BIO - KAIZEN STUDIO PRODUCTIONS

Derrick Williams, a New York based photographer, began his career in 1975 at the High School of Art and Design. He apprenticed with Clifford Tran (1980-1991) and the late Lee Fagan (1991-1993) before being employed as a photographic lab technician at Doi Camera Inc., a Japanese-owned camera company. After 13 years there, he then moved on to O’Henry’s Film Works Inc. to become head lab technician, followed by assisting at the Clifford Tran Studios for many years.

His photographic experiences inspired him to start Kaizen Studio Productions in 1992, where he conducts photographic workshops with emphasis on using the 4x5 camera and developing black and white film. His images have appeared in various magazines such as Vibe, Source, Black Enterprise and Fashion Avenue News. As a member of the Manhattan Camera Club, Mr. Williams won many awards for his photographs.

In 2004 Mr. Williams founded the Bronx Photographic Center, conducting workshop classes in the Bronx Community Center and at the McBurney YMCA in Manhattan.

Currently Mr. Williams continues to empower up and coming designers, models, make-up artists and photographers at Kaizen Studio Productions in his role as mentor and Executive Art Director.

He is known as a prolific, passionate photographer. He says: “Photography is my nutrition and the sound of the shutter is my heart’s beating pulse.”