At just 8 years of age John Watson purchased his first camera while vacationing with his parents. He's had a camera in his hand ever since…
John began his professional career as a weekend photographer for the local newspaper in Charlottetown Prince Edward Island when he was just 15 years of age. He continued to work in the field while pursuing formal training striving to develop the experience, skills and expertise needed to become a versatile, accomplished photographer. After receiving his photographic education at Holland College in Charlottetown, John opened Imagemaker Photographic Studio in 1989. In 1993 he and his wife picked up and relocated IMPS to Vancouver British Columbia.
His many years of experience producing top quality photographs in the editorial, commercial and photo journalism fields have led to assignments from Alaska to Israel and many points in between. John has been hired as an accredited press photographer for 3 Royal Tours (Prince Charles and Lady Diana, Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson and Prince Edward), has photographed local and international musical acts and Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame inductees. His work on a USO tour took him through Belgium, Israel, Turkey, Bahrain and Oman with rock and roll legend Joan Jett.
He has covered both local and international conferences, provided head-shots to actors and corporate leaders. John has photographed a large variety of products ranging from furniture to artisans' works to food. He is well known for event coverages diversified as music concerts, festivals and fashion shows plus much more!
John's photographs have appeared on the covers of books and magazines in Hong Kong, the UK, USA, Canada and Europe, as well as gracing the inside pages of many publications around the world.
John is known for sharing his expertise and being willing to help others with photography. He has given private lessons in basic photography, using your camera (how to make the camera work for you), and digital photography. He has also given workshops and been a guest speaker at numerous conferences.
“It's both fulfilling and necessary to always ensure that I can provide the best service and product to my clients.”
John's willingness to work with the client helps attain a high quality product. His adaptability to any situation and ability to work with people makes him a valuable asset to any production team.
Almost 45 years have passed since John obtained his first camera. Though the camera has changed (many times!) his love of capturing memorable images has not.
Remember, when you have images to be made, call the Imagemaker!
Over the years past clients and publications our work has appeared are many. A partial list includes;
Ann's World - Japan, Atlantic Business Journal - Canada, Atlantic Lifestyle Business - Canada, Canadian Airlines In-flight Magazine, Canadian Health and Fitness, Canadian Hotel & Restaurant, Canadian Living Food Magazine, Canadian Press (photos over wire service), Canadian Screen Writer, Catering Magazine - US, Country Woman - US, Emigrant Magazine - Hong Kong, Entree Canada European Frozen Food Digest - United Kingdom, Event Solutions - US, Food Distribution Magazine - US, Food Management Europe Home Business Report - Canada, Hong Kong Tatler - Japan, Hotelier - UK, Le Chef - Quebec, Canada, Northwest Airlines Inflight Magazine - US NUVO Magazine - Canada, Products de la mer - France, Mondomix - France, Saltscapes - Canada, Seafood Business - US, Seafood Leader - US, Seafood Canada, Special events Magazine - US, Various MacLean Hunter Publications, Wedding Bells Magazine - Canada, Wedlux - Canada, Wine Access - Canada, Blackheart Records, Cartier Jewellers - Vancouver, Montichristo Jewellers - Vancouver, Bank of Nova Scotia, La Vie Savage Fine Jewellers, Sabina Hill Design, Peake of Catering, Culinary Capers Catering, 2010 Legacies Now, Jack Gibson Galleries, Nav Canada, Cupcakes, Richard Finch Tiles, Bubblegummers, Freightliner, Blackwood Career Apparel, Cineplex / Odeon, Draper Inc., International Caterers Assoc, Brandstorm Strategies, CALPA, Bowne Group, First Nations Creations Co-operative Art Gallery, Manhattan Grill, Periodical writers Assoc of Canada, Enterprise PEI, Polaris, Great Northern Knitters, Rivus Fashions, PEI Preserve Company, Beef Information Council, The Toy Factory, College of Dental Surgeons, Emerge, RC Products, RC Pet Products, AVW Telav, David Foster Foundation, Rick Hansen Foundation, Cineplex, Walmart Walk for Miracles, St Johns School, Quebecor, PEI Mussel King, Alcan, Norske, Impart, Stabilization, Peter Thomas, Vertex, Caffe de Medici, Paderno/Padinox, Heart House, Saputa, Aeroplane, Seamans Beverages, Rocky Mountaineer Rail Tours, BCSTA, A&B Partytime Rentals, Galiano Island Soap Works