We were lucky to catch up with Audrey Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.

Audrey, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Do you know that feeling after waking up from a dream and trying to remember how it started? You recall the middle, and might even have notions of the ending, but what moments actually got you there? At the beginning of my creative career, that exact feeling would arise when asked, “What got you into photography?” I found myself stumbling on the question, having no actual recollection of what got me into what I do. From those moments of mental silence, I realized what my answer actually is. Each moment I wake, my eyes become my lens—approaching life with authenticity, presence and perspective. My goal has always been to reflect that in my work; whether it’s stilling moments in time, revealing words unsaid in a person’s eyes, collaborating with other creatives or bathing in a city’s colors. Photography allows me to view the world from different angles, and I aim to emphasize the beauty within each one.

Audrey, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

It’s been ten years since photography was introduced into my life. When I first picked up a camera, I realized it was the only time I felt fully present with a quiet mind, despite any chaos or outside noise.

After my first photography class in college, I noticed a lot of the rules taught were ways I would naturally approach my art. It was then that I knew it was more than just a hobby, but something innately aligned. Following a few more classes, I decided to trust in my abilities and forge my own photography path. I started shooting with friends and showcasing my work, which led me to shooting with local brands, musical artists, models, documenting historical moments, and eventually developing a passion for travel and fine art photography.

At the beginning of my career, starting fresh and open minded, I started my brand accepting every photo opportunity that came my way–food, maternity, family, editorial and portrait. Over the years, I’ve learned that being a multifaceted creative can lead to many directions, yet no clear path. Taking time to learn more about myself and the intentions behind my creative endeavors went hand-in-hand when discovering what aligned and what didn’t. That journey revealed my love for portrait, editorial, travel and fine art photography, resulting in the revamping and renaming of my brand (my initials): AMJW.

When it comes to photography, it’s more than just taking a picture. It’s a sudden bond made with you and the subject looking through the lens, reflecting who they are and what they feel in that exact moment. It creates a form of authenticity that can’t be replicated. Stilling moments and views in a city, or creating a visual concept follows that same belief. Because my art is an extension of me, with every new season I’m in, my craft grows alongside it. I’ve experienced seasons of both progression and stagnancy, excitement and doubt, action and resistance–which are all a part of the journey in discovering who I am as an artist. Creating with others continues to amplify that experience altogether.

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

“You can do it on your own.” Funny enough, it’s a lesson I taught myself. Not only does it require unlearning, but also relearning the benefits of letting people in. It’s actually something I’m actively working on in certain areas. I’m finding that it goes a lot deeper than not knowing if someone can execute your vision, but rather giving someone the chance to prove your own core beliefs wrong. Creativity lives in a very vulnerable place. Inviting someone through that door can be scary and feel very raw. I’m learning to let my guard down more often with those I trust to allow more chances of connection and community.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I happen to coincide my creative goals with my overall purpose: to inspire. Within my work and future projects, I hope to encourage people to give life to the possibilities we tend to deny ourselves, consciously and subconsciously. I would love for my creations to live beyond me, to continue to reach others. Through genuine connection and conversation, I believe anything is possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://byamjw.com
• Other: [email protected]