Willa is a transgender photographer, videographer, and artist in Los Angeles.
The camera is an inherently one-side device. So, because of that, Willa ensures that the people and communities she serves are fully seen, heard, and represented on their own terms. Reverence for her subjects imbues her images with authenticity, vibrance, and joy. Willa encourages everyone to make art about people, places, and things that they love, and to love this world so intensely that they never stop working toward a better one.
She grew up moving from place to place with little to no notice. When she couldn’t find a home in Memphis, Salt Lake City, or the dozen other cities she lived in after leaving her birthplace of Brooklyn, NY, she found it within her family. The guardians and elders in her immediate family documented everything with a camera when they hardly had anything else. She thinks back to those moments when she offers her talents in service to others.
When she isn’t working, you can find her long-boarding around the city, scratch cooking, or spending time with loved ones.
She doesn’t exclusively speak in the third person.
Education | B.A. in English, coursework in Arts, Social Justice, and Literature
Former Clients | HBO, CAA, Bespoke Boheme, Shannon Warner Events, SoCal LGBTQIA+ Health Conference, UCLA, LA City College, and 300+ individuals, couples, and families
Contact | Please send an email to willacutolo@gmail.com or fill out my contact form.
Courtesy of Tamar Martinez | Concept Arts
Why work with me?
Years of Experience and Expertise
With over eight years of work, thousands of portraits made, and dozens of events covered, I’m confident that I will meet your needs. I can find your best light on location, in the studio, or in the world. I’ve photographed gatherings in venues as large as convention centers and as small as a bedroom. A photo’s look communicates specific feelings, and I’ll make sure your photos will say what you want them to say. From framing to composition, your images will be tailored to you.
Intentional and Affirming Posing Instructions
Have no fear about looking uncomfortable, being told to “look natural,” or not knowing what to do with your hands. I will walk you through the pose in each and every shot until you feel your best. As a trans woman, I know it is vital that my images match with how I want to show up in the world. I draw from that experience to get folx excited about photos of themselves!
Emphasis on You Feeling Your Best
“I’m just not photogenic” is simply untrue. Everyone is worthy of having their portrait made or existing within a photograph. No matter how you show up, I am here for you. And you deserve that from a professional. Everyone deserves photos that they’re happy with. You deserve to be seen, celebrated, remembered the way you are or will have been in those moments.
What you’re looking for isn’t listed?
Have no fear! If you’re in need of photography for something you don’t see above, then I encourage you to fill out the form on this page. I’m always open to working with new clients and making your visions come to life. My adept grasp of posing, lighting, and composition is interdisciplinary and will undoubtedly serve your needs. For more information and to schedule some time to chat, give me a shout!