This month, we’re honored to spotlight a photographer whose creative journey has unfolded in waves — steady, reflective, and deeply personal. His eye has captured landscapes, quiet moments, and emotion-filled portraits, all born from a practice rooted in instinct more than planning. His relationship with photography began in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he started documenting everyday life among friends and unfamiliar places. That early spark flickered as he transitioned into civilian life, until a circle of photo-savvy friends in Tampa helped reignite it. With camera in hand, he explored abstract images, portraits, and the natural beauty of Tampa Bay, learning through doing and leaning into what felt right.
A move to North Carolina for work pulled his focus elsewhere, and again, the camera went quiet. But creativity never disappears — it simply waits for the right moment to resurface. Years later, travel stirred something new. He picked up the lens again, this time to record where he'd been, from corners of North Carolina to places far beyond.
What drives his work is simple: nature, movement, and the occasional nudge from friends who believe in his talent. There’s no rigid process. He sees something, and the picture forms. Not always perfect, but when it lands, it lands with power.
One person who helped shape his eye was Brad B., a close friend and fellow photographer. The two would shoot the same events and compare their results, trading ideas and friendly critiques. Brad had a way of pushing him to look deeper, to aim higher. “He would point out some ways for me to take better pictures but stated, ‘I had an eye for this.’ I really miss him.”
That quiet confidence shows in the way his work speaks for itself. He wants his photos to make people feel — whatever that emotion may be. One of his proudest moments came when the City of Wilson, North Carolina selected one of his photos for a citywide Christmas card. That recognition still sticks with him, not for the prize, but for the joy of being seen. He doesn’t force it. There’s no pressure to produce. When it feels right, he reaches for the camera. Music or background noise helps set the mood — silence isn’t his muse. And lately, that creative pull has been growing stronger. This isn’t just a return to photography. It’s a return to joy.
All proceeds go directly to the artist. Please visit the Featured Artist Gallery to support!
Know someone whose art deserves to be in the spotlight next month? We’re always looking for new voices to uplift. To nominate a featured artist, email us at okoyes.artistry@gmail.com.
4 comments
My dad has always been exceptional, and even more so with his photography. His patience and creativity when it comes to taking photos is astounding. His photos evoke a sense of calm and clarity that I seldom find elsewhere. From waterfalls to the autumn leaves in the mountains; he always captures it in a creative way.
Bill is an exceptional man with an exceptional talent who draws you in as a person with his kindness. His photography is calming yet expressive bringing joy and wonder to the admirer.
I’m proud to know Bill personally and I can testify that he takes pride in his love for photography. It is an art form that comes naturally to him and he has definitely found his niche!
Bill is an extraordinary person and artist. I am so happy that his great photography talent now has a venue to bring joy to others who see and acquire his photography art.