Each week, I ask someone to share their watchscreen, examining how they’re using Apple Watch, what apps are useful, and tips or tricks they have. This week, I’ve asked Dean Sherwood (Twitter, Instagram, Web) to share his screen.

Dean has worked in the music industry for 9 years as a photographer and cinematographer. He currently photographs and films the UK band The Vamps. So, Dean, show us your watchscreen!

What watch/band combination(s) do you use and why?

I have the stainless steel 42mm with black leather magnetic strap and a white sports band for when i’m behind the camera/active. The black leather magnetic is great but loosens itself a little every now and then. It also ‘creaks’ a little and i confuse it at times to a haptic touch though thats happening less now. I love the sports band, think it’s great for the price, definitely the comfiest ‘rubber’ watch strap i’ve ever worn. I chose this combo because i’m pretty boring in my colour choices with regards to fashion, and for the sapphire display which as I understand is more resistant to scratches (though the stainless still is more prone, right? Haha, can’t win!)

How is Apple Watch fitting into your life?

When I ordered the watch, I felt like i’d done the wrong thing. Like I was just throwing my money at Apple for the sake of it. That felt a little weird. I just wasn’t convinced I wanted one. I had to try it though, and when the delivery notice came through on my phone I was excited to try it and see if it would change my daily life/decisions/movements etc. I have a very busy schedule and on shoot days; my calendar can have up to 30 different times for different ‘events’ on it. Having that on my wrist is a game changer for me, I absolutely love it.
I think if you travel and are a busy person, it’s brilliant for you, but I can tell it’s definitely not for everyone.

What watch faces & complications are you using and why?

I have three ‘faces.’ Mostly used is my simple face. I like the space on the screen, it feels uncluttered but informative enough at the same time. Then I have 2 modular faces, mainly so I can have my calendar/next event prominent and easy to view at a glance. Main complications are LA time, as the band I work for has management based in LA as well as in London, so I like to easily see when they’re waking up etc compared to my time. It just reminds me nicely when I need it.

[If you, like Dean, deal with multiple timezones, I highly recommend the app World Time Widget]

I tend to have battery on there but might take it off as every day i’m left with over 30%, so I might move it to my glances as i’ve realised I don’t need to worry about it losing life (I charge every night). Temperature is a key one, UK temp is changeable and I travel a lot so it’s nice to see what’s going on outside if i’m inside editing. Sunrise/sunset so I can catch ‘the golden hour’ and get the best light and of course my calendar which is on every watch face I have. You may notice i’m colourless on the face. Just a personal preference, simplicity.

[If you’re a photographer like Dean trying to catch the Golden Hour, you might want to check out Tagger, a brilliant app that does just that and which has an Apple Watch component.]

What Glances do you use and why?

I use Omnifocus to keep me organised and on-track with my daily project duties. Due, to notify me of the smaller tasks I set as reminders. Fantastical so I can add new calendar entries via Siri. I also like the way it shows your next event in terms of ‘..in 2 hours.’ Nice and simple, love this app. Dark Sky for weather updates. App In The Air so I have access to my flights, and the music player.

What notifications do you receive on Apple Watch and why?

I try most, though i’m very specific with notifications on my phone already so it’s very similar. I get text message notifications, VIP email notifications, weather updates from Dark Sky, my activity tracker updates me every 6 hours (and for each ‘stand up and move’ reminder) Passbook, mainly for flights and of course to remind me i’m near a Starbucks and Parcel so I get updates on deliveries.

How are you using Apple Watch’s health and fitness features?

Mainly for walking and reminding me to get up and move when i’m editing. If i’m going on a long walk, i’ll fire up an outdoor walk record. I need to get to the gym, the watch is a constant reminder to get some exercise and I love that it’s nagging at me!

How are you using Apple Watch’s communication features?

I reply to text messages if i’m busy. Siri is actually really great and being able to send an emoji is a great way to let someone know you’ve got their message. I’ve answered a few calls when I haven’t been able to get to my phone and then used handoff to carry on the call on the iPhone. I’d like to be able to reply to emails in the same way I can answer text messages. At the moment none of my friends seem to have a watch, so i’m waiting for that day so I can try the drawings, though that’s just a bit of fun so i’m not too bothered.

How do you organize your apps and why?

Purely by colour. I haven’t really got my head around the app page yet, I don’t think its great, i don’t think its terrible, it could be better and i’m sure it will be eventually.

[Julia Mayhugh, featured in a previous watchscreen, organizes apps the same way]

What Apple Watch apps are you using most and why?

Omnifocus – the app is one of the best on the watch I’ve used. I love being able to check things off and see what else I need to get done that day.

Due – Mainly notifications to remind me to do something at certain times, small things but things I need to do.

Calendar/Fantastical – For my schedule. These three apps I’ve mentioned single handedly allow me to relax and free my mind to be more creative.

Take Me There – I love the simplicity of being able to tap ‘take me home’ on my wrist and I get directions instantly via apple maps.

Mac ID – Anything better than unlocking your mac from your wrist? In fact, just the other day I left my laptop unlocked in a room of teenagers. I was in the room next door and remembered, so just opened Mac ID and locked it from where I was, awesome!

Bring – This is where my and my girlfriend’s shopping lists are kept. It’s nice walking round a supermarket not having to have my phone out looking at my list constantly, now I have it on my wrist.

Starbucks/Passbook – I pay for my coffees from my watch, it felt odd at first but now I love it.

Shazam – super easy and subtle way of finding out what that song it is you’re listening to without being rude in a group of friends.

[Other apps Dean has on his watchscreen: Stepz pedometer, Overcast the best podcast player that exists, Lounge Buddy airport guide, Moovit fitness, and Xe currency converter]

What apps do you think best leverage the uniqueness of Apple Watch? Why?

Calendar, because it automates my movements throughout the day via a tap on my wrist. It’s also great doing simple things like changing songs on the go without having to remove my phone from my pocket. It’s not an app, but I love being able to wear relatively short pocketed shorts/trousers and just leaving my phone in my bag knowing i’ll get notifications still and not worrying constantly my phone is trying to escape my hip. I probably use my around 50-75% less on average a day already. It’s brilliant, not only am I more productive but i’m more social to.

What app would you like that you don’t have yet?

Not sure. I just want native apps and complication options galore 🙂

[Just wait until the fall! They’re coming!]

If you could change only one thing about Apple Watch, what would you change?

I’d make it skinnier on the wrist. I’ve come to this from a beautiful Daniel Wellington timepiece and it’s that thinness I miss the most.

Thanks Dean (Twitter, Instagram, Web)! If you enjoyed this, check out The Vamps and Dean’s cinematography for them.

Check back next week for another watchscreen or look now at previous watchscreens. You can subscribe to this site via RSS, Tumblr or by following MarkDMill on Twitter.

If you enjoyed this, you might also want to check out some of my reviews of Apple Watch:

• Week 1: You Can’t Put Delight In a Spreadsheet
• Weeks 2-3: Its Form Is Its Function
• Two Months with Apple Watch

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Today I’m recommending an app that is the best app I’ve found for joining and merging screenshots: LongScreen. I use it daily in making this site and on Twitter and it is fantastic. Read why I love it or check it out in the App Store today!