I think its fair to say that we are presently in an “economic slow down” across the US. Gas is at an all time high, common food items such as milk, eggs, rice are also at an all time high. Personally I believe this will all pass within the next year and we will get good idea on whats to come in the coming years.
Because of these current issues I have decided to start shopping locally. No more going on the Internet to find the best deal, or to the MEGA stores with everything under one roof. From here on I’m going to support the small and locally owned business in my community. Yes you can save 10 or 15 bucks shopping online(sometimes more I know). But once the shipping costs are added your right back to what you would have paid at the local store anyway. Plus you can get your items today! We might as well shop local and support our community and their families! This way you get to look that owner in the eye and know that you have helped them pay their bills, support their family and allow them to put food on the table. That feeling is more rewarding to me than giving money to someone that I will never have the opportunity to meet, or shake hands with.
Ok, with that said lets get onto the grand opening of Brody Mack in Coeur d Alene. You might remember me blogging awhile back about doing a commercial shoot for a new store opening in Coeur d Alene. Well, they are now open and the store looks sweet! Brody Mack is mainly catering to men’s fashion but they also have some uber cool children’s clothing. To all my readers that are going to participate in my True Life Awards Contest I would highly recommend going to Brody Mack to style out your little ones. Plus if you spend some money you might be handed a gift certificate for either 50% off or a free session with SWP! When you go into the store make sure you say hi to Katie (the owner) her picture is below. Oh almost forgot, while your taking a look around at the clothes makes sure you glance at all the great photos on the walls 
!
June 4th, 2008
My friends over at Seven2 Interactive set me up with this awesome screen saver program. All you have to do is download the screen saver file, (Mac or PC file below) let it load the pictures and you will now have Sean Watson images playing right on your screen saver! What is even more unique….. when your computer turns on your screen saver it automatically searches to see if I have uploaded new pictures. Once the program detects new images it will download them automatically for you! Now, we are in the Beta stage of this so if you find any weird issues please let me know so I can pass it along to the developers.
In time I will have one for my weddings, lifestyle, wakeboard and commercial photography. Until then I will be adding a little bit of everything to this first one. I’m really excited about this (if you couldn’t tell) so make sure you pass this info to all your friends so they to can be as cool as you!
Click here if you are on a PC
Click here if you are super cool and own a Mac
Sorry this is my first post in awhile. I’ve been working on on my house, marketing and the magazine. Once this weather clears up you can count on some more pictures!
April 24th, 2008
As I was looking through some amazing photographs from various lifestyle sessions this year. I noticed this abnormally large grin on my face. I realized that I must really enjoy shooting these sessions because I don’t normally smile at my computer! As I began exploring my ideas for future lifestyle sessions it hit me, not only am I going to shoot these in signature SWP style, but I will shoot the contest image with a similar look and feel of a high fashion model shoot in an outdoor setting! But wait, that’s only part of it! I have decided that it is time to start the True Life Awards (TLA) by SWP.
WHATS THE SCOOP?
Following the lifestyle session with each child, parents will choose their favorite high fashion image to enter into the contest. After all of the sessions have been completed, I will post the selected photos on a voting website where people can vote for their favorite photos. Once the website is live I will notify everyone of the link. You will then be able to forward the link to family and friends to vote as well.
WHEN IS THE CONTEST ?
Sessions will start May 19th and will end on July 31st. Sessions will be photographed Monday thru Friday. There will be very limited Saturday sessions and I will announce those dates soon. Voting will begin August 18, 2008 and end August 22, 2008. The winner will be announced August 25, 2008.
THE RULES –
Your child /children must be between 5 & 12 years of age.
Entrance fee must be paid in advance to reserve your session date.
Entry deadline is April 15th, 2008! Enter now to reserve your date!
Sessions will take place in Coeur d Alene, ID. For an additional fee of $50.00 you choose your location (within 25 miles of Coeur d Alene) .
PRIZES –
Will there be prizes? Of course! There will be a 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place! Why 4th place prize? Because I like to be different and even 4th place deserves something.
1st place winner will receive -
A Signature Family Lifestyle session with Sean Watson. An 8X12 20 page Graphistudio Italian made coffee table album. I will be submitting images from this session to Parenting, Parents and Family Fun magazines. That’s right, you also have the possibility to be published in a national magazine! Prize Value $2000.00
2nd place winner will receive -
A 20X24 gallery wrap canvas of your favorite image from the session. You will also receive a free entrance for next years True Life Awards . Prize Value $1000.00
3rd place winner will receive -
A signature life print (16X20 or smaller) of your favorite image from the session and 50% off next year’s entrance fee to the True Life Awards. Prize Value $500.00
4th place winner will receive –
An 8X10 life print and words of encouragement for next year’s True Life Awards! Prize Value priceless!
HOW DO I ENTER ?
2. You have three options for your entrance fee (session fee must be paid in full to reserve your date)
Life 1. $100.00 (per child) includes a 1hr session
Life 2. $150.00 (per child) includes a 1 hour session and $100 towards prints
Life 3. $300.00 (per child) includes a 1.5 hour session and $250.00 towards prints
1. You must email me at TLA@seanwatsonphoto.com with the following information;
Name – First & Last
Child’s name -
Phone #
Address
Social Security # Ha, just kidding
Your chosen entrance package
Oh, and if you have a picture of your little one please attach it. As people enter I will post the picture of each entrant on my blog!
If you know anyone who will be interested in entering the True Life Awards please pass this information along to them. Remember that you must enter by April 15, 2008 in order to be a part of the contest! I’m also open to other business who want to be involved in this contest. If you would like to donate to any of the prize categories please email me.
February 29th, 2008
