11 / Warren Shepherd / Photographer
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Warren Shepherd is a Toronto-based photographer whose creative roots trace back to writing—long before he ever stepped behind a camera. Once a storyteller with words, he now builds narratives through light and expression. His background in writing brings depth and intention to his portrait work, giving each image the feeling of a story unfolding in a single frame. We’re very proud to have Warren as an Associate Member of Headshots Member.
1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Being able to pursue my passion for photography whilst sustaining a reasonably comfortable lifestyle for myself and my wife.
2. What is your greatest fear or challenge?
Being good at photography but never being successful at it - they are two vastly different things.
3. What trait do you most value in yourself?
My rational thinking.
4. What is the trait that you most value in others?
Sincerity.
5. Which living person do you most admire?
Ricky Gervais
6. What is your greatest extravagance?
The odd meal out.
7. What is your current state of mind?
I feel like I'm on the launchpad, loaded and fuelled, eagerly searching for the spark to send me on my way, yet seeing nothing but darkness.
8. What do you consider to be the most underrated virtue?
Integrity.
9. On what occasion do you break the rules?
Never (knowingly) or in such a minute way as long as it harms no one else.
10. What do you most like about your life?
The creative passion I've discovered and the warm and supportive environment my wife fosters in order to help me live my dream.
11. What quality do you most enjoy in someone you work with?
Cooperation and compassion.
12. Which words, phrases, or gestures do you most overuse?
"Capturing the truth of my subjects."
13. What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My wife, Miao, without whom I would be nowhere...
14. When and where are you happiest?
Doesn't matter where, but whenever I'm sparked by creative inspiration (this could be a movie, book, public space - anything that fires up my creative juices).
15. Which talent would you most like to have?
Possibly painting.
16. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I'd love to finally be successful at something that gives me great creative pleasure. So far, this has eluded me.
17. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
So far, the publication of my sci-fi novel, "Sex, Bugs & UFOs". So far.
18. Where would you most like to live?
I was born in England and left when I was seven, but my heart has always been there. The plan is to return there one day to live in a small, village and bond with the community.
19. What is your most treasured possession?
I don't really treasure possessions, but I do have my late Mum's ashes, so that she's always with me.
20. What is your favourite way to spend your time?
I love the creative world - movies/TV, reading, creating (photography and writing). And if my wife is there, so much the better.
21. Who are your heroes in real life?
Did I mention Ricky Gervais - I admire his honesty and rational thought.
22. What is your ultimate dealbreaker?
Anything that makes me compromise my integrity and principles.
23. What is your greatest regret?
Not finishing university. However, regrets best left in the past. Every decision I've ever made has led me to where I am now - change any one of those millions of choices and I may not have found my wife, may not have published my book, may not be driven by my passion for photography.
24. What has been your favourite journey?
It has to be my journey to be a successful portrait photographer, mainly because it caught me quite off guard. I never would have expected to be on this path, so every new twist is a new adventure I couldn't have predicted.
25. What kind of legacy would you like to leave?
I don't have children (decided long ago that this wasn't in my plans) so I'm happy to have left my book behind, the hope being that people will be able to have a glimpse into my psyche for years to come. Now add to that the many portraits I've taken that I hope have touched my subjects, and I think I'd be quite happy with that.
For more information about Warren Shepherd and his photography you can find him at: www.warrenshepherdphotography.com and also view his work on social at: Instagram and LinkedIn
