We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Willie Reese a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Willie, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I have always been visually challenged. Growing up in New York City and having cataract surgery at the age of 1 provided a serious challenge growing up. I have always been told by doctors that I am lucky to be seeing at all. I loved the beauty of the city architecture and the colors of the seasons in my youth. I took to drawing and art because I wanted to reproduce and capture the beauty around me. Then I discovered the camera ! When I realized that I can capture life through the camera lens, I began the journey of photography. Everyone was surprised that I could take pictures so well with being legally blind in one eye but I never really believed in myself. Fast forward in time, moving from New York to Florida in 1989 and growing up into manhood was a huge adjustment. Eventually over the years I have been told that I never know when my vision bay leave me, and that pushed me further to see all I can see. Eventually at age 47 I got serious camera gear and took my photography to a new level. I started my photography business in July 2021 and never looked back. My mission: To see all I can see and create special moments for everyone and in the end I can visualize and remember how it looks …….. not just through the camera ……… but in my mind.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Growing up in New York and moving to Florida with my visual challenges helped me to be strong. Eventually getting married and visiting Morocco changed my life. My wife encouraged me so much to pursue photography. She could not believe the work I had already done and she gave me the idea of starting a business. She mentioned it and put the bug in my ear and after researching how to start I just started Will Reese Photography as a sole proprietor business. I usually have clients that book weddings, family portraits, Bar Mitzvahs and birthday parties. I also love taking landscape pictures as well as pictures of flowers. I do some volunteer work for nonprofit organizations for Fashion Shows and modeling pictures as well. What sets me apart is that I’m not consumed by making money. I want to be the best I can be at making creative art and capturing life.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Due to my vision challenges it creates a depth perception. Determining distance and clarity in certain lighting conditions can be most challenging. I have to rely on autofocus lenses almost always. Technology has a lot of tools to help with focusing and clarity. I had to do research as to which cameras I needed to buy that had the technology I needed. In the age of YouTube and social media I learned about methods to make things easier on my eyes to take pictures as well as building skills.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I have had to learn my self worth in the photography business. I had to unlearn telling myself I’m an amateur in the professional business venture and not charge as much as other photographers. I had my friends and family look at my work and give opinions. Other photographers I met at photoshoots helped a little and I now know I belong.

Contact Info:

• Website: Willreesephotography.com
• Instagram: @willreesephotography
• Facebook: Will Reese

Image Credits
Will Reese Photography