Brunswick's 'backyard photographer' ready to put her work on display
Who is Ellen Sheehan?
Known as the "backyard photographer," the Brunswick resident will soon have her work on display at the Museum of Coastal Carolina.
The StarNews recently interviewed the artist in advance of her showing.
About the photographer
For the last 20 years, Sheehan balanced her life of a being a full-time substitute teacher and mom. It was a perfect balance of working outside the home while being able to raise her two children. Fresh out of college, Sheehan started in business and marketing, working for the Poughkeepsie Journal in Marketing. She also worked in the sports department as the clerk and then assistant to the city editor.
"It was my time in the sports department that influenced my photography," Sheehan said.
In 2007, Sheehan suffered a stroke from a reaction to a medication. It damaged her writing and reading comprehension. As part of her rehabilitation, she was given a camera and once again discovered her passion for capturing situations around her.
"But God is good, He gave me the gift of photography," said Sheehan.
Sheehan's passion for photography grew when she received a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera from husband, Tim, as a Christmas gift in 2011.
"It is hard to explain but I saw everything as a photograph," said Sheehan. She now best expresses herself through photography.
What photos do you enjoy capturing?
Sheehan is inspired by Norman Rockwell’s photorealism style of painting. She loves to capture movement in her photography, photographing people on the sports playing field and wildlife in their natural environment. She enjoys capturing the beauty of her surroundings in her own backyard on Ocean Isle Beach.
"I advocate for co-existing with and protecting wildlife in their natural habitat," said Sheehan.
How did you became known as the 'backyard photographer'?
Backyard birding was one of the items on the list of important things in a house. They found the perfect home on a pond in Ocean Island Beach, which is home to alligators, Herons, Hood Mergansers, Ibis, frogs, Turtles and so much more.
One opportunity that came from COVID is that Sheehan began photographing the birds in her own backyard. It was an opportunity for her to sharpen her photography skill and stay connected and positive with friends and family that lived miles apart. When Sheehan's brother passed away in March 2020 from cancer, she started photographing birds in her own backyard and sharing the photos on Facebook, which earned her the title the "Backyard Photographer."
Is this your first opening?
"It is my first solo opening," Sheehan said. "I was part of a group show, in Richmond, Texas, in 2019. It is an honor to have my work recognized by the museum. The Carolina shore communities are my backyard canvas and being able to share my love of the region through my photography is so personally gratifying."
When is the showing?
Sheehan's artwork featuring local wildlife and notable Brunswick County locations will be held from March 7 through mid-September. Her formal opening is scheduled during Brunswick County’s second annual Community Day at the Museum, Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The artist will be available to discuss her work throughout the event, excluding from noon-1 p.m. The museum is located at 21 East Second St., Ocean Isle Beach.
"Photography is my relaxation and a reminder of what a beautiful region I live in. Crossing over (U.S.) 17 to the coastline instantly transforms me and inspires my photography," Sheehan said.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Brunswick's 'backyard photographer' work to show at Ocean Isle Beach
