If I had to paraphrase a famous quote to describe my good friend, Rich Williams, it would go something along the lines of: “Shoot often and carry a fast lens.” That is Rich to me – a shooting machine and a pinnacle of class, style, and refinement. These characteristics are applicable to Rich as a person and, furthermore, bleed into his photography. Rich has succeeded in achieving something that so many people strive for, but rarely do – he has created his own distinct style. Actually, he’s created several distinct styles. Browse through Rich’s collection of images and you’ll see what I mean.

Rich can go the same exact spot in Boston, Chicago, DC, NYC, or wherever and present to you totally different images every time, and each one is more breathtaking than the last. He is also a virtuoso in the floral macro department. You can’t help but smile when you see one of Rich’s flower shots. And then there are the portraits. Rich has several lenses that provide an insanely narrow depth-of-field, where it is so easy to miss your focal point (we’re talking about fractions of an inch here), but Rich always seems to succeed in providing you with some spectacular results. If you find yourself on a photowalk or at some get-together with my friend Rich, it’ll only be a matter of time before you find yourself on the business end of his glass. You have been warned. Oh, and Rich has a way of taking just about any fire hydrant in any city on the planet and making it look like timeless art. Trust me.

He’s a one-man-band and I’m one of his biggest fans.

You can follow Rich on his Website, Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr

Untitled – Rich Williams

In December of 2007, I decided to purchase my first SLR camera and pursue photography as a hobby.  During the years since I made that investment, photography has become more than a casual pastime or a creative outlet; it has evolved into a life-altering experience that has helped change the way I see the world.  It’s also afforded me the opportunity to meet and befriend an amazingly talented group of people—both here in New England and beyond—who continue to offer support and encouragement in my creative journey.

So why do I shoot?  Just as some turn to meditation to find peace and balance in their universe, I turn to photography partly because it’s a relaxing experience that helps keep me sane in a world that sometimes isn’t.  Whether shooting a cityscape during a fiery sunset or a floral macro, photography gives me a sense of inner harmony that can’t be compared to anything else.

Photography isn’t simply about capturing an image that stands in front of you with the click of a shutter button.  It’s about transforming what you see through your viewfinder and giving it a new life with your own personality and creative style.  I strive to accomplish this with every image I take.

In December of 2009, my journey as a photographer took a dramatic turn with the purchase of my first full-frame camera.  Immediately thereafter, I acquired the Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 fisheye lens.  Easily the widest piece of glass in my collection, it has the power to transform even the blandest, looks-great-on-a-postcard cityscape into a unique, head-turning image that inspires all sorts of awe.  Lines radically curve; buildings freakishly bend into shapes you never thought were possible; and the conventional becomes the unconventional.  Who knew a camera lens could be so fun and addictive?

In my mind, I’m miles away from the more accomplished and seasoned photographers out there, but I have a willingness to learn and grow as a creative artist.  It’s that very willingness that drives me to pick up my camera and strive to be better at what I do.

I’ll wrap up my entry by sincerely thanking Brian Matiash for granting me the opportunity to provide his readers a glimpse into my world via his Alt Perspective series.  Brian and I met in June of 2009 and have since been on several photo excursions during which he continually challenges me to be a better photographer.  Not only is he a constant source of inspiration, he’s also someone I’m fortunate enough to call “friend.”