Greg Williams: The Eye Behind Hollywood’s Unseen Moments

In an industry often dominated by meticulously staged photoshoots and paparazzi invasions, Greg Williams stands out as the master of candid photography, capturing Hollywood’s elite in their most unguarded and authentic moments. For over two decades, Williams has cultivated a style that blends the raw immediacy of photojournalism with the intimacy of portraiture, allowing him to reveal the human side of some of the world’s biggest stars.

Williams began honing his distinctive reportage style in the 1990s as a photojournalist, covering conflict zones in Burma, Chechnya, and Sierra Leone. This background in high-pressure environments shaped his ability to act swiftly and decisively, a skill that would later become a hallmark of his work in the entertainment industry. His first foray into film came with an assignment for the Sunday Times Magazine, which opened the door to a career that has since seen him shoot specials on over 200 movies, including iconic poster campaigns for the Bond franchise.

“I shoot fast and I’m very efficient,” he shared in an interview with GQ. This speed not only allows him to capture fleeting moments but also puts his subjects at ease. “I often finish the three-minute shoot knowing I’ve got eight or ten good pictures and then go, ‘Right, we’re done. We’ve got tons, thank you,’ and [the talent] is like, ‘Wow.'”

This efficiency, coupled with his keen eye for composition and narrative, has made Williams one of the most trusted and acclaimed photographers in entertainment. But for Williams, it’s not about photographing celebrities; it’s about capturing artists in their element. “I never think of myself as photographing celebrities, I photograph artists,” he asserts. His respect for the craft of acting and his ability to build trust with his subjects are key to his success. “A lot of people will take a good picture, but you’ve got to be in that room, boat, plane, or dressing room. That’s the hardest thing.”

Williams’ work often shines in the moments between the red carpets and the flashbulbs, where the real stories of Hollywood unfold. Whether it’s Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara enjoying vegan burgers on an LA stoop or Tilda Swinton relaxing on a plane, Williams’ photographs pull back the curtain on the lives of his subjects, offering a glimpse of the person behind the public persona. “I want to take pictures that feel like you’re slightly looking behind the curtain,” he explains.

His preference for black-and-white photography further enhances this sense of timelessness and authenticity. “I adore black-and-white photography… Shooting in black and white immediately takes you slightly back to that golden age,” he notes, drawing inspiration from the classic images that first ignited his passion for the medium.

In addition to his prodigious photographic output, Williams is also a filmmaker, creating “moving reportage” documentaries that offer a first-person perspective on his subjects. His creative ventures extend to product design as well, with his limited-edition Leica Q2, developed in collaboration with Daniel Craig, becoming Leica’s fastest-selling large-scale edition. Through his education platform, Skills Faster, Williams shares his expertise with aspiring photographers, democratizing the craft with his highly successful Candid Photography Course.

Despite his global recognition and over 1 million Instagram followers, Williams remains committed to the integrity of his work. His latest project, Hollywood Authentic, a free print and online magazine, is a testament to this dedication. “I’m not waiting for someone else to give me my dream job. I’m going out and getting it for myself,” he says.

For Williams, photography is not just about the images he captures but also about the moments he chooses to let pass by. “You’re almost more measured by the pictures you don’t take, than the ones you do,” he reflects. This sensitivity to his subjects’ needs, combined with his relentless pursuit of authenticity, makes Greg Williams not just a photographer but a storyteller of the highest order.