram. My approach? Crafting content that’s funny, engaging, and informative.

One significant step I’ve taken is diving into the world of blogging. At https://www.watkins.photography/blog, I’ve started sharing my insights to teach small businesses how to increase their reach and grow their followers. I aim to publish 2-4 blogs a month, each targeting specific trades or industries. These posts are packed with tips and tricks I’ve learned and applied successfully.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to focus on creating content that resonates with your audience. Whether it’s humor, industry insights, or practical tips, find your unique voice and use it to engage your followers. And remember, it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about building a community that values what you share.

For businesses seeking more personalized assistance, I offer my services to help them navigate and grow their social media presence effectively. This blend of educational content and professional services forms the cornerstone of my approach to social media growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.watkins.photography
• Instagram: Instagram.com/john.watkins_photography
• Facebook: Facebook.Com/john.watkins.photography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-watkins-915454156?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@WatkinsPhotog?si=dt0GGtn1IXdS0gaw
• Other: My digital card link with all my social links and website: https://poplme.co/hash/2IYG372V/1/s