RANGEFINDER RISING STAR AWARD WINNER 2019

With complete delight I can finally share with you that I’ve been chosen by New York’s Rangefinder Magazine for their prestigious worldwide award – ’30 Rising Stars of wedding photography’ award 2019.
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It means the world to have my focus, dedication and passion for what I do recognised in such a prestigious worldwide wedding photography award. This award is particularly respected as you cannot enter; you must be nominated to submit your portfolio and then just 30 are chosen for the list out of over 300 nominated across the globe. This was the 3rd year I was nominated – the final year I could enter after switching from fashion photography to weddings in 2015 – even to be nominated is a big deal, but to be named on the list for 2019 is… just… wow! To submit just 30 images is HARD. Really hard. You need to think ‘What do I want to say through my images; how do I want my work to be portrayed?’ and it’s a tough process in selecting, both literally and emotionally. Ultimately I chose images which are completely true to how I work; images which I know my couples love – that is all any photographer can wish for.

Huge, HUGE congratulations to the other 29 winners – what an incredible list of brilliant photographers and it really is SUCH honour to be a part of it. You are all utterly fantastic!! ⁣The full list of winners can be seen here.

RANGEFINDER 30 RISING STARS OF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY 2019

Here is what Rangefinder wrote about me: “With a background in fashion and editorial photography (which comes in handy especially during her oft-requested group photos), Natalie J Watts truly sees her role as a precious one that connects and remembers life and loss. After hearing from past clients that the most priceless frames are those of loved ones and not epic couple photos and intricately placed details, she has focused herself harder on capturing simple moments with real emotion. “A little bit of my heart and soul goes into each wedding that I photograph to help tell each couple’s story in the most true and heartfelt way possible.”, she says.”

THANK YOU to everyone at Rangefinder magazine and all the judges. Seriously… thank you. This means so much to me and I’m beyond grateful. Thank you to all my couples who trust in my vision and to whom I give a little piece of my heart with every wedding. To everyone who has been part of this crazy but amazing journey so far – thank YOU. As a single mum it hasn’t been easy but it’s all always worth it. On invitation from Rangefinder I flew to Vegas for WPPI in January 2020 and met judges and editors Jacqueline Tobin and Libby Peterson in person – they said to me “Well done, your work is fantastic and you really deserve this award.” I finally feel I DO deserve it. And I’m really bloody proud of myself!

Here’s to following your heart, feeling the fear but doing it anyway, and believing in yourself! Nx

If you are planning your wedding in London, or your wedding anywhere else in the world then I would love to be your photographer & capture the story of your celebration for you… Please get in touch HERE. Nx