Don Willett

My creative work forms the foundation of my passions in life. Each project, each portrait is woven together with my experiences in life that are reflected in the images that I make. This perspective gives me insight into what makes each person I photograph unique and how I can best capture their experiences to create an authentic portrait.

Regardless of the genre, from a street portrait captured in a passing glance to a fine art portrait built over hours from multiple images, that closeness and connection is an opportunity to capture that moment in time and represent the story that is unique to the souls in the frame. Allowing the distractions to fall away, practically and visually distills time through the mechanism of the camera into a moment of truth.

Authenticity is at the heart of my work, and it’s my goal when you see yourself with fresh eyes through the images we make together. More than awards and gallery shows, that feeling when I know I’ve contributed to something special is the reason I’ve focused on portraiture throughout my career.

In my heart, I am an editorial photographer, and each time I pick up a camera it’s a documentary, in still image and videos. The famous and the infamous and the yet to be discovered. I’m grateful for every opportunity to partner with the person on the other side of the lens and make something memorable.

EXHIBITIONS

1989   Group Exhibition, Hampden – 100 Years
2000   Group Exhibition, Out of Order Show, Maryland Art Place
2001   Group Exhibition, Out of Order Show, Maryland Art Place
2016   Group Exhibition, Biennial Faculty Show, Towson University
2018   Group Exhibition, Biennial Faculty Show, Towson University
2019   Group Exhibition, The Big Show, The Creative Alliance
Group Exhibition, Baker Portfolio Show, Peale Gallery
Solo Exhibition, 21 Days: NYC, The Creative Alliance
Group Exhibition, Superheros, Y-Art Gallery

Awards

The Portrait Masters – Silver and Bronze
Docu Magazine – Selected Artist
Communications Arts – Finalist – Photography Annual