We had the good fortune of connecting with Joey Watkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joey, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
I’d have to say, making the conscience decision to refuse to let lack of knowledge keep me from accomplishing something has been one of the most important factors to my success as a photographer. I am mostly self taught, and with technology and techniques always advancing, I have deciding to not allow myself to say, “I don’t know how to do (blank).” Instead, I say to myself, “I don’t how to do that, YET.” So many others are crippled by the intimidation factor of not knowing how to do something. However, the world is literally at our fingertips. Whatever challenge is keeping you from working or growing your own business, I can almost guarantee you that someone has written a blog or made a video or written an owner’s manual about it. I guess my stubbornness helps in this regard, because I’ve grown to trust that if I can’t do it, I add three little letters that change my approach, Y E T.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
One of the first things that come to mind when answering how my photography is different than others is this, I am an actor and, most importantly, a director. Whenever a theatre hires me to take production photos of their show I approach it as if I am directing it, and I think, “what moments would I want to capture.” Theatrical production photos are not always about being pretty, they are about capturing moments. Those moments almost always lead to better marketing photos, because it gives the audience something intriguing to look at, or if gives a better sense of what the show is about. If potential audience members know what they are waling into, I believe, they are more likely to buy a ticket. Covid 19 pushed me into the video world a bit, and I find the same philosophy applies when I am trying to capture and edit together moments of a show to give the audience a feeling of what the show is. My journey was not easy. I took a lot of bad photos. On the path of tons of bad photos I would sometimes have a great photo or two. Over time I started to figure out the difference in capturing a good photo and a great photo. Some of the biggest challenges have usually been connected to technique or technology. However, I decided a long time ago that I wouldn’t let those things stand in my way. If I can do it, anyone can.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
FOOD! There is so much good food in Houston and the surrounding area. Any visits with friends would begin and end with food. Some of my favorites spots are Local Table, Jupiter, Fat Boy’s Pizza, Onion Creek, and what kind of Houstonian would I be without visiting a TexMex spot, Chuy’s! There are other enjoyable texmex spots, but none of them have that liquid crack, creamy jalapeño. Since I’m a theatre guy, we would see shows at The AD Players, The Alley, and 4th Wall Theatre Company. If we wanted to enjoy the outdoors, we would make a trip to Herman Park and the Houston Zoo.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A very good friend of mine helped mentor me in my early days of photography, Jeff McMorrough. I would be where I am today without his expertise and advice. His work is still my North Star to make sure I am striving to grow and challenge myself in photography and , now, videography. Also, my wife is the most supportive person I know. Her grace and encouragement with my photography work is my foundation. She is the only person I trust to tell me which shot is my best shot. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the AD Players at the George Theatre. My wife and I auditioned for them in NYC back in 2004. I am so grateful that they gave a loud and obnoxious acting intern like me a chance to photograph some of their best shows. The work I’ve done for them over the years is something I am the most proud of.

Website: www.facebook.com/joeywatkinsphoto

Instagram: @joeywatkinsphoto

Facebook: @joeywatkinsphoto

Other: Here is a link to photos you can use for the shoutout. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WUzYgJWuqZANFg04mnFMHd-Rg5Pxa_A5?usp=sharing

Image Credits
All photos taken by myself, Joey Watkins

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