William worked full time in the Motion Picture Industry for nearly 3 decades, primarily as a focus puller but that work dried up, almost overnight. Although his passion is movie set stills photography, he's had to shift focus to whats available… portrait and wedding photography, teaching and lecturing.
Here’s some of what we cover:
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What is your big takeaway?
Following this interview, I’d love to know what your biggest takeaway is – what is the one thing that you’d like to implement or learnt from what was shared? Let me know by leaving your thoughts in the comments below.
It's hard to let go of creativity when you've done it for a lifetime – William Gray
If you have any questions that I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask William or if you just want to say thanks for coming on the show, feel free to add them below.
A follow up email from William
I think the follow up email I received from William is just as relevant as the interview we did. I think you'll see a side of yourself in everything he writes, I know I did.
Andrew,
Man have I ever deliberated over our interview and this follow up letter for weeks. I keep thinking of things I could/should have said. Thank you for the opportunity Andrew. If there is anything anyone out there in PBX wants to ask me anything I’m readily available via eMail. [email protected]. Please take what I say with a grain of salt. Like Photoshop, there are often 5 right ways to work. Even more with opinions on photography and film making. This is all opinion only and I’m often wrong.
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Hi William,
This might sound vague or childish but I think you are living the dream. I am a avid film photographer and would love to discuss with you how you treat your 8X10 film. I shoot both film and digital but prefer film. I have a tertiary qualification in photography based around film and love the darkroom. I have been in the industry for over 30 years.
Loved reading your comments Chris – sounds like you and William have a LOT in common!
Not sure if you saw his reply to your comments below…
Thanks Andrew, I didn’t see William’s reply but will email him. Have a good weekend.
Chris
Chris,
eMail me. Basically I shoot what I can afford. I process in what ever is at hand. Sprint, Ilford, Kodak, it doesn’t matter. I keep meticulous ISO/Processing notes. These days I hand tray process. I’m geared up for JOBO but have not had the time test that system. I’m often disappointed at the amount of weekly film shooting I do. It takes a lot to overcome my feelings for digital even though I know it’s a better intuitive learning tool.
BG
Wow! This was an awesome interview! Having worked in the film industry for a few years I too can attest that being on set is the best job in the world. You truly cant believe you are being paid to be there. I would rather be carrying 20 camera cases up a hill than being stuck behind a desk. Your’e work is great William! With your knowledge and skill I know you’ll be successful.
Thanks so much Ray
I’d love to spend day or two on a film set shooting, sounds fantastic. The closest I’ve come was a few weeks ago on an isolated beach in India… Linda and I stumbled across a Bollywood movie being shot and spent an hour watching the production in 40 degree Celsius heat!
Like you say though… better than driving a desk in a cubicle somewhere.
I’m catching up on a few podcasts and listened to this just yesterday, how good to hear from a very honest and grounded photographer / creator. Thank you William
The closest I’ve been on a film set was for a short film “Room 87” which debut at 2015 Cannes Film Festival – Short Film Corner
that was cool, let alone on a full size film set !
All the best William
Thanks for adding your comments Orlando, happy to hear you enjoyed this one as much as I did.
I’d never been on a film set till my recent trip to India when Linda and I stumbled onto a Bollywood film set on the beach. Maybe not the same thing but I could have definitely stayed longer if it wasn’t for the brutal heat – don’t know how the back up dancers managed the temps!
Not sure if you saw William’s reply to you below… 🙂
Andrew / William, what an amazing podcast. From Williams almost encyclopaedic knowledge of photography equipment i never even knew existed to Andrews obvious enthusiasm and excitement at the interview it was great to listen to. It shows a side to this business that gets lost sometimes in the analytics of business. It show the “real” side of photography. I’m going to spend the “quiet” time over winter in Ireland to catch up on a lot of what you guys talked about I have to go and dig out a roll of film for my little fujica. Thanks guys
Thanks so much Paul – I definitely felt out of depth talking to William but there was no lack of enthusiasm.
I think you’re spot on with the “other side” of business that does get overlooked – the wonderful history and art of what we do.
I’m yet to dig out some film for my old cameras, I do plan to, but have been enjoying old films and youtube videos on the masters and history of photography.
BTW – not sure if you saw the reply by William to your comments below…
Thank you Andrew and thank you Paul. Thank you Orlando.
Spent a lot of time around people that are scary talented. I have lived a charmed camera life. Luck I’d never have had in LA unless my father was in the camera biz. I can still see the first print that came up in the darkroom dev tray years and years ago. I’m always living frightened that I’d loose that excitement.
“Amateurs look for inspiration; the rest of us just get up and go to work.”
― Chuck Close
Thank you again Andrew.
BG
My pleasure William.
Your quote reminds me of an incredibly good books by Steven Pressfield…. The War of Art and Do The Work – both are highly recommended if you haven’t read them.
cheers William, interesting quote, and very nice of you to follow up your interview with comments
A, Both are on my reading list. Cheers to your Orlando. BG