Life's Wake-Up Call: William Hudgins' Revelations from Near-Death
“At 19 I was in a really bad car wreck. I died, got resuscitated and then spent 3 days in a coma—it completely changed my outlook on life.”
Lead Engineer & Co-Founder of Syntax Health, William Hudgins shared this event that transformed his life during our photoshoot.
“Coming to terms with your own mortality brings value and meaning to the life you’re living now, which is so important. At some points in your life you’re like a painter – adding more and more until you finish your masterpiece. Later in life, it’s like you’re a sculptor cutting things away that you no longer need.”
“After that wreck, I looked around and got honest about what’s important to me in life. I now ask myself regularly, are my relationships where I want them to be if something were to happen tomorrow? Am I working on something I’m passionate about? Am I living a life well-lived?”
“As I look back, I’d tell my younger self to breathe a little bit more. I was always focused on improving my life and getting to a better place than I was. I now see all the things I used to worry about and realize that I could have relaxed and enjoyed the journey a bit more. It’s not just about the destination. But the number one thing I’d say is always remember to be kind. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and your problems. It’s easy to forget that other people are facing hard things, too.”
“I’m really excited now to be on the founding team of a healthcare startup. As an engineer, you’re usually in the background. Now, I’m involved with investor pitches, client meetings and recruitment—I needed a headshot. My experience with Alissa was so fun. I started off in a suit that was my grandfather’s. I was a little uptight because I was trying to be formal and fit into the image of a conservative corporate headshot.”
“Alissa could tell it wasn’t super comfortable for me so we changed into a western wear suit and had a lot of fun with it. I don’t think she normally does cowboy attire, but we had a ton of fun. It really helped me relax. Then we were able to go back to my grandfather's suit and get some good pictures. She was so open to having fun and making me comfortable in front of the camera.”
Thanks, Will, for trusting me with your headshot – and for my first western wear portrait experience!