How to Utilize Your Smart Watch For Photography | Whitney Beth Photography

     This past Christmas marked one year of having my apple watch. After seeing Danny use his and the ease at which he had access to everything, it started to become higher and higher on my wish list. After getting it, I dove in, figuring it all out and finding ways to make my life easier. Aside from the awesome perks of having a smart watch, I found that it was incredibly useful with my photography. 

1. The first (and most obvious) point to make is being able to communicate with clients or baby sitters without having to have my phone in front of me. If you've seen my camera backpack, you'll know it's not the lightest thing, so being able to have my phone tucked away while still answering texts is huge! I like keeping my phone in my bag because I'm always nervous that I'll bend down and my phone will come crashing out of my pockets and shatter! It is also extremely helpful while shooting to be able to quickly glance down and see the time or quickly read any texts from babysitters. 

2. Name cheat sheet. This idea came to me while prepping for a large, extended family session. I know you can view your photos on your watch, so I thought it would be helpful to type out everyone's name and ages for the kids, screen shot it and have it in my photos. Then, while I'm shooting, if I need a quick refresher on who's who, all I have to do is look at my wrist and carry on. It makes directing so much easier and faster, not to mention, I feel like a pro when I can name everyone at the session. 

3. Speaking of cheat sheets, I've also been known to do the same technique as above when writing down prompts I want to remember or try out. 

4. This one is a great hack for everyone! If you have an apple watch, you can use it as a self timer/remote control for your phone's camera! Simply set your phone down, compose the shot, and then open the camera app on your watch. Not only can you set a timer and use it as a remote, but you can also use the watch as a view finder and see what you're going to be taking a picture of. 

(While hiking with friends last summer we propped my phone up on a rock and took a quick group picture)

    I'm sure there are many more uses for the apple watch with photography, but these are my top four, most used features. What about you? Do you have a favorite hack that I didn't share, let me know!