Award-winning photographer and Western Connecticut State University alumnus Fred Watkins will discuss his career in “A Photographic Walk through History” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15, in Ives Concert Hall in White Hall, on the university’s Midtown campus, 181 White St. in Danbury. The event is free and open to the public.
Watkins began his career in photography more than 25 years ago in the Time-Life photo lab in New York City. Through the decades, Watkins has worked for Time, Life and People magazines, ABC, ESPN, MCI, Pfizer, Miller Brewing Company, General Motors, Fox News and many other Fortune 500 companies.
Some of his most notable work includes photos of celebrities and famous athletes such as Muhammed Ali, Paul McCartney and Oprah Winfrey. Watkins also has an extensive portfolio of work documenting political leaders and state dignitaries including Jesse Jackson, President Barack Obama, Former President Bill Clinton and Former President George H. W. Bush.
In an interview, Watkins attributed much of his success to the education he received at WCSU, noting that almost everything he learned about photojournalism can be traced back to his work with The Echo, WCSU’s student-run newspaper.
“The Echo adviser, Professor Arnold Brackman, was the person who taught me how to take a good picture,” Watkins said. “I have a lot of respect and appreciation for him and the way he critiqued my work.”
Watkins still works as a freelance photographer for ABC on various reality TV shows, news programs and movies. He recently did an exclusive photoshoot for “Good Morning America” featuring Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his family in their private penthouse suite at the new Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C.