My introduction to Sean Kernan and the breadth of his work was at a business conference sponsored by the American Society of Media Photographers almost a decade ago. Sean gave an inspiring talk about photography and showed images from his book, Among Trees. He then called everyone up to the front and asked for volunteers to do a movement exercise. I hesitated for a moment, then thought, I’m here to be uncomfortable and grow and threw myself into the mix. For the next few minutes Sean walked a group of us through a process of interactions that transformed my thinking about creativity and connections with other people. A few years later ASMP held another iteration of the conference and I went, almost exclusively, because Sean was presenting. Sean did not disappoint.

When his most recent book, Looking into the Light: Creativity and the Photographer was published I was excited to see if it brought a similar energy and insight into the exploration of seeing. As with my previous experiences, Sean delivers the goods.

Sean is not only a successful photographer, recognized for his work in both the commercial and exhibition art worlds. He has also worked in theater, written four books, produced and directed two documentaries, and taught at several universities as well as the esteemed Maine and Santa Fe Workshops.