Rising Stars: Meet Bridgette Williams

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bridgette Williams.

Hi Bridgette, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
A core childhood memory of mine is using a Polaroid for the first time, mesmerized by the development process. I loved timing the perfect moment to hold onto forever. I ran with that feeling throughout my childhood taking photos of friends playing music up until I graduated high school, and pursued my degree in photography. This is where I was introduced to analog photography in a professional way. While it was on the outs, and digital was moving its way in, I was again drawn to the development process.

After graduation, I continued to photograph friends in music scenes, eventually immersing myself in the music industry by covering festivals like Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits using both digital and film formats. This journey led me to living in Nashville for four years, where I worked at a film lab and shifted into film full-time, creating social media content, record covers, and capturing live music events. I was fully embracing the present moments with the nostalgia of the film.

During this analog phase, I explored cyanotype printing to recreate the film-like development process, crafting customized prints with digital negatives on linen canvas. Experimenting a little further, I incorporated stitch embroidery into these prints, adding a unique tactile element.

In recent years, my family relocated to Charlotte, marking a new chapter in my photographic journey. Today, I operate as a hybrid photographer blending film, digital, alternative process printing, and needle stitch work.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being creative often involves exposing vulnerability, which can make the journey a bit bumpy. I’ve learned many lessons about recognizing my value as a photographer while avoiding the pitfalls of comparison and imposter syndrome. These struggles have fueled my desire to improve, learn, and challenge myself to develop a style true to my own. I’ve come to embrace failure as a source of inspiration.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What I do and what I’m known for are really tied together: my analog portraiture. I’ve worked with both digital and film, but analog photography is where I’ve found my true passion. Even when I shoot digitally, I try to edit my photos to look like they came from a film camera.

I’m especially proud of my studio film portraiture because it has kept me focused and present. My camera is my tool, and I know it inside and out, but what really sets me apart is how I connect with my subjects. I spend time getting to know you during your session—your unique quirks and personality traits. I aim to capture these with care and positivity, making sure every shot has a purpose.

I want you to see yourself in a new, positive way, the way I see you. Cameras can be pretty harsh, so I strive to use mine thoughtfully, especially when photographing people. I’ve challenged myself with all kinds of photography, from live concerts to lifestyle to commercial work, using different mediums. Each challenge makes me love photography even more. It’s become a part of who I am.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
During the pandemic, I discovered the necessity of finding creativity within my home. Previously reliant on working with others as subjects, I tapped my desire for removing myself from screens and into alternative process printing to express myself creatively. This revitalized my mental health, and it enabled me to give my previous work a new vision and life. Despite the lack of control over external circumstances, this newfound outlet helped me maintain a sense of connection with others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bridgettekwilliams.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_bridgettewilliams/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridgettewilliamsphotos
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgettekwilliams/