Daily Inspiration: Meet Todd Wilkins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Todd Wilkins

Hi Todd, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
These days, if it’s horse related… I probably photograph it. However, it wasn’t always that way. It was a weird and windy road to get me where I am with my photography.

About a decade ago while working on writing a novel, I was suffering from some creative block so my photographer friend suggested I pick up a camera and see if getting outside and looking at the world through a different lens (literally) might get the creative juices flowing. Did it ever! I instantly fell in love with the art form and haven’t looked back… much to the chagrin of my writing buddies.

At the time I was living in St. Petersburg, FL and got my start photographing landscapes and wildlife (particularly dolphins). Shortly after, I also began documenting the work of artists during the SHINE mural festival as they created the outdoor art gallery that is downtown St. Pete. Once I began shooting with people, it was an easy move into fashion and portraits.

When life circumstances brought the family back to the KC metro over three years ago, I had to figure out what I could shoot to both satisfy my creative side, while also paying the bills. Without a large fashion industry or beaches here in KC, I really had no clue what I was going to do.

Having grown up in Lawrence and spending time in the country and around horses, it didn’t take me long to hone in on Western Fashion and Equine sports. I booked a shoot with a local Western store the first month I got back and then reached out to some local horse trainers shortly there after and have shot almost exclusively Western Fashion and Rodeo since then.

I am lucky enough to work with and around amazing animals that are my personal stress relievers and have become apart of an fantastic community of trainers, owners, and riders across multiple disciplines.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
NOPE! I wouldn’t have it any other way either. My biggest obstacle was probably due to poor timing. I found photography while I was working full time, my wife was in her Medical Residency, and we had two small kids. To say free time to explore my art was limited is an understatement. It took working around crazy schedules, late nights of editing (which never goes away), and a lot of support from friends and family to even get me to a place I could improve all of the skills necessary to succeed in this game.

Another large obstacle for me was spending time trying out a wide variety of photographic styles, as well as really figuring out what my own “look/edit” was. I am thankful for all of the learning opportunities I had while shooting various styles and types of photography, but trying to become and “expert” in so many different areas was just not feasible and I feel I wasted a lot of time chasing clients rather than settling on what my brand was and marketing that.

I spent a lot of time in my early career doing any job I could and changing the look of my photos to meet the clients wants and needs. After nearly 10 years in this business, it has always served me better to focus in on what type of photography I love doing and producing content with my consistent look. Clients now know what they’re going to get and if I’m not the right person for them, no problem. The authenticity and passion come through in my work and those are the shots that resonate with people and clients.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My main focuses are Western Fashion & Branding, as well as Equine Sports (particularly Western).

Western Fashion has been pretty popular in larger society lately, which has been a blessing and a curse. It’s great to see so many people find their way and have a new appreciation for Western and Country culture. So many people who never felt comfortable enough to put on cowboy boots and hats are now doing just that and I think it’s awesome. The only issue I have seen is that because it’s popular, I have seen a lot of people taking Western photos that include horses, but don’t pay attention to making sure the animal is also posed and positioned well. I put as much focus on ensuring the animal is posed as well as possible as I do the human subject.

Equine Sports is another fancy name for what most folks just call Rodeo. There are so many disciplines within Equine Sports (I’m still learning new ones every week it seems), so I won’t fault anyone who calls me a ‘Rodeo Photographer’. I have had the privilege of getting connected with phenomenal people and getting to shoot some bigger events (PBR & PRCA Rodeo) I never dreamed of doing.

What I absolutely love doing is combining “normal” fashion/couture with a western twist. Having started out shooting traditional fashion shows and models, it is something I absolutely love doing… but I have to bring in some stylish boots, hats, and accessories to really mash-up those two looks into something unique, particularly here in Kansas City, but in the industry at large as well. That is what I think sets me apart from so many other photographers.

What I hope I’m most know for is being a supportive creator, which is part of what I’m most proud of. The hard working, caring, talented, and creative people I’ve surrounded myself with since being back in KC has been life changing and I’m happy to give back to them in any way that I can. What I want to be known for is sincerely supporting other artists, creatives, and adjacent business owners regardless of their industry or medium.

The photography industry is cutthroat is so many places around the country (and can feel like that here), but putting yourself in a good and, most importantly, honest group has been pivotal to my work successes.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Phlearn.com was absolutely pivotal for my early career. I learned so much from their tutorials and would not be a fraction of the editor I am without those videos and articles.

Cam Mackey, Ben Christensen, Click Thompson, and Kenzie Holmberg (aka Bonafide Cowboy) are all creators who I’m always getting inspiration from. Their YouTube channels and educational groups have been huge for me.

I am a Sony shooter and they release a ton of great info about their gear which allows me to improve my shooting techniques. Shout out to Niah of Niah Rose Photography (a KC legend) for always keeping me updated on the latest and greatest if I miss something.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jtwproductions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtw.productions/