Meet Laura Watson: Destination Wedding Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Watson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Client Experience, hands down. As a service-based business, my number one priority is to provide an enthusiastic, thoughtful, and supportive experience to my clients. When clients hire me to photograph their weddings, editorials, lifestyle or portrait sessions, their expectations are high. They’re hiring me for more than photographs. I’m their guide, additional bridesmaid and hype-woman, and more importantly, their memory keeper. I’m wearing many hats, and my execution of how I provide my service matters to them, sometimes more than the product I’m providing. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
At my root, I’m a storyteller. I photographed my first wedding by chance, and I was immediately pulled into the magic of a wedding day. I love the meaning behind each tradition and that these celebrations have power to bring family and friends together. But greater than the festivity itself, weddings begin a marriage. While photographs can preserve memories, I discovered through capturing weddings that the way I serve my clients determines how they view themselves in their memories. We remember what events and people look like, yes, but a true artist and photographer allows someone to remember how these moments feel. This is what I connect with as a wedding photographer. Years later, I still consider photography to be a career that chose me. It’s one that I love and that fills me with purpose: to preserve my clients’ memories when memories fade.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Our weekend would begin with drinks and some fun on the Roof at Ponce City Market, followed by a stroll down the Beltline over to New Realm brewing. Then we’d wake up the next morning to a delicious brunch at a number of great restaurants followed by a wine hike + tour of Montaluce Winery and the cute town of Dahlonega. While I love Atlanta, there’s so much beautify to be found in North Georgia, as well!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have an incredible group of wedding pros that keep me sharp + well grounded. We came together this year when the pandemic started, and through the year, we’ve been able to keep ourselves focused + accountable when it felt easy to sit back and worry.

Website: https://lauraannewatson.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraannewatson

Image Credits
All images are my own. The only photo that was not taken by me is the photo of myself, taken by Carrie Joy Photography