We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Will Jacob. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Will below.

Hi Will, thanks for joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

The way I see it, you’ve got to have persistence and dedication to the craft. The more you do it, the longer you do it, the better you get. If you just don’t stop shooting, and stay eager to learn and hone your skills, you will find success no matter how you define it. You’ll learn as you go and find inspiration along the way.

Will, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Will, and I live and work in Memphis, Tennessee. I got into the industry because of my grandfather and my brother. They were both avid photographers, and I naturally felt drawn and compelled by it. I have that creative itch, and photography is one of the ways I scratch it. I always loved the photos they made and had so many of them hanging in my home both as a child and an adult. It’s their work that keeps me motivated and inspired. Just like they made lasting memories that I keep in my home. I to make memories for others and hang in their homes.
I provide curated portrait photography sessions as well as wedding photography. Anything that involves capturing people, I’m involved in. I also make fine art photography that I print, frame, and sell.
What sets my work apart is my ability to balance raw authenticity with a cinematic, polished feel. With my portraiture, I go beyond surface-level aesthetics, capturing a sense of personality and story in my subjects. There’s a genuine, unfiltered quality to my work that makes the viewer feel connected, as if they’re catching a glimpse of something real rather than just a staged moment.
I pride myself most on being someone authentic, that people feel comfortable being vulnerable with. No matter what your background, I always find ways to create strong connections with others. I feel this is something that translates deeply in the photos I take.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I went to college, got a degree, and basically never used it. I thought I knew what I wanted, but soon found that the path I chose, was draining me spiritually and mentally. I am extremely passion driven, and if something isn’t feeding my creative side, I just can’t do it day in and day out. I quit my degree-based job after nine months and never looked back. That pivot was so bitter because I sunk time, money, and resources into going to school, landing my first job, and dedicating myself to the company I was with. However, to compliment the bitterness, the journey I chose to pursue instead, has been so intensely sweet.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. Seeing the joy or impact my photographs bring to others can be incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s a family treasuring a portrait or an audience moved by my images, the positive feedback is deeply fulfilling. Photography forces you to slow down, observe, and be mindful of the beauty in everyday life or in a fleeting moment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://staysharpphotography.com/
• Instagram: @___willyj___

Image Credits

Dane Shots
https://www.instagram.com/daneshots/
https://www.daneshots.com/