We recently connected with Jess Williams and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jess, thanks for joining us today. Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?

I began exploring photography in high school, and for a long time, it was a solitary pursuit. I spent hours walking through my neighborhood or traveling with my parents, capturing the world through my lens. It wasn’t until college that I was introduced to the vast diversity within photography, which led me to discover my passion for music photography.

As I immersed myself deeper in the field, I realized that photography was no longer just an individual pursuit—it was about community. However, in the early stages of my career, around 2015, I often found myself as the only non-man in the photo pit at concerts. Sometimes, I’d be lucky to have one or two other non-men with me, but that was rare.

As a young non-man photographer, it was often difficult to be taken seriously. There was a prevailing assumption that non-men in the industry had achieved their positions through unethical means, and I felt that bias being directed at me as well.

During my senior year in college, I dedicated my thesis to addressing gender inequality in music photography. Through this project, I discovered The Photo Ladies, a community of women and non-binary photographers united by their passion for music and photography. Their mission is to support, share, and represent one another in the industry.

Being part of The Photo Ladies for nearly a decade has been transformative. Through this network, I connected with hundreds of non-men photographers from around the world, and we’ve built meaningful relationships over coffee, dinners, and drinks whenever we’re in the same city. The organization has also been instrumental in helping members transition into full-time freelance careers and tour with artists globally.

Reflecting on my journey, I recall how isolating it felt when I first entered the music photography world. I had no roadmap for turning my passion into a career. A decade later, I’ve witnessed the harsh realities of the gender gap in the industry, but I’ve also found a thriving community that supports one another. While the gender gap remains, organizations like The Photo Ladies are crucial in providing a platform for marginalized voices and continue to have a significant impact in fostering inclusivity in the industry.

Jess, 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?

I am a Philadelphia native and I’ve always had a creative spark that’s never quite gone out. From a young age, I felt a deep desire to tell stories, initially through words as a writer or poet. However, it wasn’t until high school that I realized my true passion lay in storytelling through visuals.

I got my first camera in 2010—a small Kodak point-and-shoot—and began spending hours wandering my neighborhood, capturing anything that caught my eye. A few years later, I upgraded to a Nikon D3000 and began diving deeper into photography. I’d head into Center City, Philadelphia, photographing anything that spoke to me. Architecture became my initial muse, drawing me in with the way light interacted with buildings and the geometric beauty of different architectural styles. This fascination led me to abstract photography, which felt like a natural extension of my simultaneous studies in drawing and painting.

Throughout high school, I balanced photography with traditional art forms, continuing my visual exploration while attending classes at Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia. It was there I began learning alongside other creatives and was introduced to portraiture and film photography—two genres that would later influence my work.

My high school portfolio eventually led me to my dream of attending art school, though it wasn’t an easy decision. Many people told me pursuing a creative career was risky and impractical, but my dream was to find a way to merge my passion for photography with a sustainable career. I applied and was accepted to The New School’s 5-year dual degree BA/BFA program, where I earned my BFA in Photography and a BA in Journalism.

At 17, I moved to New York City, the place where my career truly began. The first year was all about exploration and figuring out where my interests aligned within the world of photography. It was during this time that I discovered music photography—something I had never considered before but immediately felt was meant for me. Music had always been a huge part of my life, from mixtapes my older sister made to attending concerts as soon as I could. The idea of combining my love for music with photography was a perfect fit.

Throughout my time at The New School, I immersed myself in music photography, shooting at venues all over New York City and working with local Philadelphia bands. I honed my craft, developing a distinct style while learning how to manage both the creative and technical aspects of music photography. Toward the end of college, I interned in the Creative Department at Universal Music Group, a truly unforgettable experience that opened doors to new opportunities in the industry. I assisted on photoshoots for Top 15 artists and gained invaluable insights into the professional side of music photography.

After graduation, I continued to work at Universal Music Group in various roles while maintaining a freelance music photography career. I worked with artists like Two Door Cinema Club, Japanese Breakfast, and Empire of the Sun, and even expanded into other creative fields like stand-up comedy, photographing events like the 2024 New York Comedy Festival.

What I’m most proud of is the fact that I’ve spent a decade living and thriving as a creative in New York City—a city that constantly challenges you. There were many times when I thought about giving up and walking away, but I stayed determined. And for that perseverance, I’m truly proud.

Today, I continue to grow my craft and collaborate with inspiring artists and clients. My work is defined by a love of storytelling through imagery, capturing moments that not only showcase talent but also evoke emotion. Whether I’m documenting live music, comedy, or another creative endeavor, I strive to create images that resonate and leave a lasting impact.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients and followers to know, it’s that I’m not just a photographer—I’m a storyteller who’s passionate about capturing moments that matter. Every shot I take is about telling a deeper story, whether it’s the energy of a live performance or the emotion behind a quiet moment. It’s not just about the image; it’s about the feeling it conveys.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Here’s a refined answer that maintains your perspective while offering helpful insights for others:

When it comes to building my social media following, I’ll be honest—it’s not something I focus on heavily. I use Instagram primarily as a tool to showcase my work and connect with people, but I don’t put much effort into actively growing my following. For me, the most important part of building my brand has always been cultivating genuine relationships, both online and, more importantly, in person.

Networking is key. I’ve spent years connecting with people in my industry—photographers, musicians, creatives, and beyond. Whether it’s meeting at concerts, collaborating on projects, or simply reaching out to others whose work I admire, I believe that building real, human connections is what drives growth. Word of mouth and personal recommendations have been far more valuable in shaping my career than focusing on the latest trends in social media.

To me, the most important thing is to stay true to my authentic self. I strive to remain uniquely human in all of my interactions, whether they’re online or face-to-face. People appreciate the honesty, and that has, in turn, helped me build a community that’s invested in my work, not just the content I post. It’s about being genuine and nurturing relationships, and for me, that’s the most sustainable way to grow both my brand and my career.

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

The most rewarding part of being a creative, especially as a photographer, is the sense of freedom it brings. Discovering photography was like finding the key to unlock a door I didn’t even know was there. It allowed me to break free from the standard career path and embrace a life that’s far less conventional—and honestly, more exhilarating.

Taking the leap to pursue art school, despite the warnings about the risks (and the sobering statistic that less than 5% of art school graduates end up becoming successful artists or photographers), was probably the boldest thing I’ve ever done. But that decision has given me the freedom to explore not just my career but my entire life in ways I never imagined.

Once I experienced the liberation that comes with truly following my passion, it began to spill into every aspect of my life. I became more in tune with who I am—my authentic self—and learned to live in a way that felt true to me. It’s almost like these two journeys—photography and self-discovery—feed into each other. My passion for photography has led me to be more authentic, and living as my true self has deepened my understanding of my work, my creative drive, and the message I want to communicate. It’s a continuous cycle that works together for my personal and professional growth, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jessicawilliamsphotography.net/
• Instagram: Primary – https://www.instagram.com/jesswilliamsphoto/ and this is my film photography page – https://www.instagram.com/jesswilliamsfilm/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicawilliams824/

Image Credits

All photos taken by me, Jess Williams.