EP87 Craig "Watto" Watson - From Press Rooms to Fine Art Film

In this episode, Craig “Watto” Watson takes us on a journey from press photographer to fine art film innovator. Discover his work with major newspapers, his experience launching a photography magazine, and his creative rebirth through large format film and multiple exposures. Full of insight, nostalgia, and practical inspiration for photographers of all stripes.

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Craig “Watto” Watson is a veteran Australian photographer whose career spans over three decades. Starting in camera retail and industrial supply, Watto studied photography at RMIT and soon found himself working in newspapers, from the darkroom of the Herald & Weekly Times to award-winning photography at The Weekly Times, covering rural life across Victoria.

In 1996, Watto transitioned to freelance work, becoming a specialist in classic motoring and motorsport photography. His work has been featured in over 40 publications across Australia, the UK, and the USA. He’s also covered major corporate events and served as the official photographer for everything from royal visits to the Sydney 2000 Olympics and Paralympics.

From 2004 to 2017, Watto ran a niche British motoring magazine, before shifting focus to supporting the local photography community. In 2019, he founded Focal Point Darkroom and Gallery in North Geelong—Australia’s best-equipped public darkroom and a vibrant hub for photographic education, exhibitions, and community.

Despite the challenges of COVID and personal tragedy, Watto has returned with Focal Point Photographic Services, focusing on archive scanning, photo restoration, fine art printing, and darkroom training. He is also developing new personal work for upcoming exhibitions across Victoria.

https://focalpointdarkroomgallery.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/wattophotogeelong/

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