Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Watson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started in photography as a hobby when I was about thirteen years old. My best friend’s dad gave me my first camera, I think it was a Pentax. All I can remember is that it was heavy, but I was excited to have my very own camera. From then on I was shooting everything and anything that I came into frame. And growing up in New York, I was a kid in a candy store with all of the different people, foods, lights, and buildings. When I went to grad school and college I took a few photography classes to learn more about my craft. There are learned more about lighting, developing film and printing pictures. The process of printing your own pictures is so rewarding and a lost art. But I didn’t start shooting professionally until I moved to Atlanta about five years ago.
I was going through a rough patch and a friend suggested that I start shooting again. I was heavily depressed, so I really didn’t feel like doing anything much less photography. But she threaten to come down to Atlanta and “kick my butt”, so I bought my first DSLR camera, a Canon 80D. And started shooting random things, until I stumbled upon shooting people through looking at inspiration on Instagram. I’ll never forget my first model shoot with friend in the fitness industry by the name of Jordyn Getz (IG:@getz_fitt). I flew out to Cali for a Rugby tournament, and we met in La Jolla at 6 am for a swimsuit and brand shoot. She was patient with me and made me feel comfortable when its usually the photographer that is the one to do so.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road for a lot of reasons. But the main thing was getting used to using a DSLR camera. I was coming from the “analog” world in which I used actual film to now using a DSLR and SD cards. It would seem easier from the outside looking in, but there was a huge learning curve. And then I started out in studio photography and I didn’t know much about studio lighting or the equipment. Luckily I had some great people along the way to help me out. Some of the other challenges that I faced was finding my voice behind the camera. I wasn’t confident behind the camera, and it felt weird giving models direction. Who am I to tell this beautiful model to “suck in her stomach” or tell a guy he shouldn’t do a certain pose. I actually had this conversation the other day with a friend and model and told her that in the beginning, my shoots were so quiet that you could literally hear the click of the camera. The last thing I’ll mention is this, editing was an obstacle, being paid for your services, the over saturation of the photography market and the cost of buying equipment. I could go on and on about the obstacles that I’ve faced, but I’m sure my story is similar to that of many photographers.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Facen Photography – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Facen Photography is a business that is able to meet any all photography needs from headshots to weddings. I think I’m well known in Atlanta for my colorful, clean and bold lifestyle shoots. But I also have an artistic side that my clients love as well, which incorporates fun concepts like food, tape, gold leaf and even paint. I think the thing that I am most proud of is the fact the I went from a person that was virtually unknown in the photography world, to having a little buzz on social media and around the country. I think what sets me apart from others is that I would be shooting, even if social media didn’t exist. I have a passion for my craft that keeps me up late at night and wakes me up early in the morning before a shoot. I am constantly working on my editing skills, lighting techniques, coming up with different concepts, and driving around Atlanta scouting out new locations. I think a lot of people have gotten into photography for the wrong reasons fame, money, women or because its the trendy thing to do. I think a question that people should ask themselves when it comes to their jobs or hobbies is, would you still be doing this if you weren’t getting paid in some way? I know I would because I have before and I love this art form.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My future plans are to start a magazine with a business partner and a few friends. I’d also like to get into different facets of photography such as commercial, real estate, stock images, and more corporate events. I actually have my first wedding this fall in NY and I’m very excited to help this couple capture this special day in their lives. I am currently working on my website, which has been a task in of itself with all of the photoshoots and editing that I have to do. But the stress of all of those things are a blessing and a welcomed “problem”.
Pricing:
- $60 Basic, 30 minutes
- $100 Standard, 1 hour
- $175 Premier, 2 hours
- $325 Ultimate 3 hours
Contact Info:
- Phone: 908-596-8592
- Email: facenphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: @facenphotography
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