Photographer has problem

Press, 22 July 1986, Page 14

Photographer has problem

By

MICHAEL CONNOR

of Reuters (through NZPA)

New York

The Scottish-born photographer, Albert Watson, chosen by Prince Andrew to take the official portraits of his wedding to Miss Sarah Ferguson next week, admits he has a problem. “I have never taken wedding photographs in my life,” he told Reuters. Mr Watson, aged 43, a New York-based specialist in high-fashion photography and celebrity portraits, was the Prince’s surprise choice over candidates such as Lord Snowdon and Lord Lichfield. “I have no connections,” Mr Watson said. “I think I was chosen because of the reputation of my personality photos and studio work. I hope I was chosen because of merit”

The photographer, whose credits include covers of “Time” magazine and several European editions of “Vogue,” is described by one ex-

pert as a middle-of-the-road stylist Mr Watson said that before he was chosen he met Prince Andrew, himself a photographer, to talk about working in such a glittering field. “He asked about what I was doing,” Mr Watson said. The two discussed Mr Watson’s techniques and philosophy of photography. The photographer said he would have to squeeze in his shots at Buckingham Palace in the middle of a very hectic day during which the Royal hosts and 1800 invited guests are likely to be much more interested in pomp and pageantry than posing. For Mr Watson, of Edinburgh, the first Scot to be chosen as an official Royal photographer, the festivities will be largely just a backdrop. “What I have to be concerned with is to take the one photograph that will go into the Royal archives. I won’t be going for action or candid snaps.”