A cherry farm in Northport, with Lake Michigan beyond, was photographed with a drone. Come sunset, the fall colors in the trees’ foliage become even more astounding. Photo by Sheen Watkins
Sheen Watkins, inset photo, is a fine-art photographer and writer whose work reflects the connection between presence, places, and the natural world. Rooted in Michigan for more than 30 years, Watkins says she finds inspiration in the state’s beautiful blue lakes, forests rich in flora and fauna, and ever-changing light. While she embraces travel across the U.S., she always looks forward to returning home to Northport, where Lake Michigan offers many shades and hues of her favorite color — blue.
From pastel sunrises to bold night skies glowing with an intense Aurora Borealis, she creates imagery that invites viewers to pause, reflect, and experience the landscape on a deeper level. Her photographs blend artistry with a strong sense of atmosphere, as she captures moments of beauty, solitude, and discovery across all four seasons.
Sheen Watkins
Beyond photography and Michigan, Watkins writes about art, travels, nature, and the stories that emerge when we slow down enough to notice them.
Watkins says her work is guided by curiosity, daily joys found in the natural environment, and a desire to inspire meaningful connection.
That short period during twilight, just a few minutes before sunrise, is one of Sheen Watkins’ favorite times to capture Great Lakes beauty. Here, at the marina in Northport, Watkins managed to blend a feeling of fleeting stillness that’s enhanced with rose pinks and smoky violets envelopng sleeping sailboats. Photo by Sheen Watkins
Good photographers are ready at a moment’s notice for whatever Mother Nature has up her sleeve. Here, at about 1 a.m., Watkins’ diligence paid off as the northern lights shone over Lake Superior at the Porcupine Mountains State Park/Union Bay campground. The spectacular sky show, also known as the aurora borealis, occurs when charged particles from the sun travel toward Earth and crash into gases in our upper atmosphere. Photo by Sheen Watkins
Lake Fanny Hooe, a 227-acre wonder in the Upper Peninsula’s Keweenaw County, is awe-inspiring when viewed right before sunrise. The photographer used a drone for this breathtaking image. The lake sits adjacent to and is partially bordered by Fort Wilkins Historic State Park in Copper Harbor. Photo by Sheen Watkins
A mid-morning stop in October along the shores of Lake Superior between Marquette and Munising paid off in glittery golds and oranges complemented by cobalt and sapphire blues. Add in smooth sands and intricate rock formations and you get pure Upper Peninsula. Photo by Sheen Watkins
Watkins refers to this painting-like photo, taken in Empire during the late afternoon, as “Lake Michigan Blues.” Between and around the curls and lips of the mesmerizing Lake Michigan waves the energetic water dances, emitting a multide of blues — from cerulean and azure to turquoise and indigo. Whitewater tops are icing on the cake, making the blues pop even more. Meanwhile, the sky’s soft palette caps the overall mood. Photo by Sheen Watkins
At around sunset, Watkins used a drone flying from her yard in Northport to depict the never-ending beauty along Lake Michigan. Located near the northern tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, the Northport region lies on the shore of Grand Traverse Bay, providing countless photo opportunities for the photographer. Photo by Sheen Watkins
Sheen Watkins, who has served the local art community as a long-term board member of the Northport Arts Association, is the organization’s current president. She’s also a docent for the Leelanau Conservancy, and credits the group for giving her the inspiration to move to Northport from Birmingham several years ago.
