WILLIAMSBURG — Prince Williams, a local Hampton Roads resident, has made it his mission to showcase the men and women who respond to incidents and emergencies through photography.
“The whole idea started because of a really bad call. I started documenting it and I didn’t know whether I should put it up on social media or not. Something churned in me and I just decided to share it. People deserve to know what their first responders are doing,” Williams said.
In June 2023, FirstDue Photography was born.
Since that day, Williams has responded to local scenes to capture the local fire departments, emergency services and police departments in action.
“We’re all about documenting the crews. The firefighters have told me that what I’m doing is benefiting them, showing that not every day is a bad day, and that we’re helping people who need it,” Williams said.
When his radio goes off, Williams gathers his cameras and rushes to the call.
“When I get on scene, I immediately walk up to the battalion chief or the incident commander. I want them to know that we are on scene. A lot of stuff goes on during a fire call. When we’re documenting the crew, it can be a really hectic time, especially if there are flames showing at that point. I try not to mitigate or put myself in harm’s way,” Williams explained.
“I try to find a location where I can get everything, a pinpoint spot. That’s what they like about it. I don’t put myself in the action, especially when guys are pulling hoses or trucks are being moved around, or the aerial devices are going up,” he added.
Williams currently responds to incidents in James City County, York County, the City of Williamsburg, New Kent County, Henrico County, and hopes to add Newport News and the City of Hampton in the next year.
His number one rule? Not photographing victims.
“We never take photos of residents or victims. The number one thing is privacy. I do not feel comfortable taking pictures of a neighbor or an individual who is going through their worst day,” he explains.
During incidents, Williams stays on scene until the incident is resolved. He then heads home and edits his photos and turns them over to the various departments.
Williams, who is not a first responder himself, ultimately wants to use his photography to thank the men and women who show up for their residents in times of trouble.
“I try my best to give everyone that one picture of themselves that looks great, that one picture that truly showcases them working. These men and women have so much training and deserve all the praise they can get,” Williams said.
Photos from incidents and of first responders are posted on the FirstDue Photography Facebook page.