We recently had the chance to connect with Savannah Watson and have shared our conversation below.
Savannah, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What battle are you avoiding?
The battle I’ve been avoiding is giving myself permission to fully step into the business side of photography. I put so much energy into capturing honest, emotional moments for other people, but I tend to hold back when it comes to promoting myself—things like confidently pricing my work, marketing, or showing up consistently online. It’s easier to stay behind the camera and let the photos speak for themselves, but I know my passion and creativity deserve to be seen and valued too.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a lifestyle and portrait photographer based in Houston, Texas. I specialize in capturing real, emotional moments—whether it’s families growing, love unfolding, or the everyday chaos that somehow turns out to be the most beautiful. My goal is always to create images that feel like memories, not just pictures.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped how I see the world was becoming a mom. It changed the way I view time, connection, and what actually matters. It made me slow down and start noticing the little things—the messy, honest, in-between moments that often go unnoticed. That shift is what made its way into my photography too. I stopped chasing perfection and started focusing on the realness, the feeling, and the story behind every frame.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
I remember venting to a friend during one of those seasons where everything felt heavy—motherhood, work, life—and instead of trying to fix it or downplay it, she just sat with me in it. She didn’t interrupt, didn’t offer advice unless I asked—she just let me be honest without judgment. That moment stuck with me, because it reminded me how rare and healing it is to be truly heard. It made me want to be that kind of space for other people too, in life and in my work.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is real—but it’s definitely the more polished version. I share the love I have for capturing people’s stories and the joy I find in my work, but like most people, I keep the messier parts a little more tucked away. I think both versions are true, but the full picture includes the behind-the-scenes chaos, self-doubt, and growth that doesn’t always make it to social media. I’m learning to let a little more of that realness show, because that’s where the real connection happens.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If immortality were real, what would you build?
If immortality were real, I think I’d build something that outlives even time—stories frozen in photos, but on a massive scale. I’d create a place where generations of people could come to document their lives, their love, their loss—something like a living museum of human connection. Not posed, perfect portraits, but raw, emotional moments that show who we really are. I’d want it to feel like walking through the heartbeat of humanity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.savvyrayphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savannahw.savvyrayphotography?igsh=amZlb3Q1OXN6eG44&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19dLbZPCYR/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Savvy Ray Photography
