Sean Watson is a bit of a legend in the Spokane/Coeur d’ Alene wedding community. He has been shooting weddings for 11 years, and has built a solid reputation both in Spokane and around the world as a destination wedding photographer. Sean comes highly recommended by his past brides and by some of Spokane’s top wedding professionals, and to top it off, he is one of the nicest guys you will meet! Which is why I feel truly honored to be adding him to our Featured Vendor list.
I sent Sean an interview to try and get to know him and his business a little better and he sent it back with a TON of great tips for you guys about how to choose a wedding photographer and what to look for. For most brides choosing a photographer starts with their budget, but Sean says this may not be the best way to approach the process. How can choose a photographer without knowing what is available to you? Sean has some great advice, read on!
This is good stuff girls.
How long have you been in photography?
I have been creating images for over 19 years, however I have been a professional wedding photographer for the past 11 years.
Why did you decide to go into wedding photography?
I became inspired to shoot weddings when attending a photography conference 11 years ago. The photographer was from Bend, Oregon and his style was very relaxed, fun and casual. Before seeing his work I felt wedding photography was very posed, stiff and uninteresting. I had no interest in shooting weddings in a structured style. Once I realized clients would accept a more candid, artistic style of wedding photography, I went head first into shooting weddings.
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my photography as clean, natural, modern, timeless and full of life. Many of my clients tell me my work has a “magazine” feel to it, and I would also consider much of my work a reflection of how I view the world and life.
What is your advice for brides and grooms looking for a wedding photographer?
How much space do I have?!
Most people you ask will recommend that you should determine your photography budget before searching for a photographer. However, how can you decide on a budget without meeting photographers and reviewing all of the options that are available to you?
My advice is to consider the following process:
- Find 3 photographers that represent the style of photography you would like to have for your wedding images.
- Schedule to meet with each one of them and discuss what they have to offer and their costs. During this meeting make sure you make a mental note which photographer you feel more comfortable with, as you will be spending a lot of time with him or her during a very important day.
- After you have met with each photographer, decide what items (hours of wedding coverage, albums etc.) you must have in your wedding package. In some situations it might be best to pay for the wedding coverage you need now and then decide on your album after the wedding.
- Once everything has been taken into consideration, then decide what your comfortable with spending for your wedding photography.
What makes your photography unique?
Consistency, quality, fun and the cleanliness of my images is what I feel makes my work unique during a time where photographers are adding textures to their images, and in my opinion, over-photoshoping their pictures to stand out of the crowd. In the long run my clients realize that great photography is something that will not go out of style.
What is your favorite part of a wedding?
Photographing the bride and groom!
I get in my “zone” when it comes time to photograph the bride and groom. However, my wife claims I get into more of a trance and my eyes seem to glass over. Whatever you want to call it, that’s my time to play! During this time I always try to make my clients at ease and comfortable as possible..
Will you travel?
Oh yeah. There were a couple years I had more destination weddings than local weddings!
What other tips do you have for brides and grooms?
There are a couple tips I would like to share with all of the new brides. I feel it’s very important, to hire a wedding planner for your wedding. I have photographed weddings around the world, and every wedding client that hired a qualified wedding planner, not only had a very smooth wedding day but also recommended one to their friends. Yes, planners are an added expense, but they can also save you a lot money and time! In fact, not having one at you wedding is similar to having a car with no engine. Do yourself, your family and your wedding vendors a favor and hire one of the Apple Bride wedding event planners.
My next tip refers to items that every wedding photographer should have at a minimum, before you consider hiring them for your wedding. If they can’t prove this to you in a reasonable amount of time, I would look elsewhere.
1) Backup camera gear. In the event your photographers camera stops working you want to make sure they have another camera with them!
2) Make sure the photographer has the experience necessary to photograph your wedding. Ask to see past weddings that they have photographed in its entirety. This you also see a complete wedding instead of just their “best” photos. You want to look for consistency in their photography.
3) Is their business licensed and insured?
4) Make sure you have a wedding contract that you both sign confirming your wedding date, with the items you both agreed upon, for the amount you agreed upon and terms that you can agree and follow. Having a contract will protect you both in case something does not go as planned. Remember that the photographer controls the timeline of your wedding up until the ceremony or reception. It is up to them to keep the party moving while simultaneously having to create photographs.
To sum it up, deciding on a wedding photographer can be an enjoyable experience. Professional wedding photographers are a fun and outgoing group, so whomever you choose, I hope you find a new friend. There are plenty of photographers to choose from in our area, so find the style you like, the products you have to have and have the time of your life!
Check out Sean’s website for more information!
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Such great tips! It’s always helpful to learn more about photography from a real professional, thanks for sharing!
Sean Watson is a true professional! Jaime Johnson Events enjoys working with the SWP! Keep up the GREAT work Sean! and Applebrides…. thank you for sharing!