Jason Williams (b.1969) is a Los Angeles-based documentary photographer whose passion for photography was sparked when he was in grade school.  

For as long as he can remember, his life has revolved around the images of the pan-African diaspora. It started with frequent trips to his school and local libraries where he sought out books on Africa and the Caribbean.  Seeing folks that resembled him, across the globe, he sought to “know” these people vicariously through the lenses of photographers. Being a Los Angeles photographer, covering the entertainment scene was an automatic impulse. Williams however, sought to create images of communities of Black people globally.

 Eventually, he came to know of Gordon Parks, James Van Der Zee, Irving Penn, Henri Cartier-Bresson and many other photographers who inspired and taught him (indirectly) how to approach photography with curiosity and empathy.  The work of Chester Higgins, former New York Times staff photographer, opened  his mind to the possibilities of documenting the diverse, yet connected communities of the African diaspora. The humility and curiosity of Howard Bingham is another source of inspiration as is the myriad of styles among the Black Photographers of California organization. This was a group of Los Angeles photographers, that supported creative and commercial interests of African American photographers in Los Angeles similar to the collective of Black photographers in Harlem, Kamoinge Workshop.

 Across three decades, Williams has covered entertainment, sports, business, natural disasters and politics.  His practice focuses on documentary photography with an emphasis on human interest, performing arts, culture and community.  With assignments and commercial work for arts organizations, non-profits, NGOs and editorial clients he is realizing his dream of contributing to the human record as he documents humanity.

He has contributed photography to CNN, Bravo Television, Group Nine Media, CBS, NBC, Turner Classic Movies, KCET, VIBE and KCRW.  He has also been awarded by organizations such as The Peabody Awards and Promax.

 Williams is currently working on projects in Mexico, New Orleans, Morocco and Senegal, following in the footsteps of Higgins, Roy De Carava, Ming Smith and other amazing photographers.