EP 03: William Woodward
Feb 3, 2020
William Woodward (@wheretowillie on Instagram) is a climber, skier, and professional travel photographer. We talked about the beginnings of ‘Where to Willie’, balancing work and passion, finding meaningful stories and doing work that matters, Will’s daily routines, rules for life, photo advice, and three things he is grateful for. You can learn more about Will at https://www.wheretowillie.com/
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Stitcher, Google Podcasts
Check out other episodes with William:
Follow-Up: William Woodward (Jun 24, 2021)
Patreon:
Follow-Ups:
thenuggetclimbing.com/follow-ups
Books:
Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard
Videos:
Short feature on Will and Ruby - GoWesty
Apps:
Instagram Posts:
'Ruby’ - my fourth Instagram post
"Rule number one: always swim."
Taking photos can both hinder and enhance
Articles:
World Record pursuit in Iceland
Will's tips for travel photography
Routes & Hikes Mentioned:
'W Circuit’ in Torres Del Paine, Patagonia
'Northeast Ridge' 5.8, Bugaboos, BC
'Beckey-Chouinard' 5.10, Bugaboos, BC
'The Direct North Ridge' 5.9, Mt. Stuart, WA
'Outer Space' 5.9, Leavenworth, WA
Will’s Links:
https://www.wheretowillie.com/
https://www.wheretowillie.com/travel-photographer-william-woodward/
Nuggets:
1:33 – Ruby the Vanagon
4:48 – Will’s defining moment, early travels, blogging, and the start of Where to Willie
8:50 – Will’s career transition and taking the leap as a freelance photographer
19:06 – Finding meaningful work and Will’s three-year plan
25:25 – Capturing experiences vs. being present
27:11 – Will’s daily meditation practice
29:51 – Will’s five coffee making methods
31:05 – Running and stolen bicycles
31:51 – Will’s process for finding freelance work and choosing brands to work for
33:06 – Pitching trips and photo projects
34:42 – The business of selling photography and his book recommendation
38:50 – Balancing work and passion and getting out of a rut
41:34 – “Rule number one: always swim”, flowered shirts, and other rules for life
45:10 – Hiking in Patagonia and a world record in Iceland
55:00 – Advice for traveling photographers and capturing the in-between moments
59:55 – Will’s writing, gear reviews, and tutorials
1:03:17 – Being part of the activity vs. keeping up on the latest gear
1:05:23 – One of Will’s personal mottos–“Get closer.”
1:05:52 – Will’s climbing progression and his relationship to climbing
1:08:36 – Alpine technical leadership training, sport climbing at Smith
1:10:46 – Will’s first trip to the Bugaboos, recent climbs, and plans for Mt. Stuart
1:13:29 – Promoting the outdoors vs. seeking solitude
1:14:06 – Why Will bought a new film camera and shooting film vs. digital
1:15:57 – “It’s ok to ask for help.”
1:17:15 – Will’s advice for himself at age 20
1:18:27 – Coolant, blown head gaskets, and why it’s always worth taking the time
1:19:43 – Will’s upcoming trip to NZ and giving yourself time to let things happen
1:20:57 – Will’s three gratitudes
1:22:34 – Journaling, writing as a habit, and why it has fallen off recently
1:23:55 – What’s next for Where to Willie
1:25:31 – Social media plugs
1:26:13 – Chasing great light