About Me...
My name is Colin Watkins, and I work out my home studio in Westcliff, Essex. I developed a love for art and photography when I was growing up, and would spend hours in my local library. I was lucky enough to secure a place at Southend School of Art and Design studying photography when I was 18, I studied under Peter Fredricks a renowned alternative process photographic artist
From there I went into advertising in Canterbury andLondon, when I took a career u-turn and re-trained as a builder. I retired early, and rediscovered my love for photography (and some of my old equipment!). After dusting off my old cameras, I built a dark room, then a studio, and I have been focusing on my photography non-stop since. I have been featured in Amateur Photographer magazine a couple of times for my portrait work and also featured in the current issue of the renowned international film magazine Silvergrain Classics. My work has a permanent home and is on display at Cafè Vino 50 Elm Road Leigh on sea. Essex ss9 1sn
I exhibit regularly in Leigh and Southend with a local artist group I founded called the -5 Collective, with a mission to promote young artists, and encourage them to show their work. I won the Essex photographer of the year award in 2021, and have been featured in magazines including Amateur Photographer, Essex Life and Silver Grain Classics.
I love finding the beauty or nobility in people and bringing it out in my photos. I try and create something timeless to be treasured, but I also make sure that the portrait sessions are relaxing, fun and inspiring!
I am open to commissions, and would be interested in working with people who have exciting ideas for their portrait. I want to help bring your ideas to life, and make beautiful portraits.