Biography
I was born in Yokosuka, Japan, to parents from Eastern Oregon who were stationed in Japan. We moved to Imperial Beach, California, when I was two years old. Imperial Beach, known as the most southwesterly city in the United States, became my home. I often tell people that in Imperial Beach, if you head west, you’ll get wet; if you head south, you’ll end up in Mexico.
Growing up in a border town during the 80s and 90s was a unique experience that significantly informs my work today. My youth was spent crossing into Mexico to explore skateparks, embark on surf trips, and experience the vibrant nightlife and culture. These early adventures fostered a deep appreciation for the cultural interplay and dynamic environment of the border region.
My journey into photography began over 30 years ago as a freshman at Mar Vista High School in Imperial Beach, CA. I enrolled in a darkroom class where we were limited to black and white photography. This limitation sparked a fascination with the medium and led me to explore the works of renowned black and white master photographers like Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Paul Strand and more contemporary photographers like Sebastião Salgado, Jock Sturges, and Huntington Witherill.
Even today, I primarily consider myself a black and white photographer. However, I have embraced color for certain projects and assignments, recognizing the power and versatility it can bring to my work.
Currently, my photographic projects are focused on border and environmental issues, as well as documenting various aspects of life in Baja California. Through my lens, I aim to capture the intricate narratives and stark realities of these regions, shedding light on both their challenges and beauty.
Solo Exhibitions
2024 – Parts Per Million – Surfrider Organization Pop-Up – Sacramento, CA
2024 – Parts Per Million – McKinney Waterfront Center – Imperial Beach, CA
2020 – Parts Per Million – Logan Ave Galeria de Arte (Cancelled due to Covid)
Media Coverage
2024 – Imperial Beach: Over 1,000 Days of Beach Closures
2020 – Photography Exhibit Highlights Water Pollution Problem – Imperial Beach Eagle & Times
2020 – William Bay tackles water pollution in new solo exhibition – San Diego Union Tribune
2020 – My Clean H2O Story: William Bay – Surfrider
2019 – Photo essay captures cross-border sewage crisis in black and white – San Diego Union Tribune
