Annie Watt has over a decade of experience as a premier Society event photographer in Palm Beach and New York City, and the Hamptons. She is the person who “gets” the heart of an event and captures the joy of people who attend it. Annie’s genuine love of her job and dedication to her clients ensures that with her photojournalistic eye she will help to tell the story with her images. It has earned her the reputation as one of the most sought-after photographers of high profile events by top editors as well as the most distinguished business, fashion and philanthropic leaders.
Annie’s clients refer to her as “The Posing Expert” and as an accomplished and highly respected photographer, she is regarded for her invaluable posing tips which give confidence to her subjects and allow her to capture a more flattering photograph than they would ever have believed possible. The authenticity and caring that she contributes to each assignment has earned praise from her peers as one of the most unsung heroes of many Manhattan events. As a contributing photographer for Conde Nast and Hearst magazines and New York Social Diary, Annie’s work is often featured in Avenue, New York Lifestyles magazine, Quest Magazine, Town and Country, Veranda, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Elle Decor magazine and many other prestigious publications.
Annie Watt Agency is an array of skilled and professional event photographers with additional skill sets including: Architecture, Fashion, Portraiture, Family photography, Weddings, Social Media Content photography, videography, 3-D modeling, Drone, and Photo booth.
Tell us a little bit about the backstory to some of the favorite photos you sent us.
I sent you quite a few black and white portraits which Annie Watt Agency is an array of skilled and professional event photographers with additional skill sets including: Architecture, Fashion, Portraiture, Family photography, Weddings, Social Media Content photography, videography, 3-D modeling, Drone, and Photo booth.
Tell us a little bit about the backstory to some of the favorite photos you sent us. I sent you quite a few black and white portraits which I call “Impromptu portraits”. These photos were not shot with studio lighting or posed for as portraits, instead they were cropped from full length photos which were shot either on red carpet or at a gala or any of the many events I shoot. I work with Photoshop to create the lighting and mood of a portrait session.
What is it that is special about shooting in Palm Beach?
I love shooting – whether it’s in NY or London or Paris or Florida, when I have a camera in my hand I am happy to explore and shoot. Although I was born in NY, I spent my youth in Hollywood, Florida. Being back home in Florida, I love shooting using natural light and I get that opportunity much more often than shooting anywhere else for my particular types of assignments such as fundraisers, charity events, business launches, Polo, weddings and even portraits.
How did you first become interested in photography?
In my youth I found photography to be very expensive. I could only shoot 12 or up to 36 shots per roll of film. Instead I took to drawing and painting. When digital photography was born I jumped in shooting people, places and things I enjoyed. I “won” many art competitions in High School for my drawing, including a 4-year scholarship to the School of Visual Arts where I studied drawing and painting, but not photography. I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts, went on the get my Masters in Art History. Becoming a professional photographer was not my vision. However, one day I was asked to photograph children with Autism for one of the parents. I discovered I could be helpful by the providing photos that captured the visual story of a wonderful after-school program for these children. I was “discovered” by a PR person who wanted to hired me for his clients because he liked my “eye” and I couldn’t say no to being paid to do what I discovered I loved doing.
Who inspires you?
I started my photography career at age 54 so I am particularly inspired by photographers who are working actively in their 80’s, such as was thecase with Bill Cunningham from the NY Times, and Harry Benson who has produced books and had a documentary on his life’s work. I always bring a small camera with me to events. Either my Panasonic Lumix or Sony and hand to it children to use to shoot. I give the children tips and tricks for better shots and let them enjoy the process.
Later, when I am editing my photos I find the children’s photos have a different point of view. I am very inspired by how they
approach a person or an object. I’m inspired by people with a passion to shoot…. at any age.
What projects are you working on presently?
Over the past few years my NYC-based Photographer Agency grew to a comfortable size of 18 photographers in various cities, including NY, Hamptons, Florida, Washington DC, Los Angeles, London and Italy. Now with the Pandemic and Covid I am re-inventing my business model in Florida while maintaining a strong presence in NY. All we need are for events to return to NYC and for me to find the skills and talent to represent in Florida. I will continue shooting but I also like to see other photographers working and acting their own managers. I can maintain the high standards that my clients come to expect from me. At the end of April 2021 the Colony Hotel is hosting my photography exhibition and the announcement that I am in Florida to stay. Will I travel? YES !
XO
Annie Watt
