Since beginning his photographic career as an assistant in New York in the late 60s, he has been involved with many different aspects of his profession and has worked with a wide variety of clients. He has won his share of awards and been published in Graphis Annual, CA and many other magazines. 

Through out his career, he has strived to be an innovator and is constantly experimenting with new approaches both technical and directorial. The disciplines he has worked with serve to increase the depth with which he views a project and gives him more resources to draw on for its fulfillment. 

His is particularly interested in working with people who want to push the envelope in some way, and welcomes an opportunity to become involved in a project during its inception, before it is cast in stone. He is always willing to experiment in order to help develop a plan, which can be accomplished with in the client, and budgetary constraints that inevitably exist. 

As you can see, he has photographed on location and in the studio doing everything from fashion and still life to annual report, sports and lifestyle. He is looking forward to the next opportunity to merge some new ideas and techniques to obtain something that solves an advertising problem in a new and innovative visual way. 

Although he still has film cameras at his disposal, he has kept abreast of the “digital revolution” and is extremely excited about the future of photography/imaging.

The following are comments from a few of his past clients:

Bill is the "artist" without the stereotypes associated with photographers. He provides his valuable input without it being overbearing. His knowledge base is incredible and has saved us money by not making those expensive mistakes. And at the end of the day our clients and us are consistently thrilled with the final product! 
Anthony Campanale
President, Marketur, Ft Lauderdale, Fl

Anybody can shoot a picture. And just about everyone knows how to use a computer. But it takes a lot more than gigahertz and gizmos to create great shots. It takes passion and drive. It takes experience -- more than 25 years worth. I know when Bill and I get together; my client and I are going to be happy. Bill always see something special, He understands "This Business" we're in. He's always creating and to me, that's what I need. 
Tom Langley
Creative Director, Kelley Swafford & Roy Adv. Miami, Fl

On land, on sea, in the air, these are Bill Sumner's domains'. Here's a guy that knows how to location shoot, big time. And, he's a blast to hang out with. He sails, flies ultra- lites, and scuba dives. Anything to get great photos. And manages to get great photos even under the most difficult of circumstances. If I ever need a photographer for location shoots, he's the guy I go to every time. 
Jeff Dahlberg
Creative Director, RDW Group, Providence, RI

I first saw Bill's work in Communication Arts back when he used to shoot some of the great early award-winning Nike stuff. When I moved to Florida and found out he was right here in Miami, I had to work with him. I've probably done 4 or 5 photo shoots with Bill over the years and I'm always been truly blown away with the true art photography he gives me. Bill can do anything. I personally like the stuff with select focus and kind of random grabs. Some of the Helmsley stuff on this site is that stuff. The stuff with not so much styling, posing and turd polishing. Bill's honest color, unbelievable sense of composition and focus is always absolutely perfect. I hope some of the younger art directors find his work and try to appreciate how truly great and timeless it is. 
James Hale
President/Creative Director, Hale & Co, Miami, Fl

Bill Sumner always delivers exactly what I want, then challenges me to let him take it a step further and gives me what I didn't even know I wanted. He pulls together a great crew‹all as competent and dedicated as he is. And he's fun to work with, so that even 14-16 hour days on a resort shoot don't become too grueling. Most importantly, he always makes me look good to my agency and clients.
Tatiana [Totsie] Walton 
Freelance art director, Formerly senior art director at YPB (Orlando)

In my experience there are five kinds of photographers: 1. Prima Donnas - the ones that hate waking up at dawn, need everything done for them and complain often and loud. 2. Lazy Eyes - they let their assistants do their work, while they sip cold beer in the shade. 3. Wannabes - photographers who don’t quite cut it. They may have a great personality, work 23 hours a day and have the enthusiasm of a six-year-old. They just don’t deliver the goods. 4. Uncontrollable creative geniuses - they produce outstanding work, but are virtually impossible to work with. 5. Creative Mavericks - exceptional photographers who work with gusto, don’t mind long hours, are masters at their craft and always deliver a bit more than expected. One of these rare birds is Bill Sumner. I have worked with Bill on seven long shoots in the past four years. All have produced exceptional work. And one great friend.
Ivo Raza
President, creative director, The Brand Group, Miami, Fl