"The camera has saved my life on many occasions. I use photography as my way to express myself without the use of words. Being a storyteller means more than anything to me, the expensive equipment is irrelevant. My inspiration comes from provocative art, fashion, music, movies, historical figures, and events that changed the world. I spent the last several years perfecting my craft and this art form became my outlet. I'm not someone that just takes pictures, I am an artist first. Once I have an idea of what I want to shoot my mind takes me to different places and I create a masterpiece. It is always a challenge and I tend to expand my vision and share it with the world. I received some of the best advice from photographers that I admire and respect. Henry Grossman (RIP) shared with me to be "bold" and how it’s not so much about the person behind the camera. It is more about the subject and what you're trying to say in a photograph. Ricky Powell (RIP) expressed to do what you love and create your own universe. He also explained while taking photographs you’re adding it to your own collection. I never force anything when it comes into creating an image because my eye does the work, I make the camera see what I see.”  

I’m a fine art photographer/artist based in Long Island, New York. I learned the basics of film photography in high school. Years later I declared photography as my major in college. From the basic 35mm to the Large Format Camera and then digital I studied all the technical aspects. Had my first solo exhibit and along the way I gained inspiration from legendary photographers from the likes of Gordon Parks, James Vanderzee, and Chester Higgins Jr. I had the opportunity to meet one of my idols Lois Greenfield one of the greatest dance photographers ever. Over a short period of time since I met and worked alongside with iconic photographers. Names such as Ricky Powell (RIP), Deborah Feingold, Jim Britt, Allan Tannenbaum, Baron Wolman (RIP), William Coupon, Kevin Mazur, Lee Jaffe, Richard Corman, Chi Modu (RIP), Larry Busacca, and Henry Grossman (RIP). At the end of the day, I am still a student of the arts and i’m constantly learning how to be better than I was before. I still have more to do.

© 2014 William C. Clyde