Craig Watson Photography | lifestyle photographer

VISIT THE NEW BLOG!!

2011-01-25T05:07:00.000-06:00

Craig Watson Photography has moved !!! Check out our new blog at blog.craigwatsonphotography.com

Mike + Amy | Spring Lake, MI.

2010-07-03T10:54:00.001-05:00

WOW! What a tough wedding to edit. Mike and Amy did such an amazing job with every little detail of this wedding, it was so much fun. I have to mention one little bit of side excitement on this wedding day. As we were all traveling in the limo on our way to the reception, we had the rare experience of watching some possible drunk guy who was pulled over by the police, decide to take off running. He ran past this older woman out working in her garden who had no idea what was going on. It was pretty comical as this entire foot chase felt like it was in slow motion. The guy running wasn't moving very fast, and since this is Michigan I dont think our police officers do many foot chases, so he wasn't moving very quickly either. At any rate we made it over to the Spring Lake Country Club where they put on an amazing evening. Thank you guys again so much for such a fun day. Congratulations Mike and Amy.

view their slideshow!

Emily | senior session

2010-06-29T00:53:00.000-05:00

Sneak peak of tonight's senior session with Emily down in Holland. This girl was such a blast, loving the glasses :)

Leah and Brian | engaged

2010-06-28T14:31:00.004-05:00

hank goodness the weather this past weekend wasn't as bad as Mr. Weather man was saying it was going to be. I was finally able to get together with Leah and Brian for their engagement session. Brian spends most of his weeks on the road driving truck, so it made it a little difficult for all of your schedules to work out just right. Well Im glad it all finally came together because I am in love with this collection of photos we made. Can't wait until the wedding in Sept. guys.

Lifestyle session | Toppen Family

2010-06-25T15:55:00.001-05:00

A couple weeks ago my associate photographer, Andrea and I had the opportunity to photograph the Toppen Family at their home in Grand Haven. We had so much fun with little Hunter and given the fact that we are surrounded by so much Lake Michigan beauty, we had to hit the beach to finish up the day. Thanks so much guys.

Jessica + Joe | engagement

2010-06-23T18:16:00.000-05:00

Here is a collection of images from Jessica and Joe's engagement session in Chicago a couple weeks ago. We totally went on a little adventure during this shoot. Thanks for being so much fun guys! Can't wait for the wedding in August.

Ben + Kelly | the proposal

2010-06-09T18:52:00.000-05:00

With a little creative planning, Ben proposed to Kelly while enjoying lunch today at PortoBello and how exciting, I was lucky enough to be able to capture some of the excitement!

Ben + Kelly | the proposal

2010-06-09T18:39:00.000-05:00

Closing a important chapter in our lives can be such a sad, scary, disappointing time, but the possibilities of the future can be so refreshing. Today while I was trying to deal with a closing chapter, a couple out enjoying lunch at PortoBello was starting a new chapter in their lives. With a little creative planning Ben proposed to Kelly, and a new chapter has begun. Congratulations you two.

Ellie + Nate | Spring Lake

2010-05-28T14:21:00.000-05:00

A couple weeks ago I had the pleasure of working with Ellie and Nate at the Trillium Banquet Center in Spring Lake, MI. The Chair Cover Collection made the room look amazing, and Ellie and Nate were such troopers, dealing with freezing cold temps, rain and wind, I commend them. Brides, if you are looking for some of the most amazing people to work with be sure to contact the Trillium, they will make your day beautiful.

Magazine Cover Contest

2010-04-08T17:51:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to thank everyone that has voted for my photo for the Professional Photographer Magazine Cover Contest. I don't do many contest, but this one sounded fun. Oh, and if you do vote (wink wink), you have a chance to win a cool Canon Powershot G11 camera. Maybe that's why they make the voting process such a pain. At any rate, thank you everyone for all your votes and for those that haven't voted, there is still plenty of time.

http://www.ppmag.com/cover-contest-2010/vote/4668/

Grand Haven, MI. | fishing

2010-03-20T13:51:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I took a little time to get out and do something I haven't been able to do enough of lately, fishing, steelhead fishing actually. Doug and I set out to check on a river neither of us have fished and as it was a ton of fun, we came up empty handed. Next time will be better.

Jonathon + Michele | The Proposal

2010-02-13T17:23:00.007-06:00

Yesterday I got to be the part of something very special. Earlier in the week I received a message from Jonathon asking if I would be interested in photographing his proposal to his girlfriend of five years, Michele. I was pretty excited all week for this. Yesterday morning I made the trip from MI. to Chicago to meet with Jonathon during his lunch break at Millennium Park to figure out the details. I have to be honest here, I think I was more nervous than he was. I wanted to be sure we had a good fail proof plan. We spent the hour wondering the park and nailing down the plan. Jonathon went back to work for a couple hours and I paced the park, praying I wouldn't miss them later in the day. At about 4:45 I get the text the he was on his way over to meet Michele at work and that they should be arriving soon. A little after 5pm I see them making their way across Michigan Ave. and heading towards Millennium Park. I started shooting photos as they made their way past the ice rink and up the path to "the bean". It was so cute, Michele had some tourist take their photo in front of "the bean", and I continued to shoot away trying to figure out their next move. Before I knew it Jonathon and Michele were heading right towards me, to one of the two spots he chose earlier in the day. Not wanting to look like some creepy guy shooting photos of them, I tried to be pretty discrete, it worked.

Jonathon went down on his knee and Michele bursted into tears.

Jonathon and Michele's mothers were best friends in high school. It wasn't until seven years ago when Jonathon's sister Amy invited Michele on a vacation with the family that the become friends. After five years together, this proposal was a amazing addition to their life story.

Thank you Jonathon and Michele for allowing me to be a part of this amazing experience.

Grand Haven, MI. | Pier

2010-02-06T19:04:00.006-06:00

Today I decided to break away from the office and journey out to the frozen pier. Lately I haven't been enjoying my surroundings as much as I should. Michigan is so beautiful and has so much to offer, sometimes we just get caught up in the rat race. I have to say, it was quite relaxing but I froze my butt off.

Porto Bello | Grand Haven, MI.

2010-01-28T16:12:00.007-06:00

Today I had a blast shooting photos of one of my favorite restaurants in town. If you're ever in Grand Haven, MI. be sure to stop by the Harbourfront Building and enjoy a wonderful lunch or dinner at Porto.

Awesome Lodging in Grand Haven, MI.

2010-01-27T08:45:00.002-06:00

If your planning on a West Michigan wedding or a fun get away, check out Clinton Cove Condos. Owner, Kari Klein is such a wonderful person. Daily or weekly rentals are available, check them out www.homeaway.com or drop her a email at karirklein@yahoo.com or call 616.638.1262. Be sure to tell her you heard about Clinton Cove Condos at Craig Watson Photography :)

David + Shannon | Manistee, MI.

2010-01-04T19:55:00.002-06:00

Last month I closed out the 2009 wedding season with a really fun and well, not so common wedding, in Manistee, Michigan at the Little River Casino. Ok, so I said not so common. I have never had Mr. and Mrs. Claus show up to a reception and hand out gifts to the guests, it was pretty awesome. I've been really good friends with the groom, David since meeting him in college in 2005, and since I know him very well, I knew his wedding was going to be a lot of fun. It was so wonderful seeing how much his new bride, Shannon truly loves him. David is such a huge hearted person, Shannon has found a person who will love her for eternity. With that being said, Shannon I commend you for putting up with him on a daily basis :) Love you guys and enjoy the photos.

A special thank you to my wonderful assistant, Jen Morse for all her hard work. You rock girl!

Welcome Judson

2009-12-15T06:44:00.004-06:00

On Dec. 10th my new little nephew Judson James was born. This little dude is the cutest little man I've ever seen. His big sister Izzy decided his name isn't Judson, "you can call him Judson but I'm going to call him Spiderman". It's going to be so much fun watching these two grow up together. Congratulation Ang and Scott.

IZZY

2009-12-09T18:26:00.003-06:00

Since I'm going to be an uncle for the second time tomorrow, I thought I would post a photo from this fall of the greatest little girl in my life. My little niece, Izzy has brought so much joy to my life over these past 3.5 years. Good luck tomorrow Sis, I'm praying for a little boy:)

Michelle + Tony | Engaged

2009-12-09T14:17:00.005-06:00

At the end of November myself and my wonderful girlfriend Trisha traveled down state to Detroit to meet up with Michelle and Tony for their engagement shoot. Earlier in the day it was pouring down rain here on the west side of the state but the sun was shinning and the weather was great over in Detroit. Well during out 3 hour trip down the rain decided to follow us. Michelle and Tony were troopers though. We grabbed an umbrella and headed out. I know Michelle was a little unsure of how the photos were going to turn out, with her hair getting wet and the rain not letting up. I can't tell you how excited I am for these two to see the outcome. These photos turned out great! Can't wait to see you again Michelle and Tony, and thanks for the great dinner.

Nick + Brenda | Engaged

2009-11-11T10:46:00.005-06:00

I had so much fun last month with Nick and Brenda on their engagement shoot. We spent our time at Hoffmaster State Park here in Michigan. I hadn't met Nick prior to the shoot, but I knew he would be a great guy from what Brenda had to say about him. Can't wait until the wedding. Hope you enjoy the photos.

Stacy & AJ | Grand Haven, Mi.

2009-10-27T13:20:00.003-05:00

Hair/Makeup: Jennifer Rykse-Young: REDS Salon, Grand Haven.

Reception: Harbourfront Grand Hall, Grand Haven

Who cares about a little rain on your wedding day. Stacy and AJ didn't let it damper their wedding day. Stacy was such an amazing bride and just look so stunning. Jen Morse, a local photographer and awesome person, help me out for the day. This wedding was so tough to edit, I kept finding another gem with each image I passed over. Thank you so much Stacy and AJ for allowing me to be a part of your lives. You guys are amazing!

High School Seniors Update

2009-10-20T11:07:00.006-05:00

I figured it was time to post a few images from some of the senior shoots I've been doing. This season I have been so bless with some amazing kids. Lots of beauty and amazing personality.

Dennis + Kaitlin | Plymouth, MI.

2009-09-23T13:48:00.010-05:00

On September 12th, I made the trip down to Plymouth, where I spent the day with Dennis and Kaitlin at Fox Hills Golf Club. How fitting, they met at a golf course years ago and now they married on a golf course. Dennis and Kaitlin flew in from Arizona, where they are currently living to MI. to be back with their friends and family. I met Dennis years ago from his brother Dave (who will also be getting married in December. Can't wait!), and was so honored when he and Kaitlin asked me to be their photographer. Thanks again for everything, you two were amazing!

To view the slideshow, click here

Stephanie + Marc | Chicago, IL.

2009-09-10T15:31:00.015-05:00

Back in June I spent the morning bouncing around Chicago with Marc and Stephanie shooting their engagement session. After the shoot I was so excited to get back to the office to start going through their images. The photos blew me away. I was so pumped to be shooting their wedding. On August 29th we met up with Marc and Stephanie again, this outside the Newberry Library for their amazing wedding. We had so much fun watching Stephanie and Marc see each other for the first time, their reactions were priceless. Thank you for such a great time.

To view the slideshow, click here.

Joy + Andy | Grand Haven, MI

2009-08-25T18:20:00.008-05:00

Ok, I'm trying to get caught up on all the craziness in my life over the past couple of weeks, so I'll kick it off with a post from Joy and Andy's wedding in Grand Haven. These two were so much fun and I loved it how even though it was almost 90 degrees they let me drag them all around and capture some great images. Thanks so much for everything guys.

Click here to view the slideshow

Joy + Andy | Grand Haven, MI.| Teaser

2009-08-18T15:47:00.005-05:00

Here is a little teaser from Joy and Andy's wedding here in GH. More to come!

High School Seniors

2009-08-14T17:25:00.009-05:00

This past week has been a ton of fun. This year I've started doing senior photos. Yes, High School Seniors and I love it!

Luckily I've been blessed with some really great kids and some really great places to shoot. I love seeing how everyone is so nervous at the start of the shoot and by the end they're not ready to go home.

I can't wait to see what next week brings.

Thanks again everyone for a great week!

Rhianna+ Sebastian | Engagement

2009-08-12T16:46:00.006-05:00

Spent a little time in the city shooting my good fiends Sebastian and Rhianna's engagement photos a few weeks back. There planning an amazing wedding in October that I can't wait to shoot. Thanks for letting me torture you Sebby! I hope all is well and can't wait to see you guys again.

Crazy Storm Pics

2009-08-10T19:31:00.010-05:00

Last night a wicked storm came through my town and kicked our butts. After clearing out my own yard and driveway I headed into town to shoot some pics. I had such a blast out covering the damage, I felt like I was back in the newspaper world. Well no power for a few days but everyone is safe. Enjoy!

Amy & Nick | Darien, IL.

2009-08-07T14:36:00.009-05:00

If I didn't like pink before I do now. Amy and Nick rocked out the color pink for their wedding a couple weeks ago out in Illinois. I was amazed at all the little details these two had covered. Last summer I spend a few hours with Amy and Nick for their engagement session and after that afternoon I was pretty stoked for their wedding day. This was the biggest wedding party I have even seen, 31 in the wedding party and 4 pregnant bridesmaids. Two records for me.

The weather was great and the party rocked! Thanks for an amazing time Amy and Nick.

Elisabeth & Justin | South Bend, Ind.

2009-08-03T14:52:00.010-05:00

A couple weeks ago I was fortunate enough to photograph Elisabeth and Justin's wedding that took place inside the Basilica located on the campus of Notre Dame. The day started off with what looked like a day full of rain, but luck was on our side and it soon cleared up. What a fun day and a great group of people.

Jillian & David | Plymouth, MI.

2009-07-29T11:56:00.002-05:00

When I was attending Eastern Michigan University a few years ago I was fortunate enough to have met and worked with Jillian. This is one girl who can light up a room, beautiful looks and a beautiful personality to top it off. About a year ago I received an email from Jillian asking me if I was available to shoot her wedding. Honored, I luckily had her date opened. Prior to the wedding rehearsal I had never met her soon to be husband, David. After graduation Jillian and David moved out to Arizona, so I had only spoken with David over the phone. I figured he had to be a pretty great guy to have stolen the Jillian's heart. I was right, David has such a huge heart and his love for Jillian shines through. Thank you for a great day guys!

Nicole & Josh | Batavia, IL.

2009-07-24T10:08:00.008-05:00

A few years ago when I was a staff photographer for the Beacon News in Aurora, IL. I was put on a story that changed my life. I was to document the last few months of a fathers life. From the day I walked into the Boland's home I knew this was going to be an amazing family, full of love and strength. Little did I know a few short years later I would be asked to photograph the oldest daughter's wedding. On June 27 Nicole married a man any father would be happy to give his daughter to. Josh is a man with a heart of gold, a man her father would have gladly called Son. Nicole gave a very special gift to Josh prior to walking down the isle that day, a watch her father cherished as it was a gift handed down to him many years prior. What's amazing about this watch is that years ago it stopped working and oddly enough on the day of the wedding the date was stopped on the 27th. Ironic or a father's blessing?

I wish Nicole and Josh and the entire Boland family my very best and thank you again for allowing me to be come "part of the family". I love you all

Click here for the slideshow

Stephanie & Marc | Engagement | Round 2

2009-07-10T14:07:00.005-05:00

With so many great photos, I couldn't resist posting a few more shots of Stephanie and Marc up on the blog. We shot their engagement session about two weeks ago in Chicago and what a great time we had. Thanks again. I can't wait until the wedding.

Jacki & Zach | June 13, 2009 | Final Set

2009-07-03T15:44:00.008-05:00

Stephanie & Marc | Engagement | Chicago, IL.

2009-07-01T18:11:00.004-05:00

Last weekend I was fortunate enough to spend the morning with a rock star of a couple, Stephanie and Marc. These guys were so amazing, we spent Sunday morning bouncing around the city and come up with some pretty sweet photos. Here's a quick sample.

Jacki & Zach Teaser 2

2009-07-01T18:06:00.002-05:00

I wanted to get up a few more images from Jacki and Zach's rockin wedding last month. Im hoping to have the final take up tomorrow. Keep an eye out and let me know what you think.

Enjoy!

Kaylee Bazany | GHHS

2009-06-24T16:24:00.003-05:00

Here is a little sample from a recent senior session with Kaylee Bazany. More to come!

Emily & Rhett | June 7, 2009

2009-06-23T18:42:00.016-05:00

Wow now this was a tough wedding to edit. I have way to many favorites from this amazing day. Rhett and Emily did such an amazing job with all the details and the location. As a photographer I was in heaven. The ceremony took place on the steps of a building located on the campus of an old school that has been closed for a number of years. Simply amazing! After the ceremony we boarded an old hay wagon for a trip around the quant little town of Mt. Carroll, IL. Thanks for a great time.

Jacki & Zach | June 13, 2009

2009-06-16T17:37:00.003-05:00

Here is a little peak from Jacki and Zach's wedding on Saturday in Aurora, IL. I've know Jacki for quite awhile now. We met back when I was a staff photographer for the Beacon News in Aurora, so when she asked me to shoot their wedding, I was pretty pumped. I knew Jacki had an amazing personality and would be a lot on fun in front of the camera, but little did I know how much of a rock star Zach was! Thanks for a great time guys, and of course, more pics to come : )

Nicole & Gabriel | May 23, 09

2009-06-16T12:30:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago I photographed Nicole and Gabe and their super fun wedding party in the Chicago area and what a day it was. This couple was so great and even with a blaring police siren we managed to rock the planetarium for some party photos and a few intimate moments between the newlyweds. I owe this couple a big THANK YOU for such a wonderful day. Best wishes.

Stacy + AJ Engaged

2009-05-27T22:34:00.008-05:00

Last week I was able to hang out in Grand Haven, MI. with Stacy and AJ for a great little engagement session. We rocked that town! There were so many great places to shoot. Can't wait for their wedding this summer. Thanks for a great day guys.

Sandra + Patrick

2009-04-28T09:40:00.003-05:00

Woops! Sorry for some reason this earlier post got deleted.

How lucky was I to get to spend the day photographing Sandra and Patrick during their wedding in Chicago. What a great time! Poor Sandra broke her foot a few months ago and still relies on her crutches to get around, but she had no problem making the hike up to the "Bean" for some quick shots. We started the day in Lincoln Park at this awesome little church, and ended the day with a small intimate little cocktail and dinner party inside the Stock Exchange Building. It was such a great time working with Sandra and Patrick and all their family members were so great. Thanks for a great start to the '09 wedding season.

Rhett + Emily Engaged

2009-04-06T17:57:00.008-05:00

Last weekend I got to spend a few hours in Mt. Carroll, IL. with Rhett and Emily. We tooled around the campus of an old school, ate dinner and hit the downtown for a few more images before making the trip back home. Congratulations guys, can't wait until the wedding in June.

Nicaragua 09

2009-03-24T09:55:00.001-05:00

Sylvia + Chris

2009-02-25T13:50:00.001-06:00

A little past due

2009-02-14T07:55:00.009-06:00

Well guys this post is a little past due. I apologize for my absence here. Life has been a roller coaster lately. At the end of January I was hired to travel with a missions group from Ginger Creek Community Church in Aurora, IL. to Nicaragua for a few days. I spent a few days on Google looking at photos and watching videos of where we would be. Well, where we were I could have never been fully prepared for. This trip was set up as an assessment trip, where the group would decide where to put their time and resources to help the people of Nicaragua. We spent our time traveling between Puchacuape (the mountain), and La Chureca, the Managua city dump. Yes that's right, the dump. This is where these people live, eat and spend most of their lives. Homes are constructed from the scrap metal and cardboard they find buried in the endless acres of landfill. I witnessed a young man reach down and pickup part of a half-eaten chicken sandwhich and stuff it into him mouth. He was one of the lucky ones who got to eat at all that day. Children walking barefoot through sewage, mud and medical waste. I was floored when I saw lots of these little blue bags through out the dump only to find out they were used IV bags, with the needles still attached to them. WOW! how crazy.
Well I could go on for days with stories and memories, but check out the slideshow and let me know your thoughts. Best wishes everyone and I apologize for the late post. Now off to Vegas for this years WPPI convention.

West Aurora Starters

2009-01-14T20:50:00.002-06:00

Ok now I have to be fair and post the photos of West Aurora.

East Aurora Starters

2009-01-13T12:45:00.004-06:00

Last year the Beacon News had me photograph a promo for the big across town basketball game, East vs. West. Well I was asked to do it again this year, which I was very excited about. Last year I photographed the two top players from each team and was so much fun. When the two guys showed up for the shoot I handed them a bottle of baby oil to rub on their arms and faces, you should of seen the look these two stud high school athletes gave me. This years layout is will be much different, with the five top starters from each school being represented. Yesterday a snow storm keep West from arriving for the shoot but the East guys made it. Here's a little sample.

Here is last years photo