Jess Williams is a talented photographer with an eye for capturing people and moments as they really are, natural and unposed. She's built a name for herself through instinct as much as skill and when she's not behind the camera, she's likely in the water, she loves to swim.
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Tell us about the photograph you are proudest of, and why it has stayed with you.
Oo I love this Question. It would definitely have to be a photograph I took when I was studying photography in Year 13. We were doing documentary style and I chose my nan as my subject. I think that’s where my love for photography sparked. I loved documenting the way she moved, the way she lived and the deep wrinkles to show the life she loved. There's so many stories to tell in portrait. I'd stay in the dark room till late, I loved the slower process of developing your own film.
Do you remember the first photograph you took that made you think, I could do this for the rest of my life?
I lived in Europe for almost all of my 20’s, and I was fascinated with the way of living, the architecture and the stories within everyday life. I shot a lot of black & white film and carried a little point and shoot camera that came with me everywhere - it almost never left my body. There's something about a photo that is so cherished, whether it's the people we love or a place that holds special memories. It's definitely something I kind of naturally fell into. I’ve always loved documenting life around me and making things look beautiful.
Does stepping away from the camera, into the water or elsewhere, change the way you see when you pick it back up?
Life's busy as it is. Being freelance and a solo mum thrown in the mix I rarely get much “me” time.
I feel like swimming resets me. It's one of the few things where I can truly switch off and not feel overstimulated, unlike when I'm running with my music blasting in my ears - it really sets me up for the day ahead.
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We would love to hear more about your swimming hobby, when did you pick this up and what do you love most about it?
One of my goals this year was to pick up a new hobby. I was leaning towards guitar but somehow ended up in the pool… and I'm not mad about it. I used to swim when I was younger so it's been an adjustment but I’m loving it. I do one swimsprint class & two swimfit classes (more endurance) a week. Its low impact on my body and joints but still getting the heart rate high enough to feel like I've achieved a work out. It's a lot to do with how you breathe between each stroke. I feel like it’s even improved my running by learning how to use oxygen more efficiently.
What is something people rarely understand about what actually goes into a great photograph?
Photography is sooo subjective. I’d say for me though it’s about really shaping the light in an image. I love shadows, I love textures. I love how you can really make the audience feel something through the colours you grade your images with. Cool tones, warmer tones, earthy tones, black & white for more of a documentary feel. Grades can change a whole emotion in an image.
If you could trade eyes with one photographer, past or present, for a single day, who would it be?
Oo, that’s a hard one… so many come to mind. Although, if it was just for one day, I’d have to say Greg Williams. He comes from a documentary and photojournalism background and shoots a lot of his work in black & white. He’s so charismatic and I love the way he photographs people, particularly celebrities at premieres and in those behind-the-scenes moments. He just seems to have a way with people that makes them feel completely comfortable around him. Because of that, he captures these incredible, intimate photographs. It almost feels like he’s able to make people forget there’s a lens in front of them, which is something I’d love to experience through his eyes for a day.
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Quickfire questions:
Whose hair are you envious of? Christina Nadin
The CZE product you swear by? The glossifying mist!! I use it every swim & sauna. After every spray it leaves me feeling like I've just washed my hair. It smells incredible!
What does effortless beauty mean to you?
I think effortless beauty comes down to simplicity. I'm drawn to quality over quantity and products that enhance rather than cover up. Whether its skincare, make up or haircare, I'd rather invest in a few things that generally make me feel good. For me the most beautiful look is the one that still feels like you.
What's your current recommendation (book, podcast, song, restaurant, drink, food - anything?)
I’d say MASQUE VIVANT by Biologique Recherch. I swear by this mask (I'm actually currently wearing it as we speak). I use it at least once a week, and it's worth every penny! It's my little at-home spa ritual and one product I'll never not have in my rotation.
