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

San, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Ive had a camera in my hand since the 80’s. When I moved to Fort Lauderdale, Fl and found a Community school that taught classes – I knew then I wanted to take it to another level. Leaving New York and being thrust back into nature with all the parks and preserves in the area; I bought my first DSLR camera.
I learned of community classes for photography and enrolled. I honed in on my specialty: Nature & Landscape & started shooting everyday.
While in class, i was told about an Artwalk in FatVillage; which offers local artist an avenue to sell their hoods to the public. I vowed I would have a booth in the future amongst my peers. July 2022, my heart desires cane true – I was a vendor at FatVillage Artwalk!!

San, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My inspiration into Nature became strong after the New Mexico Gulf oil spill, I felt compelled to capture as much of Mother Nature’s creation as I could. My most proud photograph is of an early morning commute to work – I captured the trees along the highway with the sun rising in the background. Fog overlays the trees and you can smell the dew in the picture. Such a glorious shot.
I love all things nature & art. Im passionate about long country car rides and having photo sessions along the way. Exploring new paths to photograph new flowers, animals or the right landscape shot that will tell the story.
There is a story in old structures, parks & preserves and vast country sides…and I want to lnow it, capture it, spread it.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of my creative is sharing it with the kids. I started a program called Nature Photography Camp for Kids before Covid hit so I had to postpone it. The three hour, weekend outing would entailed the kids learning about photography and nature’s creatures at different parks throughout Broward county. I feel there are alot of curious kids but not enough guidance and time offered to answer their questions. This time also gets them to use their imagination, creativity, and to express themselves freely while interacting amongst their peers.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The lesson I had to unlearn is Procrastination – it does not get better later. I had to push to do it now. Especially on social media, I struggle with a daily or constant presence to this day. Ive set alarms but if I take awesome photos; I eager to share not spread them over days..lol
So I taught myself to take at least a few photos within the day & edit two photo to post. One in the morning and one in the evening; I think its a great strategy.
If one only practices what they preach BUT Im getting better!
One day at a time, young grasshopper!

Contact Info:

• Website: Sanstokesphotography.wordpress.com
• Instagram: san.stokes.photography
• Facebook: San Stokes Photos

Image Credits
San Stokes Photography