Anthony Amadeo chats with Mason Williams about surreal shoots, bold moves, and what’s next in his creative world.
AA: We’ve shot together a few times now, and it’s always an adventure.
One of my favorite looks we’ve done was the tie series—so simple yet surreal and striking. Do you have a favorite look or moment from our shoots? What made it stand out for you?
MW: The tie series is my favorite as well, particularly when it was paired with the corset. I’ve always been fascinated by exploring the balance between masculine and feminine elements. The tie, a modern symbol of masculinity, combined with the corset, a historical standard of feminine beauty, perfectly encapsulates the interplay of contrasts that I enjoy delving into creatively.
AA: You’re not from New York City, but you’ve brought such a strong energy here.
What’s your perspective on the city? Does it feel creatively inspiring, or do you find yourself missing the vibe of where you’re originally from? How does the city challenge or shape you as a model?
MW: Every visit to New York deepens my appreciation for both the city and my hometown. Having experienced the contrast between a slow-paced, southern lifestyle and the fast-paced energy of the city is something I value deeply. It takes exposure to diverse environments to fully appreciate them. Many people who grow up in one place often lack the desire—or the opportunity, as is often the case in rural Appalachia—to explore vastly different settings.
For me, both my hometown and the city are equally inspiring in their own ways. However, the city motivates me to actively pursue my creative endeavors because it offers greater accessibility, acceptance, and support for artistic expression.
AA: You’re always in amazing shape for shoots.
What’s your secret? Do you follow a specific routine or mindset to keep yourself ready for these creative projects?
MW: I am driven by a constant desire for self-improvement. I often feel that I can always do, be, or look better, which fuels my dedication to staying consistent in the gym. While I don’t follow a strict routine and certainly didn’t start with all the knowledge I needed, a turning point came two years ago when a heartbreak motivated me to commit to personal growth. The gym became one of my primary tools for transformation and self-betterment.
AA: We’ve done some wild concepts before, but let’s imagine the strangest shoot we could craft up next.
What if we shot you covered in mirrors to reflect light in strange patterns, or we suspended you upside down in a room with furniture bolted to the ceiling? What’s the most bizarre or surreal idea you could see us shooting next?
MW: A photoshoot inspired by the four elements—water, fire, earth, and air—offers an incredible opportunity to explore their raw beauty and symbolism. For water, we could create a serene or stormy scene with reflective pools, cascading droplets, and flowing fabrics in shades of blue and silver, evoking the fluidity and depth of the element. Fire could take place in a desert at sunset or a dramatic studio setting with glowing embers, smoke, and bold styling in fiery reds and golds, symbolizing passion and power. Earth could be grounded in a lush forest or rocky canyon, with textured outfits in natural tones, moss, vines, and raw materials that embody strength and connection to nature. Finally, air could emphasize weightlessness and movement, with sheer fabrics, wind machines, and ethereal lighting to create a sense of flight and freedom. I feel this concept could be beautiful with both a huge production or an extremely stripped-back version.
AA: Fashion in our shoots always has this surreal edge.
Who or what inspires you when it comes to your own personal styling? Is there a designer, artist, or even a strange cultural reference that you’d love to bring into a future shoot?
MW: When it comes to personal style, I’m deeply inspired by the interplay between masculinity and femininity. It’s an aesthetic that fascinates me—one that feels both powerful and fluid. A major influence on my approach is Glenn Close’s portrayal of Cruella de Vil. The character’s blend of masculine dominance and power-hungry attitude, juxtaposed with her extravagant, meticulously crafted wardrobe, is something I find endlessly captivating. I’m particularly drawn to her refined color palette, the corseted waist, and the exaggerated shoulders. These elements speak to a sense of boldness and sophistication that I strive to evoke in my own style. Cruella’s essence lingers in the back of my mind with nearly every creative decision I make, and the opportunity to incorporate any aspect of her iconic look into a shoot would truly be a dream.
AA: Modeling can often be about embodying a vision.
When you’re in front of the camera, do you see yourself as a character, or is it more about amplifying your own personality? How do you tap into the surreal ideas we’ve worked on?
MW: When I’m in front of the camera, I definitely view myself as embodying a character. It’s a facet of my personality that’s always present, but not always visible in everyday life. My friends and I have affectionately named this character “Drew.” My legal first name is Andrew, but I’ve always gone by my middle name, Mason. So, “Drew” felt like the perfect fit—close enough to my real name to feel authentic, yet distinct enough to represent a side of me that’s separate, something I don’t formally use but still deeply resonate with.
As for tapping into the surreal concepts we’ve explored, I channel Drew as a way to bridge the gap between my true self and the more exaggerated, imaginative expressions we’ve worked on. It’s almost like giving form to the ideas, allowing them to exist through a character that feels both personal and slightly otherworldly.
AA: Where can people keep up with you?
Anything exciting coming up, or any personal projects you want to share?
MW: You can keep up with me on all platforms @masowilli. Recently, I made the decision to part ways with my agency, and I’m genuinely excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. While it initially felt like starting over, I soon realized that’s far from the truth. The experience has taught me so much, and I now feel more equipped and confident to forge a new path and create something even better.
You’ve been an integral part of my journey, as you were the first photographer I worked with after signing with my agency. Your creativity and perspective have continued to inspire me artistically, and I’m incredibly grateful for the role you’ve played in my growth.