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 you experience with and lessons learned from recruiting and team building.

When it comes to recruiting and team building, my experience has evolved significantly through my work with SPARK, where our team comprises a set designer, models, makeup artists, stylists, and photographers. I’ve realized that any production’s success is based on the strength and synergy of the team behind it.

I approach each project with a collaborative mindset, recognizing that every team member, including the client, brings a unique set of skills and creative vision to the table. One of the first things I do when conceptualizing an idea is to assess the scale of the project and determine the necessary team size—whether it’s a smaller, focused effort or a larger, more complex production.

This emphasis on teamwork was deeply rooted in my early experiences in Corpus Christi, where I began my photography journey and served ___ worked for the university photography studio. It was there that I learned the importance of not just gathering people with the right technical skills, but also those who share a passion for the project and can collaborate seamlessly. In the end it is all about fostering an environment where creativity can thrive and every team member feels empowered to contribute their best work!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey as a photographer began in 2019 during my freshman year of undergrad. At the time, I was working at the gym and didn’t feel fulfilled. The pivotal moment came when I reached out to the university photographer to see if they had a student photography position. The moment I stepped into the photo studio, I knew it was where I wanted to be. Although I wasn’t able to officially work there initially, my eagerness to learn and grow in this space led to a soon hire and a four-year tenure there, eventually serving as an interim university photographer. This role afforded me unique experiences, from shooting a music video in an old JC Penney store to spending 36 hours on a research trip in the Gulf of Mexico and capturing the dynamic life at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. I learned a lot about photography, the business side of it, and more.

In 2020, through my experiences as a photographer, I founded WillxWhit Photography. My business focuses on portraits, capturing significant moments such as graduations, engagements, and weddings. I’m immensely proud of the creative and supportive environment I cultivate for my clients, where they feel confident and safe. At WillxWhit Photography, my mission is to be my clients’ biggest advocate, transforming their ideas into stunning visual realities.

In 2023, I moved to Austin, Texas, and am wrapping up my Master’s in Advertising at UT Austin. Along with my studies, I have taken advantage of the vibrant creative community here, connecting with a multitude of inspiring creatives. Austin’s abundant opportunities have allowed me to diversify my portfolio. Since moving, I have had the pleasure of co-founding a Texas-based online music magazine, Eterna Lavender, where I contribute both photography and writing. My work has diversified, allowing me to work for various magazines—from news and fashion to music—and expand into commercial photography for lifestyle, beauty, and other brands. I love the opportunities photography brings, and my passion for photography remains rooted in the joy of meeting and collaborating with people and exploring the endless possibilities of creativity.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey has evolved since I discovered my love for photography four years ago. As a current graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin, pursuing my MA in Advertising and enrolled in the Texas Creatives program; for art directors, copywriters, and other creative fields to hone their skills. I have been able to discover and hone my skills. I am always brimming with ideas, and my journals and phone notes app are filled with them. There was a time when all I did was write and dream. Now, I am driven to take action, finding a lesson in every moment, even if it takes me a while to realize it. As a photographer, my ambition extends to various genres, including portraits, weddings, fashion, and more. I have heard from both sides: you can’t do everything, and if you are interested, keep pursuing it. I have found a happy medium where I continue to expand my skill set and learn to master each. I am motivated to create and derive enjoyment from the process.

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

The most rewarding aspect for me as a creative is the process! I love how ideas come to fruition and eventually get completed. The process can be easily overlooked once the results come to light. It’s in the journey of conceptualization, experimentation, and refinement that the true magic happens. Each step, whether it involves overcoming challenges or embracing unexpected turns, contributes to the unique fingerprint of the final piece. Sometimes, it even helps the idea evolve for the better, turning it into something I couldn’t have ever imagined. I used to wish that my ideas could just poof and come true. It was with time that I learned to appreciate the journey; now, it propels me forward, instilling a continuous curiosity and passion for the creative process.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://willxwhitphotography.squarespace.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willxwhit/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willxwhit/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-whitworth-352790192/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCccV57i0Fa2b3VfzUH4sMdQ

Image Credits
Personal Photo is by Nimsi Coronado All other photos are by WillxWhit Photography