About Sheryl Checkman

Sheryl Checkman is an award-winning designer with more than 25 years' experience in applying innovative yet pragmatic solutions to the full range of communications and design challenges. Before opening Checkman Design, Sheryl was Vice President & Manager, Design Services, for the public relations agency Burson-Marsteller from 1981-1992. Prior to that she was an Art Director at the The Barton Gillet Company, a marketing communications firm. Sheryl graduated from Cornell University and attended a Masters program in Communications Design at Pratt Institute as well as a three-month design program at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. She graduated from the High School of Music & Art in New York City. Sheryl is an avid skier and scuba diver. She swims, plays tennis, practices yoga and enjoys taking pictures, both above and below the water. She adds her creative signature to her photographs by creating Digital Fine Art which she currently exhibits in her online gallery. She recently launched a line of inspirational sports-themed T-shirts under the name Life is Balance®. In addition to her design work, Sheryl also creates custom photomontages for a variety of corporate and consumer clients.

2020 – My Photographic Journey through an Isolating Year

Posted on March 12, 2021 by Sheryl Checkman

My Photographic Journey through an Isolating Year Book cover

Over the course of 10 months, I traversed New York City and its environs by foot, bike, ferry, and occasionally by car, my camera in hand, seeking out the beauty in nature as a reaction to the devastating Covid-19 Pandemic. The resulting book, 2020–My Photographic Journey Through an Isolating Year documents my ability to see past the loneliness of social distancing and, find inspiration and some positive brightness in an otherwise bleak year.

My Photographic Journey through an Isolating Year, Randall's Island book spread

My Photographic Journey through an Isolating Year, Central Park, book spread

Desperate to get outside and combat the loneliness of being separated from friends and family, I grabbed my camera and embarked on walks around the city, discovering new things to see in familiar places. In addition to discovering new neighborhoods accessible by foot or ferry, I also learned the names of the various birds and wildlife that exist right here in NYC. Posting these images to Facebook and Instagram, I was surprised at how appreciative my friends were to join in virtually on my excursions. They were able to share my experiences through my photographs and, perhaps file this information for the time they too felt comfortable enough to visit them on their own.

I decided to put this book together to share my discoveries with other New Yorkers and show them just what beauty lies within their reach.

My photographic journey through an Isolating year, DUMBO Brooklyn book spread

My photographic journey through an Isolating year, Sam's Point hiking spread

My photographic journey through an Isolating year, Sam's point hik spread

I shot with an Olympus OMD EM5 Mark III mirrorless camera and the lenses that I used for these photos included: M. Zuiko 14-150mm, 60mm, 7-14 mm Pro, 8mm Pro Fisheye, and the 75-300mm.

The book is available in a large, coffee table size and also in a smaller 11 x 8 size in both hardcover and softcover.

My Photography is featured in the February/March X-Ray Magazine!

Posted on March 11, 2021 by Sheryl Checkman

X-Ray Magazine Photo Challenge Comparisons

I am very excited to have been chosen as one of three photographers featured in X-Ray Magazine’s Comparisons Photo Challenge in the February/March issue. The brief was to choose comparisons between underwater photos and topside land photos. The full article can be viewed here.

More comparisons by Sheryl Checkman Photography

Making the Best of life in Isolation

Posted on July 17, 2020 by Sheryl Checkman

During the Covid-19 Pandemic, I’ve had a lot of time to spend on my own. Rather than stay alone in my apartment, I’ve chosen to tak long walks with my camera exploring. Central Park has provided me with a wealth of photographic opportunity and a little bit of normal in an otherwise abnormal world. Before the Pandemic, I thought I knew the park pretty well, but during my walks I have discovered paths and places I’ve never been to before. I’ve traversed the park at all times of day, each time discovering new favorite spots to return to at different times of day.

The pond at the South Eastern end of Central Park

My photographic journeys have taken me to the Conservatory Gardens where I’ve watched the variety of flowers and plants change over the weeks, and to the North Woods, where I’ve discovered the brooks and trails that are home to an abundance of wildlife – if you stop to look and listen. I close my eyes and, hearing only the sounds of the birds and running water, I imagine that I am somewhere else – out of the city. The Ramble has also provided great photographic subject matter. Peeking out from the rambling wooded paths you can see the Central Park lake and the iconic NYC landmarks in the background.

Each time I venture into the park, a new adventure awaits. This past Saturday, I spent an hour with a brilliant red Cardinal and a BlueJay who both seemed willing models for the afternoon (maybe it was the pumpkin seeds I brought along as payment). Another day I was lucky to witness a family of Canadian Geese at the pond along the south eastern end of the park. The goslings were beyond cute (and very photogenic).

Central Park has been good for my soul during this pandemic. Without having a car, I have been unable to leave the city. Through my walks in the park however, I’ve been able to escape into nature right here in the middle of NYC. Walking in the park has not only lifted my mood and helped me improve my photography, but it has increased my daily step count as well – an added bonus!

I will continue to update this blog with the photos that I have been taking over the last 4 months. Watch as the seasons change and come explore with me!