ANNIE WATT

The Ruling Queen Of The Camera

By Adam Kluger

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, 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 could be helpful by 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 hire 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 the 80s such as was the case with Bill Cunningham from the NY Times, and Harry Benson who’s 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. I will continue shooting but I also like to see other photographers working and being their manager I can maintain the high standards my clients come to expect from me. Will I travel? YES!

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 a 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 have 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 Photobooth.