Ifirst met Billy Pegram when he was shooting fashion in Seattle and I was the new agent on the block. We developed a synergistic relationship. He introduced me to clients; I had him shoot the models I represented. I have now known him for nearly three decades. During this time, we have learned from each other and become friends. I have admired his creativity, argued with him over what should be in a model’s portfolio, laughed at his silly jokes, and been highly impressed with his professionalism. However, it has only been since becoming his typist/reader/spellchecker that I have begun to appreciate his vast knowledge of all the various aspects of photography. I now cringe when I hear someone speak of a shooter as “just a photographer.”

There is so much more to photography than just picking up a camera and going at it. A good photographer must have in-depth knowledge of a multitude of disciplines. A photographer must be not only an artist, but also a mathematician, a chemist, and a physicist—and, of course, part psychologist just to deal with the personalities of the models, directors, clients, and support staff. It also helps to have a firm knowledge of business practices.

Billy Pegram is all of these things and more. His background is eclectic. He was an award-winning photographer in ninth grade, then headed to college on a full athletic scholarship and an appointment to Annapolis Naval Academy. He began college as a pre-med student, then joined the military when he lost his scholarship due to a broken leg. That led to a stint with NASA at the Navy Aerospace Medical Research Lab, where he not only set records for rides on the rocket sled (sixty-four rides and a maximum of 16.7Gs) but also ran the lab.

Later, as a civilian, he was offered jobs as a director of a research lab, a wilderness survival teacher, and a whitewater guide (among several other more mundane opportunities). He still considered becoming a doctor, specializing in medical research, and was offered a full scholarship to do so. However, he put all offers aside to become a photographer, because, as he says, “It was more challenging.”

Billy Pegram is a born teacher, a perfectionist, an expert in his field, a great writer, and a creative genius. He is a friend and mentor to hundreds of hopeful models and aspiring photographers. He is also one who enjoys a good challenge. In short, he is the definitive photographer.