William Weeks, Jr.’s photography and videography journey began in the bustling town of Vineland, NJ. Raised in this close-knit community, William's love for capturing memories through a lens was ignited at a young age. The praise he received from family and friends for his unique perspective and artistic eye fueled his passion.

He turned his love for photography and videography into a successful business, and today, he is the founder of Weeks Media Group, a growing studio based in Memphis, TN. Let's dive into William's inspiring story and discover how he transformed his passion into a thriving career.

"I remember as a child, when my family took trips, I would be told, 'You have a good eye.' Never would've thought I turned it into a business," reminisces William, about the beginnings of his journey. In 2007 when his close friend, Levi Feeni, introduced him to videography, opening a whole new world of creative possibilities.

As William's skills grew, so did his aspirations. After relocating to Memphis, TN, with his family in 2015, he found himself exploring different avenues to establish his photography and videography career. "I started with weddings, but as I got older, the long days on my feet and carrying around equipment took a toll on me," he explains. Consequently, he shifted his focus to commercial and corporate work, seeking more creative control and networking opportunities.

In 2018, William reached out to Chip Dizard, seeking guidance and mentorship. Chip's invaluable advice is, "Be so great that people can't deny you." This ignited a fire within William to continuously strive for greatness. In time, he too became a mentor.

“I love helping people,” William says. ”I got that from my parents. They put foundational core values in me at an early age that you always help people.” The late William Weeks, Sr. and Margaret Weeks instilled in him the importance of extending a helping hand to those in need.

Reflecting on the significance of mentorship, William emphasizes, "Every creative needs a mentor. You can't do it by yourself." Mentors provide foundational support, accountability, and invaluable insights that propel one's growth. William encourages budding creatives to seek mentors with whom they can build a strong relationship and exchange advice. Today, he stands as a mentor and educator, eager to share his knowledge and witness the potential within others flourish.

Passionate about teaching and nurturing talent, William conducts workshops to empower aspiring photographers and videographers. His workshops not only focus on honing technical skills, they also provide valuable business advice. "My goal is to pour my knowledge into those who invest their time, money, and effort in becoming better at what they love," William explains. From beginner photography to video editing and off-camera flash, he covers various aspects of the photography business to help individuals grow in their craft.

William's journey is far from over. His dedication and passion continue to drive him towards greater accomplishments. He eagerly anticipates speaking at prominent conferences and hosting his first Video Bootcamp for Creatives in 2024. With ambitions to run his business full-time and expand internationally, William envisions a future filled with new horizons and exciting opportunities.

William’s story is a testament to the power of following your passion and embracing the journey. From humble beginnings to building a thriving business in Memphis, TN, as an entrepreneur, his commitment to exceptional service, mentorship, and continuous learning shines through. Aspiring creatives can draw inspiration from William's story, realizing that with dedication, guidance, and a strong foundation in business, their dreams can turn into reality.

To learn more about William and his work, visit his website at weeksmediagroup.com or follow @weeksmediagroup on Instagram. 

You can also meet William at the 2023 Peculiar Collective Conference in Towson, MD on November 10-11, 2023. He will be there educating and mentoring photographers and creatives. For more information, check out: peculiarcollective.us.

William says, “Remember, every creative needs a mentor! Invest in your craft, attend workshops, network with fellow creatives, and most importantly, build a solid online presence through a professional website.” Sign up for PhotoBiz today and use code  discount code WEEKS23 to receive 40% off your first-year on a new Photobiz annual plan. PhotoBiz is an all-in-one website platform for photographers that includes websites, client galleries, scheduling, email marketing, CRM, and more. 

And always remember William's mentor’s advice: "Be so great that people can't deny you." - Chip Dizard.