Photographer of the week: Hailee Williams

The “Photographer of the Week” series is dedicated to highlighting photographers within the SCAD community that demonstrate unique abilities behind the lens. This week, Hailee Williams, a junior Film and Television student, shares her recent projects and personal insight.

What or who helped you develop an interest in being a photographer and what significance does photography hold for you? 

My interest in photography started when I was fifteen and went to a photography camp in New York City for a week. I didn’t know anything about photography, but throughout my time there I met my best friend who now goes to SCAD with me, and I learned that I could capture the emotions that I felt and could transform them into something more. I remember I took a picture of a couple sitting on a bench at Coney Island, and I wanted that so badly. It made me feel so happy that there are people who could just go out and live their lives without parental supervision and could be in love. Since then, I have used photography to portray my own emotions, as well as my hopes and dreams as I’ve grown older. Photography is a way for me to understand myself and the people around me.

Do you have a muse? If so, who, and or what is it? 

I would say that my muse is humanity. I am someone who tries so hard to understand it and to navigate my own way through it.

What is your overall creative process per project? Do you like to follow the common steps of photographing or is there something more unique to the way you work? 

My process usually starts with sitting down and writing out how I feel whether it is about my life, my work, or the world. I want to confront my feelings and understand them and why they make me feel a certain way. Then when I’m choosing my models, I’ll usually work with people who relate to the concept that I am creating. This way I can get a more natural pose from them and convey my ideas the way I imagine them. I am someone who likes to work my schedule and plans out most of my life, however with my photography I find that I work best when working under pressure.

What impact do you want to have within the industry? 

Within the industry, I want to show others that it’s okay to feel a certain way. It’s important to understand your feelings and to understand why it makes you feel that way to learn and move on. Throughout my work, I want to help people understand themselves.

What challenges have you faced in your creative journey? 

The biggest challenge that I faced throughout my creative journey has been my starting point. Sometimes it is difficult for me to demonstrate how I feel, and to go out and express it. However, I have found that just getting out there and shooting can lead you to new ideas that you never might’ve thought you’d have.

Is there any advice you’d like to leave for other photographers or SCAD students? 

My advice is to stop overthinking and to just do it. Overthinking will prevent you from being flexible and seeing the opportunities that you have right in front of you.

To see more of William’s work, you may visit her website or Instagram.