Sean Watson Photography turns 2 years old
It was two years ago today I started Sean Watson Photography. It was a very difficult decision and a very crazy time in my life. I had just been button hooked from my previous investor and thrown out on the streets. He basically used me to create a brand and a name for the company and when it was running on its own they hired someone cheaper. I was really shocked and angry on how they delt with the situation. But now they now its not the name it’s the photographer. They are no longer in business doing photography, isn’t karma great! At that time I did not have anything but 2K in my account and a roof over my head. I remember telling myself not to make any drastic decisions. I took a week and really thought about what direction I want to go, did I want to go to New York and use my connections to work as an assistant for Walter Chin? Or maybe I should move to a town that is lacking strong photography and open a studio and take a run for it? I began talking with my family for advice, then all of my photographer friends and local vendors. Basically I wanted to hear their input on my options, were they crazy? Did I have the money to do it? Or the support?
I then began realizing how many great friends I have in this area. I’ve been networking for years here and have began to really build a name for myself in this area. Not only that all the vendors, friends and family trusted me and my work. Why would I leave this support group? Why go to New York and live in a concrete jungle? Why move to a new town and “try” to make it with no money? When I can stay here with the people that care and love me, not only as a friend but my work as well. Once I made that decision I still had a huge obstacle to over come……equipment. How was I going to find 20K to get myself up and running? Luckily my family believed in me and my skills as a photographer. Without that loan I would not be here! In fact I always wonder what I would have done, or where I would be without my families contribution?
Now, two years later my business is thriving! I doubled my business revenue from last year, I’ve traveled the world photographing weddings, I found my “style” of shooting, I know twice as many photographers from last year (which really has helped me get more business), I’m making a name for myself and I’m teaching a photography workshop with one of the “Top 10 wedding photographers in the world!” David Beckstead! WOW, I have been so blessed!
I first and foremost want to thank my family for allowing me to pursue my dream!
All of my past and future clients, thank you for all your support and trusting me to photograph you!
I want to thank Jaime Johnson.
When I went out on my own Jaime was the wedding coordinator at the Davenport Hotel in Spokane. I begged her for work, told her I would give her whatever she wanted for marketing purposes, even come down on occasions just to photograph table tops and place settings for her even though I wasn’t there to shoot the wedding. I would do anything if she would just say ” Check with Sean Watson and see if he is available”. Thats all it takes, one person recommending your services. Jaime and I have become really great friends and I value her expertice, our vendor relationship and most of all her friendship! Jaime thank you for helping me get to year two and I hope I’m doing the same for you in your new business!
I also want to thank Adam Graves of Range Northwest.
I’ve known Adam for almost as long as I have been in Coeur d Alene, 6 years. His company has helped me build my brand, my ad’s, print materials, logo and list goes on forever. I can honestly say that without RANGE I would not be where I am today in this photography food chain. They have given me the look and brand to stand out against my competitors. Throughout the years we have also become friends and fellow Eagle brothers. I photograph his family and his families family. He sends me commercial work and is my number one stock photo buyer. He’s also my biggest expenditure, but its been money well spent. So thank you to the whole Range crew, Mindy for making sure my stuff gets done on time, Eden for always recommending me and talking so highly of me and my work (oh and that sweet mining shoot), Shelly for always creating fantastic ad’s and designing my logo and brand, Ben for creating my kickass website, Nancy for not hounding me when I’m past due (lol) and Adam for always steering me in the right direct.
All my photographer friends!!!!
First off Joel Riner (fellow Eagle brother) for teaching me almost everything he knows, Ben Norwood for always being a good friend and influence, Kibbee Walton for going out on his own(now I have someone who can take off with me whenever we want) and always listening to my crazy business ideas (oh he’s also a Eagle brother too), Brett Schneider for teaching my how to photograph people and make them look good. Man the list goes on and on so if I did not mention your name that means I have not heard from you in awhile so give me a call! lol
Man, this is getting really long, if you read this far congrats to you and thank you for reading. The polls that I have had on here say most of my readers are photographers. Which I think is great because I hope my work does inspire others. That is my goal! So stay tunned for some blog post that are photography related.
Time to get back to work.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY SWP!
3 comments April 12th, 2007