In a December 19, 2024, interview at the Commonwealth Club for The Power of Human Connection: Photographer Harry Williams on the Michelle Meow Year-End Special, Harry Williams reflected on his journey capturing San Francisco’s unseen communities, transforming street photography into a practice of compassion, empathy, and dignity. I joined the live stream as he shared how his portraits foster human connection and honor the dignity of his subjects. Thank you Commonwealth Club and Michelle Meow.
These are my notes…
Early Journey and Inspiration
Harry Williams grew up in a small farm town in Ohio as the only brown kid in his community. After earning a photography degree from Ohio State, he embarked on a transformative journey to Southeast Asia. Selling everything he owned, he moved to Bangkok, where he began exploring street photography using a single manual film camera and lens. This approach forced him to engage closely with his subjects, sparking a passion for portraiture. His early travels in Vietnam, especially among the Black Monks, deepened his focus on capturing people’s daily lives, hands, and soulful moments. These experiences taught him the power of connecting with strangers and seeing “the photo before you take it.”
Street Photography in San Francisco
Since 2017, Harry Williams has been photographing life on the streets of San Francisco, particularly in neighborhoods like the Tenderloin and Sixth Street. Drawn to the vibrancy and humanity of these areas, he captures moments of dignity and resilience. Unlike the stillness of upscale areas like Pacific Heights, neighborhoods like the Tenderloin are filled with life, stories, and unpredictability. Harry approaches each encounter with humility and patience, building trust by talking with people, taking their photos, and later returning to share the prints. Over time, he has become a familiar presence—“the photography guy”—known for treating his subjects with respect and compassion.
Human Connection and Impact
Harry’s portraits uplift people in vulnerable situations, offering them a moment of visibility and dignity. His large-scale prints (like a 48×36 portrait) are celebrations of everyday people, portraying them not at their lowest points, but as people worthy of being seen and appreciated. The emotional impact of his work is palpable. People have cried upon receiving their photographs, expressing gratitude for being seen with dignity. Harry recounts moments of deep connection, like celebrating Christmas with “Buffalo,” a man experiencing homelessness, by bringing a cake for the whole block to share. Moments like these underscore the human desire for acknowledgment and the simple power of being seen.
Challenges and Reflections
The emotional weight of his work is not lost on him. Witnessing the hardships faced by those living on the streets can be emotionally taxing, and Harry credits his partner, Angela, as a vital source of support. Despite the challenges, moments of gratitude and connection keep him going. For Harry, photography is more than a technical pursuit—it is a spiritual practice. He sees his camera as a tool for empathy, allowing him to bridge divides and foster human connection.
Philosophy and Approach
Harry emphasizes that everyone deserves to be seen and acknowledged. He encourages people to start small by greeting strangers or offering a compliment. This simple act of connection mirrors his approach as a photographer. His toolkit includes a 28mm lens that forces him to get close to his subjects, creating a level of intimacy rarely seen in street photography.
By shooting in black and white, Harry removes the distraction of color, letting the raw emotion, texture, and essence of his subjects shine through. The shades of gray in his images echo the complexity of humanity on the streets of San Francisco—nuanced, layered, and rarely black-and-white. This approach allows him to maintain complete creative control from capture to print, ensuring each image reflects the dignity, struggle, and beauty of his subjects with unfiltered honesty.
IN THE NEWS
Harry Williams is often celebrated for his striking black-and-white portraits that highlight the dignity and humanity of the city’s overlooked residents. According to 48 Hills, his work focuses primarily on the Tenderloin district, where he has built meaningful relationships with individuals living on the streets or in single-room occupancy hotels. Through his lens, Williams captures raw, unfiltered moments of struggle and resilience, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the people within these communities. His approach transforms everyday street scenes into powerful visual narratives.
Williams’ work has also been featured in significant exhibitions and public events. One standout project documented the San Francisco Juneteenth Parade in June 2024. According to Leica Fotografie International (LFI), Williams captured the essence of community pride and cultural celebration. His ability to frame joy and cultural vibrancy with the same level of intimacy and authenticity seen in his Tenderloin portraits underscores the versatility of his storytelling.
Williams’ photography is grounded in human connection. As highlighted in SFGate, he builds trust with his subjects, often returning to share their portraits with them—a gesture that solidifies relationships and earns him access to deeply personal moments. His work invites people to see the humanity in those they might otherwise overlook. By focusing on the details of his subjects’ expressions and body language, Williams reveals a profound emotional depth in his portraits, drawing comparisons to the work of classic documentary photographers.
In addition to his street photography, Williams is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and passion for the art form. His role as a guest speaker at the Academy of Art University’s School of Photography, as noted on the university’s website, allowed him to discuss his creative process, the importance of empathy in street photography, and the techniques he uses to connect with his subjects. His talk inspired a new generation of photographers to see street photography as a means to foster understanding and compassion.
Through every project, Williams exemplifies the power of storytelling through photography. His journey from a self-taught artist to a respected figure in San Francisco’s creative community is a testament to his passion and dedication. In a recent interview with Canvas Rebel, Williams shared his philosophy on photography, his creative journey, and his ongoing commitment to uplifting the voices of those often left unseen. His portraits challenge viewers to confront their own perceptions, encouraging empathy and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Takeaways
Harry Williams’ journey illustrates how photography can be a tool for compassion, dignity, and social awareness. His approach reminds us of the power of acknowledgment in everyday life. Whether it’s saying “hi” to a stranger or capturing a fleeting moment of humanity, Harry’s work serves as a call to see and honor the people we often overlook. His story underscores the importance of community, empathy, and the belief that everyone has a story worth telling.
Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in Harry’s compelling photography with his book, EYE SEE YOU. This powerful collection showcases intimate portraits and candid moments that capture the humanity, dignity, and resilience of people often overlooked. Through each image, he invites us to see beyond the surface, fostering empathy and a deeper appreciation for human connection. EYE SEE YOU.
© Paul Tocatlian. All Rights Reserved.
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