Patrick Keith Williams: Why I Am Turning My Hobby Into A Pursuit To Become A Pro Photographer

Patrick Williams
Nov 7 · 3 min read
Photo of Patrick Keith Williams, owner and photographer at P. K. Williams Photography
Photo of Patrick Keith Williams, owner and photographer at P. K. Williams Photography
Patrick Keith Williams, P. K. Williams Photography

Have you ever seen the work of a really good professional photographer? A good photograph can make you stand back in awe. No words have to be spoken. It’s just a beautiful art form. Photographs can tell a story without words, they can cause to think about things in a different way, they can inspire. As a Professional Photographer would like to reach for that point. The point where my pictures, inspire, invoke thought, and cause you to consider your place in the world.

I have been taking pictures since I was a Freshman at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri. In an effort to bond, my dad bought me a Minolta X-700 film camera. At the same time, he got himself a Canon AE-1 film camera. Why the two different brands. Well, the story I tell is so I couldn’t use his lenses, and I would be forced to invest in my own craft. Sadly we never explored photography together. I’m not even sure if he still takes pictures in his later years.

With my new camera, embarked on a journey that has lasted to this day. I was a contributor to the school newspaper, I submitted my pics to the yearbook, earning myself a Sports Editor position in my Senior year. Yes, I pulled a few shenanigans in that position, and if you ever get a chance to peruse 1983 Rockhurst High School Yearbook, look close. You’re going to be surprised at what you find.

I continued to take pictures after I went away to college. But being a Cadet at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado didn’t afford much free time. So, I took pictures as I could, but I never really worked on my craft.

Coming to Arizona was detrimental to my learning the ropes as a photographer. You would think in a land of such awe-inspiring beauty I would find lots of subject matter to photography. Unfortunately, when I arrived someone broke into my truck and stole all of my photography equipment. I was devastated! For many years forward I didn’t even pick up a camera. But you never forget a first love. A few years ago I decided to get back into the swing of things, but I realized things have changed, and I know I have a lot to learn. That is the learning curve that I am on today.

The Blue Angels Aerial Demonstration Team in Tight Formation, F-18 Super Hornet
The Blue Angels Aerial Demonstration Team in Tight Formation, F-18 Super Hornet
The Blue Angels Aerial Demonstration Team in Tight Formation, F-18 Super Hornet
@KatieLongLegs on Instagram

The Road To Pro is not an easy one. But being a photographer is fun. One challenge I am facing is determining a specialty. I have explored many different photography subjects: landscape, action sports, portraits, street photography, boudoir, fashion, still-life, photojournalism, wildlife… and I love them all. I’m currently shooting with a Canon EOS 7D Mark II. I love digital, but I think I end up taking too many pictures. So, I will continue to shoot, develop my eye for light, and hopefully get to the point where my photo creations, can inspire, and tell a story to my audience. I hope you will follow me on my journey. Thank you in advance.

Patrick Keith Williams,

Member, Professional Photographers of America

P. K. Williams Photography on Flickr

P. K.Williams Photography on Facebook

Number 42 and Number 22 Racing at Phoenix International Raceway
Number 42 and Number 22 Racing at Phoenix International Raceway
My Favorites Racing at Phoenix International Raceway

P. K. Williams Photography on Instagram

A costumed lady at the Arizona Renaissance Festival.
A costumed lady at the Arizona Renaissance Festival.
Arizona Renaissance Festival

Patrick Williams

Written by

Commercial Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor, Photographer, Web Designer, Writer

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