Conversations with Karen Williams

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Williams

Hi Karen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey to becoming the founder of Black Visual Queen is about fighting tough odds and making change. It all started when I saw how unfair the photography world can be. There was too much racism, not enough different kinds of people, and almost no help for new artists trying to figure it all out. On top of that, stability was like a unicorn—nice to think about but nowhere to be found.

I decided to do something about it. I wanted to be the guide I never had. So, I took a big risk and started my own thing. This wasn’t just about making money; it was about standing up against the wrongs I saw in the industry. Fast-forward through 14 different companies in 15 years, and now, I’ve worked with some of the biggest brands out there.

Through it all, my mom and dad taught me a tough lesson: you can do everything perfectly and still get a raw deal. But what you do about it is up to you. That’s exactly what I did. I trusted in my talent, kept on learning, and made choices that I could stand behind.

My story isn’t just mine alone. It’s about showing other photographers and creatives that they can make it, no matter the obstacles. I won against a lot of challenges, and now I’m excited to help others do the same. That little dream I had? It grew bigger than I ever imagined, and it shows that with a lot of hard work and a bit of bravery, you can turn a tough situation into something great.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. There were significant challenges, including facing racism and a lack of diversity in the photography world. There was little support for emerging artists, and finding financial stability was extremely difficult. Despite trying to do everything right, obstacles kept appearing, but through perseverance, continuous learning, and making principled choices, progress was made. The journey involved starting from scratch, weathering failures, and eventually, finding success with big brands. These experiences underscored the importance of resilience and determination in overcoming adversity.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work revolves around elevating brands through compelling visual storytelling. As the CEO and creator of Black Visual Queen, I specialize in visual consulting, helping brands forge a dynamic and distinctive visual identity. Known for my deep commitment to bringing diversity into the photography industry, I’ve worked as a Photo Editor for over 15 years, directing visual narratives for iconic brands including Wired, Netflix, Masterclass, Square, and AARP.

What sets me apart is not just my expertise in hiring and directing photographers but also my ability to bridge the gap between a brand’s vision and its visual execution. I don’t just create images; I craft stories that resonate with audiences, amplifying the brand’s voice and ethos. I’m proud of my role as a thought leader, sharing insights with a community on LinkedIn, aimed at enriching the industry with knowledge and diversity.

One of the achievements I hold dear is my upcoming book, “The Photo Hustle,” which encapsulates my mission to demystify the commercial photography industry. It’s designed to equip photographers with the business acumen needed to secure and retain high-caliber clients, a testament to my belief that success in this field requires more than just technical skill—it demands insight into the industry’s inner workings. (Book out May 13, 2025) / https://www.amazon.com/Photo-Hustle-Karen-Williams/dp/1684817420/ref=zg_bs_g_2026_d_sccl_3/143-4444572-2894451?psc=1

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
In my career, I view risk-taking not just as a necessity but as a catalyst for innovation and diversity within the photography and visual consulting industry. Forging a path where you prioritize storytelling through a lens of diversity was, in itself, a significant risk. The industry has been traditionally slow to embrace change, especially regarding inclusivity and representation. Launching Black Visual Queen was one of the biggest risks I’ve taken. It represented a leap into uncharted waters, aiming to disrupt the status quo by providing a platform that emphasizes diversity, not just as a box to be ticked, but as an essential part of visual narrative.

Another substantial risk was stepping out as a thought leader, sharing insights and industry secrets that many hold closely. Writing “The Photo Hustle” exposed the gaps between academic education and practical, real-world success in commercial photography—an unseen venture that many shy away from due to the fear of revealing ‘trade secrets.’

I approach risk as an essential component of growth. It’s about making calculated decisions with the potential to lead to groundbreaking results. While the possibility of failure exists, the focus remains on the learning journey it provides. Each risk taken has been a stepping stone towards building a more inclusive, dynamic, and resilient brand and personal career path.

Pricing:

• Book 19.99 on Amazon.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blackvisualqueen.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackvisualqueen/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blackvisualqueen/

Image Credits
Headshot by: Katie Thompson / https://katie-thompson.com | Book Cover: Photographed by Gabriela Hasbun/https://www.gabrielahasbun.com/ ; Cover Model: Yasmina Mattison Sudan/https://www.yasminamattisonsudan.com