We were lucky to catch up with Patrick Shea recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Patrick thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I started taking photography more seriously about three years ago after my Grandmother’s passing. She always had a camera in her hand and captured so many memories of our family and was so appreciative of that especially as those loved ones started to pass. My inspiration for this comes from her and hoping that I can capture similar moments for others to look back on. Most of what I learned was from trial and error and of course copious amounts of YouTube videos from other creators. I do wish I would have taken this more seriously back in 2015 when I received my first camera I can only imagine where I could have been now with nearly 10 years of experience. The most important skill like with any craft is patience “practice makes perfect”. The only obstacle I’ve encountered is myself and shrugging off any self doubt.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Patrick Shea I’m originally from Greensboro, NC now based in Charlotte, NC. I started pursuing photography about three years ago and starting to take it more seriously within the last year. My biggest influence in wanting to pursue photography goes to my Grandmother Janet Shea, She always had some form of camera in her hand capturing a family gathering to the most random scenes around town. After her passing I really began to appreciate those collection of images over her life. I can’t say I have found my exact niche yet I find myself drawn to all forms of photography (Sports, Landscape, Wildlife, Street photography, etc) real goal right now is to be as well rounded as possible. I am proud to say I can see my progress over the last year and reflect positively on it especially since I’m guilty of being my own worst critic.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I hope that however long this creative journey last I can make as many connections as possible and to be a positive influence on those around myself and hopefully them onto me.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being creative is using your work to be able to connect with people, to see people overjoyed from something you created is priceless.
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