Cecil Williams (b. 1937) is a veteran photojournalist and native of Orangeburg, SC, where he owns and operates the South Carolina Civil Rights Museum. Williams documented many significant stories and events during the civil rights era, including the prosecution of Briggs v. Elliott (early 1950s) and the Orangeburg Massacre (1968). At age 14, Williams became the youngest contributing photographer to JET magazine.

The vantage point of a portrait plays a powerful role in shaping our interpretation of the subject. Many artists choose the three-quarter view as a way to strike a balance offering both formality and intimacy. Unlike a profile, which may feel distant, or a full-frontal gaze, which can be too direct, the three-quarter pose invites the viewer in, creating a sense of engagement and conversation with the subject.