A high school art class lesson on Dorthea Lange inspired moving from photography as a hobby to a career for Sean. This was followed by work on the high school yearbook and newspaper and on to a journalism degree from Boston University.
Internships in Lima, Ohio and Bridgeport, Connecticut led to a job as the Digital Imaging Technician at The Day in New London, Connecticut.
A transition to staff photographer happened in 1994 and promotion to Chief Photographer in 2002.
Sean has served on the NPPA's board of directors, first as Region 1 Associate Director, since 1999. He has served as regional director, National Secretary, Vice President and President over the intervening years.