Brandon Watts found an early fascination with photographs. He credited part of this early interest to the sorts of landscape and architectural photos commonly used as computer backgrounds and screensavers, but more importantly to photographs of people.
“I never got to meet my granddad, but we had a couple photographs of him,” Watts said. “Through the photographs and the stories that my dad told me about him, it was almost like I got to meet the man.
“So I always felt like it was really important for other people to have photos of themselves. I have a daughter, so it’s good being able to know that one day I won’t be here but she’ll have photos of me and her, and that’s something that she’s always going to be able to treasure and look back on.”
Watts got his first camera in 2015, and within three years he opened Studio 4seven9 in Springdale. His work has been featured in high-profile exhibitions and publications such as Crystal Bridges, Vogue, US Weekly, and OK! He has also photographed celebrities and public figures ranging from professional basketball player Isaiah Joe to U.S. Sen. John Boozman.
While his “signature portraits” could be considered his specialty, Watts is skilled in various forms of photography from weddings to real estate to product photography. More recently, Watts’ work has begun to take him overseas, as he was flown to Scotland to photograph a private event. This was just one of several gigs where he has documented a client’s travels.
“That’s been one of my favorite things to do because it takes the pressure off a client,” Watts said. “Say you go on a family trip, you really can’t enjoy that moment because you’re so stuck on trying to get photos on your phone. But imagine if you have a photographer with you and you can embrace the moment and know everything’s being documented.”
Watts has also recently established his own nonprofit, Kidz N Cameras, meant to not only teach young people the art of photography, but also how to run a business.
“Through our programs,” Watts said, “we aim to help youth explore the world through the lens and become positive role models in their communities.”
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