Crafted by NIFCA

Capturing The Soul Of Barbados

Decorated photographer Christopher Williams has a joy for creation that comes with vision and quiet satisfaction when a single image tells a story that words could never capture; and while his aim is to not chase the spotlight – it tends to find him anyway.

As a Barbadian photographer, Williams has spent decades capturing stories that speak whether it be through striking portraits, cultural documentation or moments of everyday beauty frozen in time. Among his early influences were two men who set him on a path to a lifelong passion: Cecil B Marshall and Teddy Roach. “They set the foundation as my mentors and I was inspired by them. The first time I went into a studio it was with Teddy and my first apprenticeship after school was with Marshall.”

Through his work, Williams earned numerous accolades over the years including recognition from NIFCA such as the Governor General’s Award of Excellence in 1998. However, while winning is always a significant experience, Williams said “the trophies are not what drives me. I remember one of my students winning a gold NIFCA award in 2000. I had mentored her, taught her and when she won, I felt a sense of pride that was even deeper than if I had won it myself. It reminded me what art is really about and that is expression, creativity and passing on what you have learnt.”

For Williams, creativity always comes first and that balance between creating and teaching has defined much of Williams’ journey. From his earliest entries into NIFCA, it was clear he was there to push boundaries, and while his work consistently earned top honors, Williams never played it safe. He questioned conventions, challenged the rules and sometimes even the judges not out of defiance, but out of a deep commitment to the integrity of the art form.

Christopher Williams

“I remember submitting a portrait once and adding a flower to the subject’s lapel – something the judges did not expect. They didn’t want to judge it because it broke convention. But for me, it was not about defying rules for the sake of it. It was about exploring what creativity could be about letting photography breathe.”

Another time, before the digital era, Williams spent an entire night perfecting an image of water bursting from a coconut. He said “it was just me, an assistant and a lot of patience. We rigged a tube behind the coconut so she could blow through it. If she didn’t blow just right, the water would not arc properly. When we finally got it, it felt like magic. However, because the judges could not understand how it was done, I was not awarded. But I didn’t mind, because in my mind I knew I had created something that satisfied me creatively.”

That sense of satisfaction and passion behind creativity is exactly what keeps him motivated. So for him, over the years, NIFCA became less about competition and more about connection with people, with creativity and with self.

“It brought visibility, yes,” he acknowledged. “People in and out of photography began to recognize my work. But more importantly, it helped me find my voice. NIFCA gives you that platform to experiment, to grow, to be seen.”

One of Williams’ favourite photographs, a simple image of a pebble dropped into still water, perfectly captures that idea. In explaining he said “I remember taking it and thinking about how one small action can create endless ripples. An insurance company actually used it later because of what it symbolized and that was the idea that one moment or one gesture can have a lasting effect.”

Even now, Williams remains deeply passionate about his craft. “I can’t help but see,” he said. “Wherever I go, I am seeing photographs. I might be driving, and I will stop the car just to capture something and that is because photography is instinctive to me and it is how I experience the world.”

He also still lives by two mantras he’s shared with countless students: “Opportunity favours the prepared” and “there is always a masterpiece to be captured.”

“To be ready, you have to know your equipment. Understand how your camera works, but also understand yourself. What story are you trying to tell? When those two things come together, that technical skill and creative storytelling element, when you marry the two that is when your best work happens,” he said.

Looking back, he describes his artistic journey as “personally fulfilling.” In reflecting he said “I think all artists are communicators. Whether you’re a dancer, a poet or a photographer, you are trying to share something from an emotion to a message or a glimpse of how you see the world. That’s what keeps me creating.”

Though Williams does not compete as often as before, Williams still follows the NIFCA festival closely, especially the youth categories. “It makes me happy to see how many school children are now taking part,” he said. What matters is the story they are trying to tell. What counts is that you’re expressing yourself.”

As he speaks, it’s clear that his love for photography is rooted deeply in the ability to be creative and about capturing life. And through his work, we see what happens the moment you pick up a camera and dare to see differently. (PR)