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

William, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

Once I got the idea in 2019 after getting an opportunity to work in a studio and learning the basics of what photography was, I knew I was going to create WillxWhit Photography. Which mind you has gone through a lot of trial and error for the name of my business. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, those who know me would give you a head nod in agreeance. For me, it isn’t about money, just the ability to be creative and start something from the ground up. Launching my photography business then, I wouldn’t have thought that I would be where I am today. I was able to launch and continue to be successful because of 3 big things; connections, experiences, and commitment.

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.

I am a photographer based out of Austin, Texas now due to a move to grad school, and I like to say I specialize in photography for people! It was my freshmen year of undergrad back in 2019 and I was looking for another job at my university. I reached out to the university photographer and actually didn’t hear back at all, but Im tenacious and kept reaching out. One day I showed up to the studio, and before meeting someone I consider a friend and mentor now, I was amazed by the setup. Instantly I was like I don’t know how to use anything in here, but I sure am ready to learn. The rest is history! I worked there for about 4 years and was even an interim university photographer for them. Being in college and surrounded by students I was able to try out all types of photography and during that time I tried, and I mean tried, to find my niche. I would always hear that you “needed” to choose one… I get where people are coming from, but I’ve lived by doing a little bit of everything while recognizing where I get most of my business from. I am most proud of the space I create and provide for my clients. For some it is a space to try new things, to be confident, and to feel safe and unjudged. Being a photographer requires true empathy and the ability to encourage those with a vision. I want people to know that I, as WillxWhit Photography, am here to be your #1 fan and supporter before, during, and after the session. I want to hear people’s ideas and help them execute it!
I hear these things a lot and you may even feel this way about yourself; I’m not photogenic, I’m awkward, I don’t know how to pose, etc. I meet my clients at their comfort level and work with them to get pictures they feel confident in. I am always happy to hear back from clients about how their experience was memorable and shared with their family and friends.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Connections. This included other creatives, family friends, and people I would meet during work or out and about. The biggest thing that will help any creative is the people you meet and know. It also matters who YOU are and what your name carries.

Building your business matters, but people don’t go to a business for just the product, that is only a part. They go for the creator, the owner who put their time and continuous efforts into it. I started expanding my business by telling everyone around me, my friends, and my family. They started telling everyone they knew, which I am thankful for, but they did it because they knew me. They know that I love people and I love being able to capture them in their moments. It’s why people will book because they will experience someone who cares for them.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

As a kid, I wanted to do everything, and my mom always says “If he had 36 hours in a day and 10 days in a week, there still wouldn’t be enough time.” Some may think that seems rushed, but at the age of 21, I understand that it isn’t wanting to do everything right now, but the sense of adventure and seeking out experiences I am after. Photography specifically showed me that I can experience new things while helping the client experience a great session. Where they can grow their confidence, try something new, and even be vulnerable. Being creative to me means being passionate, kind, and open to something new, that is what drives me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://willxwhitphotography.squarespace.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/willxwhit?igshid=tlk0ht1ss96h
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willxwhit/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-whitworth-352790192/
• Other: Google Business: https://goo.gl/maps/J75yhy8EbVwKQe986

Image Credits
Photo of me on the baseball pitch – Photo credit – Ben M. Zaragosa @Meza Photos All other images were taken by me at WillxWhit Photography