Meet Clifton McWilliams | Freelance Photographer & Storyteller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Clifton McWilliams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Clifton, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
If you say that getting the money is the most important thing, you’ll spend your life completely wasting your time. You’ll be doing things you don’t like doing in order to go on living, that is to go on doing thing you don’t like doing, which is stupid.” ― Alan Watts

It is a straight forward quote, but to me it means break away from the societal norms and take a chance on yourself and what you are passionate about and pursue that, do not think about the monetary value, but the joy and happiness you will get from it. I favor this quote because it is exactly how I try and live my life and look at things.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I would say as far as professionally I am still making my way, I wouldn’t say it has been a hard road thus far, but more of learning. Learning to ignore the trends, algorithm’s, social media, etc, and focus on the work I love to create and let what happens, happen.

I want the world to know my photography is how I see things, how I express myself and that is always about a feeling of emotion and creating memories for me to share with the world, and choosing to work with me means your story or vision is just as important to me and I will always do all I can to create work that leaves a lasting impression.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Las Vegas currently so it is safe to say it’s no shortage of things to do. First is a hike in Red Rock Canyon, or Valley of Fire, followed by food at a favorite local brunch spot, PublicUS, which is in walking distance of our next stop, mothership coffee, and another short walk across the street to the record store. that’s an easy first day.

For a full week, it would include multiple nearby hikes, coffee shops, walking the Vegas strip, dining at local spots and possibly a day trip to Los Angeles. not to mention taking tons of photos the entire trip.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I only have a handful of people I consider friends or more, I keep a close knit group, so the people who have believed in me and inspired me, I have a deep appreciation for.

First I would have to mention Jaquila Lewis, she’s more than a best friend and partner for me. She has always been by my side to motivate me and remind me to pursue what I am passionate about, no matter how grim I think things are what my creativity, she is always there giving support and telling me to keep going.

Then, there are my brothers, not by blood, John and David, who are also photographers. They both give me great feedback and ideas for my work in different ways, we are all very supportive of one another and I definitely have to credit David, since he was the one who got me to take photography seriously.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_macwill_/

Image Credits
Clifton McWilliams