Today we’d like to introduce you to Seth Williamson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
What started out as a class to get an Easy A in high school drove me deeper into photography. I became obsessed with anything camera-related. Self-taught to use every program I could get my hands on. I first opened up taking photos for businesses (Head-shots/Portraits) as well as real estate photography. When my daughter was born, she quickly became a subject for me. I then decided that I wanted to take my talents and offer them to others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Honestly, it has. There is saving up to buy new gear from time to time but overall, it has been a rather smooth road. I believe the reason I feel that way is because I truly love what I do.
It’s not really work for me. Every time I get an inquiry it’s exciting, every time I get “That” shot at a wedding it’s memorable even for me. Every time I get a message back with clients telling me how they love their photos, It’s reassuring. I have always been told If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. As far as photography has gone that has been the case. The people I get to meet and the memories I get to capture are extremely rewarding for me.
I spend a lot of time learning new things. Whether it be new posing strategies, Editing styles, Len’s, and their effects, Different styles of photography, and much more than I can even list. Having people truly appreciate my work shows that they value the time and skills I’ve developed over the years, and it never feels like just another day at work.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Personally, I like to focus on weddings and couples. With the world now in a new age of technology everyone has a cell phone. Everyone has a camera. Where there is nothing wrong with capturing moments on a cellphone, it just doesn’t always present the feeling of the moment. Learning the art of photography, you are not just capturing a photo of the event, but you will be able to capture the feeling of the moment as well. Reviewing the photos, you can physically feel the emotions captured.
I also believe that’s what sets me apart, I’m not there to just take photos. I’m there to capture a feeling that you can remember for years down the road. Photos are meant to bring you back to the moment they were taken. I don’t mean to talk negatively about others, but some “Photographers” don’t take that into consideration and are only out there for the money-making nature of photography. My goal is to provide a cinematic experience through still images not just take snapshots of subjects. I spend a lot of time studying what provides that experience through different photography techniques.
What I’m most proud of is my consistent feedback from clients in awe of their photos. This tells me that I am doing something right and really pushes me forward personally and professionally.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
More than likely it is that you really need to speak to and learn about your clients. Building a relationship with them can really help you, as well as help them. With what I do, you really need to put your subjects at ease and allow them to be themselves. These days more often than not they expect to show up get told what to do take a few photos and then get sent on their way. I get told often that “The last photographer didn’t really give them the chance to express themselves” and they didn’t like the photos they got back. This goes for any business really. The relationship you build with clients can make or break you in my opinion.
Contact Info:
- Email: Bearphotoconway@gmail.com
- Website: bearphotoconway.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bearphotoconway
Image Credits
All photos by Bear Photography – Seth Williamson
