Priceless Advice From A Hyper-Successful Insider
This short Q&A with Karen Williams contains four insightful gems of advice that might help you fulfill your photographic ambitions to unimaginable levels. Dive in! It’s a three-minute read that could constructively shift your focus and put you smackdab on the track to success.
Karen Williams is a super-successful photo editor and creative director. She’s directed shoots for WIRED, AARP, Masterclass, Barron’s, Airbnb many others. Karen is founder/CEO of Black Visual Queen, and has written an insider’s guide, The Photo Hustle, that could be your key to breaking into brand photography or expanding your career in enormous ways.
Shutterbug drafted questions we thought you’d ask if given a three-minute conversation with an established and prosperous insider, someone who has experienced the barriers, rejections, successes, and ultimately the achievement of an established career in brand photography. Not a photographer herself, Karen Williams is the tour guide who can explain what you must do to get your proverbial foot in the door.
Q: Shutterbug: As a leading professional photography success story, who overcame gender and racial barriers, what is the single most important piece of advice can you offer photographers who aspire to become successful professionals?
A: Karen Williams – Know your why. Why photography? What moves you to pick up the camera day after day, even when it’s hard or uncertain? That deeper purpose — the emotional connection to your craft — is what will guide you through the ups and downs of the creative journey. For me, photography has always been about storytelling, representation, and creating space for perspectives often left out. That “why” became my anchor when the doors didn’t open easily — especially as a woman of color navigating a predominantly white, male industry. Your “why” is what gives your work soul and your career direction. It keeps you grounded when things get tough and focused when things start moving fast.
Q: Shutterbug: What is the single most important action(s) that aspiring photographers should regularly practice to improve their chances of success?
A: Karen Williams – Shoot every day. Even if it’s just with your phone. Photography isn’t just a technical skill — it’s a way of seeing. And the only way to refine your eye is through consistent practice. Think of it like a musician doing daily scales or an athlete training before a big game. The more you shoot, the more you learn about light, composition, emotion, and timing. The greats didn’t get there by accident — they showed up, even on days when it felt pointless. Build that habit and, over time, your visual style will emerge — and that’s what people connect with. It’s not about perfection. It’s about momentum.
Q: Shutterbug: Every road to success is obstructed with incidents of rejection and/or failure. What insightful advice can you offer our readers regarding dealing with rejection, beyond the standard “hang in there”?
A: Karen Williams – Rejection isn’t personal — it’s directional. In this industry, “no” is part of the job. And honestly? If you’re not hearing no, you’re probably not putting yourself out there enough. The key is mindset. I’ve learned to reframe rejection as “not yet” rather than a final judgment. Maybe the timing was off. Maybe it wasn’t your client. That doesn’t mean your work isn’t worthy. Keep showing up, keep refining your craft, and keep putting yourself in rooms — virtually or otherwise — where your work can be seen. The right opportunities will find you when you’re aligned with your value and your vision. Persistence is powerful when it’s fueled by purpose.
Q: Shutterbug: Where can our readers purchase your book?
A: Karen Williams – You can find The Photo Hustle wherever books are sold! It’s available on Amazon, Bookshop.org (for those who want to support independent bookstores), and directly through Mango Publishing. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your commercial photo career, this book is your roadmap. It’s packed with insider tips from my years as a photo editor for brands like Netflix and Wired, plus real-world advice on pitching, pricing, building your brand, and navigating the industry. If you’ve ever felt like the business side of photography was a mystery — this book is for you.
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—Jon Sienkiewicz
Photo credit, Karen Williams’ portrait: Katie Thompson.
