Jimmy Williams An artist and visual storyteller, Jimmy seeks to evoke emotion through his engaging photographs. His assignments and passion for diverse cultures and landscapes have brought him to practically every corner of the globe for over 30 years. Primarily a destination photographer, Jimmy captures his environmental portraits, tourism details, and landscapes with a narrative essence. Possessing a deep appreciation for the beauty within, he captures stirring moments of quiet grandeur with a cinematic quality. With a pocket full of patience and great diligence in lighting techniques, Jimmy seeks these revelations mutually with the creatives that also thrive from the ride. Collaborations have been with a diversified list of agencies including Crispin Porter + Bogusky, JWT, Euro RSCG, Arnold Worldwide, The Richards Group, GSD&M Ideas, & DDB to name a few. Clients that have utilized his universal capabilities include USVI, British Virgin Island, and North Carolina Tourism Boards, Norwegian, Carnival, and Costa Cruise Lines, Barilla, and Hyatt Regency. Jimmy’s affinity towards honest and pure portraiture has also been tapped into by many pharmaceutical companies. Given the industry need for meaningful imagery his full service studio offers a comprehensive stock archive accessible to clients seeking images that live and breathe, standing the test of time. His admirers have also benefited from his new fine art archive where they can explore and acquire his timeless limited edition prints. Jimmy’s photographic efforts have been amply rewarded by the photographic community including recognition by Communication Arts Photo, Design, & Advertising Annuals, One Show, IPA, B&W Spider Awards, Luerzer’s Archive Magazine, PDN, Color Magazine, B&W Magazine, Graphis, and At Edge. Jimmy has been named Ad Week’s Photographer of the Year as well as received multiple Addy’s including Best of Show. In 2008 he received 2nd place in the Lucie Deeper Perspective Photographer of the Year category for his Music Makers series – one of his most personally rewarding projects to date.

Artist Statement

Music Makers Series Music Makers is an ongoing series that pays tribute to the faithful disciples of Southern musical traditions. Music, the blues in particular, has always been an interest in my personal and professional life. I’m particularly captivated by the souls who have a commitment to Southern musical practices as a means of self-expression, historical preservation and in the case of many of the Music Makers artists, as an honest means of survival. In 2004, I photographed “James.” During the photoshoot, this quiet elderly African American man broke out in a simple blues rendition of the song Stardust... High up in the sky the little stars climb, always reminding me that we're apart…, a favorite tune of his late wife. He was not a musician by trade, but his soulful interpretation of the melody overcame the shakiness of his pitch. James’ delivery was innate. The emotional connection created while taking this portrait stirred my desire to continue with a series. In early 2006, I discovered the Music Maker Relief Foundation, a NC organization dedicated to supporting the true pioneers and forgotten heroes of Southern music. Struggling, and often penniless, these artists are given the opportunity and funding to preserve their musical legacy. I have been photographing these artists for four years, starting with those living in my native North Carolina. These artists are the behind-the-scenes originals who have lived their lyrics – the chaos, the loneliness, the poverty, and most of all, the faith. Individually, the portraits capture each artist’s underlying personality and passion. As a collective, the series hums the narrative of a generation whose music helped define the grassroots South. As many of these artists push through their eighties, they continue to perform tirelessly at shows and on tour. When asked why, Captain Luke sums it up perfectly - “Because I can"

TUSCANY Series Every time I travel to Tuscany, the cynical part of me expects its artful splendor to have succumbed to the shallower trappings of modernity and tourism. But time and again, this enduring land manages to enchant with storybook awe and emotion. We live in a world so eager for change, it’s incredibly comforting to travel through a land so in touch with its fertile past. Every cypress and every winding road reminds us that seasoned beauty never grows old. “Before I raise my camera, I always open myself up to the moment and trust my emotions to dictate and inspire a compelling story. Whether I’m shooting a portrait or a landscape, my purpose always remains the same: to establish a connection with the subject and to produce utterly “real” and meaningful moments. The emotions are raw. Sometimes private. Always Honest.".