Steven Williams followed his passion and that has led to his success today. He is taking his craft further by releasing his first book.
What inspired you to become a photographer?
My mother gave me a Polaroid camera when I was 8 years old and I have always liked taking photographs and seeing the expressions of people once they see what I have created for them. A photographer is responsible for capturing that moment in life that is unique, artistic and full of emotion when it comes to people.
When did you realize that you could be a professional photographer at this level?
When I got asked by Regina King to shoot her wedding in Jamaica. It was a star-studded event of the ‘who’s who’ in Hollywood. Everyone from Vivica Foxx, Jermaine Dupri, Peter Thomas, John Singleton, and many others were there. Next, when I got a phone call from the head of publicity for Columbia Records, Yvette Noel Schure, to shoot Destiny’s Child.
What separates you from other photographers?
I don’t know. I think everyone has a unique perspective and I have been blessed with the favor from God.
What advice would you give someone who is considering becoming a photographer? I would advise them to learn as much as they can about the field of photography that they are interested in. To ask the professionals as many questions as they can. To learn about lighting and Photoshop suites are a must.
How did you get the opportunity to photograph so many notable people?
Working with Babyface and Tracey Edmonds’ artists and being immersed in Black Hollywood. Music producers Jon-John Robinson and Rodney Jerkins took me under their arms and blessed me with a lot of work and freedom. Jaime Foster Brown along with Vibe, Source, Ebony, Jet and People magazines would print my images and send me assignments. I have been blessed to have my photography exhibited at the Hammer Museum to the California African American Museum. I would later go on to work for Roz Stevenson Public Relations where I would be trained as a publicist. Roz Stevenson PR firm taught me the ins and outs of film publicity. I was blessed to work in over 30 films from major studios like Universal, Paramount, Dreamworks, Sony, Fox Searchlight, Disney and Weinstein Corp. My personal clients ranged from Cedric Pendleton from “House of Pain,” Gregory Keith from “Noah’s Arc,” Marcus Patrick, and Jeanette Bayardelle from Oprah Winfrey’s Color Purple.
Where do you see your work in the next five years?
I am self-publishing my first book called Shades of Color, which will be out by this Christmas which covers the complexions and complexities of men of color. I will have men of every color complexion and culture. I am planning on taking my photography skills to the big screen, and doing some real life stuff. I have to write a book about my life and the miracles I have witnessed and experienced. God has brought me from a mighty long way.
