Meet Sean Sheridan | Critically Acclaimed Photojournalist and Filmmaker

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

Hi Sean, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I have always been willing to go to the hardest places on earth because I believe this is where the best stories are. This offers, perhaps, the biggest chance to make a difference, but can also come with some legitimate concerns for things like personal safety. But like they say, no risk no reward. Still, I try to take very calculated risks–I have a wife and kids I want to come home to! So practically speaking I wouldn’t take an assignment into a difficult area if I weren’t going with a trustworthy client who insured that I would always have a local with me, someone who speaks the language and is from the place I am being asked to go. This makes it far more likely we could get out of trouble should it come looking for us. And that’s the other thing–I don’t go looking for trouble. If I wanted to do that, I am confident I would find it, in a hurry. But that’s not what I am looking for: I am looking for moments of unguarded human emotion in difficult places in order to make photographs that can affect the way we look at the world. And to me–this is worth the risk!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a photographer and filmmaker who has spent over two decades in 97 countries elevating people and brands through the power of the image. From revealing the dignity and resilience of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people to demystifying the most influential leaders and celebrities of our time, I am known for capturing the untold stories of transformation that inspire and unite mankind. One of these moments occurred while shooting in Liberia in 2015 with various courageous nonprofit organizations to capture stories of hope and impact; I joined the ranks of the “Ebola Fighters” who received TIME magazine’s “Person of the Year” accolade. It was amazing, but challenging. Many people didn’t want to go there and take the risk of contracting this deadly virus. I for some reason felt compelled to go. It was one of the only times in my career where I felt fearful. But I was with good people who were motivated to stay alive! I learned to keep going, be vigilant, and work hard to get a story that could be meaningful to people. There was nothing like it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting the area and I wanted to show them the best time ever, I would you take them out and about the town for the best food and drinks that exist in Colorado Springs. We’d also do a fair amount of barbecuing and consuming the best libations to be had right in my own backyard, experiencing what Joe Walsh sang of in his iconic song “Rocky Mountain Way” where you can look out upon snow covered mountains while enjoying the green grass and warm temperatures down below. My back yard has that. So we’d leverage that. I also would hit some of the sight, like the top of Pike’s Peak, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and Garden of the Gods. The week would end by driving up to Breckenridge for burger, beer and some epic hikes (or skiing if it were winter)!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout goes to the assignment editors who have taken a risk on me to travel around the world and bring back compelling images that have a chance at creating massive change. They are amazing people who put a great deal of trust in me to get the job done, and do it in a way that allows them to further their mission. I am grateful for the people along the way who have done this for me and taken a chance on me to bring back the content they need!

Website: https://www.seansheridan.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theseansheridan/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-p-sheridan/

Twitter: https://x.com/seansheridan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spsheridan/

Image Credits
(C) Sean Sheridan. All Rights Reserved.