Sean Sheridan is a photojournalist and author who for the last 16 years has been shooting and writing stories that elevate people and brands. Sheridan has a bachelor of science degree in journalism from the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas. His first major work project was to help craft the marketing plan surrounding the launch of Bill Gates’ best-selling book, The Road Ahead and produce the CD-ROM version bound into the book. He also contributed to Gates’ second book, Business @ the Speed of Thought, before joining a private production company to shoot film projects around the world. In July 2002, Sheridan started 4:Minute.Media to tell compelling stories through feature writing, photography, film, and publishing. His work has taken him to nearly 60 countries and has been found in SMITHSONIAN magazine and on the cover of The Washington Times, countless development agencies and gallery exhibitions, Testimony Africa—his book about the terrible beauty of AIDS, genocide, and hunger in Africa—and most recently Wahl STORY, his book about renowned graffiti artist Erik Wahl. Sheridan and his family live in Colorado.
Last week I did something I had not done in 14 years: run through the Campanile and down the hill at Mt. Oread and around the stadium in Lawrence, Kansas at the University of Kansas. I managed to shoot two rolls of film, and I had an amazing time reconnecting with this place, the people, and the memories of my college years. I also had the privilege of speaking to a class of journalism students at the William Allen White School of Journalism (where I have a bunch of photographs on display).
Being at KU and the J School brought back many memories of where I came from, all of which made be thankful for the journey I have taken to where I am now. And although Old KU lost the football game (barely), the time with friends in that place will be something I won’t soon forget — if ever. I just hope that it doesn’t take another 14 years to make it back there!
About a year ago I spent a good bit of the fall hanging out with artist, author and speaker Erik Wahl (and his wife, Tasha) doing interviews, photography and research for the biography called Wahl STORY that I wrote. It was a great time, and I am proud of the book that came out of these times together. I consider it some of my best work, hands down. We managed to laugh a good bit of the time, too, which resulted in a lot of crazy stuff working it’s way into the book. No topic was off the table, not even random stuff like this:
Erik Wahl at the San Diego House of Blues, December, 2011
“McDonald’s, if you’re looking at booking me, I’m still interested in speaking to you, and I think I can do a lot for your general managers, front-line staff, and executive leadership, but…I’m not so sure that your food is as healthy and nutritious as it could be.” –Erik Wahl
Apart from the book, which I know you will enjoy, being with the Wahls confirmed to me that if you really do want to go for something in life, then anything is possible if you are simply willing to give it a shot. I, of course, am a believer in that already, but sometimes it takes being with someone to ignite whatever it is in the head or the heart or the gut that actually motivates people to go do something. The book itself, in some ways, was a by-product of that very process for me. At the end of the day, Wahl’s message is to take the step, however big or small it may be. So if you are sitting there wondering what is next for you and you can’t shake that little tug in the head or the heart or the gut…that’s probably something that you should not ignore. Go for it. And if you do go on to do something cool, be sure to ping Erik and let him know. I can pretty much guarantee that when he’s sitting at the Peet’s there in San Diego working on his next presentation he’ll actually take the time to read it–and smile.
This summer I bought a piece of art at the Crested Butte Art Fair from a guy named Anthony Hansen. I loved the simplicity and beauty of it–two things that I try to bring to my photography. It got me thinking about images I have shot along the way that are just so…well, analog in such a digital world. Since I shot many of these images on old-school film, it seemed like it could be a fun idea to pull a show together that I am calling Living Analog in a Digital World. Below are a few dozen of the images (there are more, believe me) pulled from the collection. I am in talks right now with a few galleries and places where the show will hit. More soon on that. Meanwhile, enjoy this little glimpse into a simple and beautiful world…
For the last year it has been my pleasure to work with Erik and Tasha Wahl in telling the incredible story of their lives and business success. Wahl Story is the culmination of many interviews, photo sessions, and times hanging out with the Wahls. I count it as some of my best work, ever. I know you will enjoy thumbing through and reading the book that The War of Artauthor Steven Pressfield calls “What a piece of work! … Really amazing.” And he’s right. Story is the authorized inside’s look at the man, show and revolution that asks us to believe. For those willing to take that risk, life as we know it will be over, and a new chapter will begin. Learn more about who Erik Wahl is and what he and Tasha are doing…
Once a Jayhawk, always a Jayhawk they say. This month and running through the fall semester at the University of Kansas, I am following Barb Kinney as the “Alumni Photographer” at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, my alma mater.
This ultra cool gallery show consists of 25 14″ x 18″ black and white prints that I have made from my portfolio of some of the hardest-hit areas of the world that I have been to over the last eight years. Each photograph features people and situations that tell a story of what life is really like all over the world and show people overcoming oppression and injustice. I think this show will both humble and inspire people.
I’d love for you to stop in and see them if you are anywhere near Lawrence, Kansas. More info on this show and events surrounding it this fall will be posted soon!
