I shoot the moment, not the setup.
Most of this was made on working ground and in working arenas, in whatever light the day gave me. I know how horses move, I know where the crew stands, and I know what a client needs back the same week. Twenty years of showing up early in places that don't wait for the photographer.
ON THE PLACE
Groundwork, saddle time and the day's work getting done.
GW
01
Round pen
One of the finest Apache pilots in the world, learning to connect with a horse.
HM
02
Spiritually connected.
A familiar bond from the past soothes the future.
RR
03
Tune the pony.
This place is a horse gym.
RN
04
Sliding stop
A two-year-old named Doctor Pepper. I watched him slide a few times around the arena and worked out he would come right at me. He did. A big, powerful horse, dug in, front feet walking like a ballerina. Calm chaos.
RP
05
Loops and dummies.
That steer is scared stiff.
RP
06
Throwing UFOs.
Side note: sometimes that rope will hit your knees while you're photographing and it stings like hell.
ST
07
What are you guys doing?
This photo feels gentle, contrasting this horse's unimaginable power.
STOCK AND COUNTRY
Cattle, horses and the ground they stand on.
RD
08
She's a master.
A handful of times in life you'll be in the presence of raw talent.
LS
09
Baby mommas.
Only a mother's love.
TR
10
Dudes, horses, trail.
You know what I mean?
LS
11
Longhorn Larry.
This unique fella lived down the road from me. His horns are so attractive.
THE PEOPLE
The hands, the trainers, the ones who make a living at it.
PT
12
Achilles.
God of war. I've heard his stories, I'll say no more.
PT
13
Gran Jinete.
One of the greatest horsemen who ever lived.
PT
14
Smoke break
Jefe being Jefe.
PT
15
Lannister or Targaryen?
Sitting on my fire pit.
RD
16
Mind the Dishes.
Rope throwing clinic with a pro roper.
AT SPEED
When it is moving fast and there is one pass at it.
CW
17
Beautiful Disaster.
Fence work training. Should've zigged, not zagged.
SB
18
Yee to the Haw
Pucker factor 3.
SB
19
Flying high looking low
Pucker factor 9.7.
BA
20
Dolly.
Turn and burn.
MS
21
Or die trying.
Hey dude, point him right at me and let 'er rip.
About
I'm a photographer and field content producer based outside Kansas City. Stills and video, start to finish: shoot, edit, colour, deliver. I work best on the road and on my feet.
Before this I spent ten years in the Army, and the years since in production and security work offshore and overseas. That background is why nothing on a job site rattles me.
Five years of that was running media for a veterans' equine program. Anyone who has spent real time around horses knows the thing that happens when one turns into you — I have spent a lot of time trying to photograph it.
I want to capture amazing people doing amazing things. The philosophy came from my grandfather — the six P’s. Prior planning prevents piss poor performance.
- 2021Cover photograph, The American Morgan Horse Association magazine
- 2021Cover photograph, FRA Today
- 2021Cover photograph, Kansas Trooper
- 2023Grip, MELGES: The Wizard of Zenda — feature documentary, 85+ festival screenings
- 2020–25Media Director, Warhorses for VeteransSole producer of all photo and video output
- 2024Rodeo workshop with Christopher "Click" ThompsonFour-time PRCA Photographer of the Year
- 2003–13U.S. Army
Let's book
a shoot
Tell me the date, the place, and what you need. I'll get back to you.
Ranch · Horsemanship · Livestock · Equine · Portrait · Editorial & field content — All photographs © Jay Williams