William Thoren picked up a camera for the first time as a sophomore in high school and has received a number of student awards, including a semi-finalist spot for the Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight Awards. Will grew up in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains on Malibu Lake.
He spent his childhood swimming in the lake and exploring the seemingly endless Malibu Creek State Park. The timeless beauty of the scenery developed his love for the outdoors and shaped his reality.

Like his mentor, Douglas Kirkland, he became obsessed with photography at a very early age. After traveling throughout Europe, South America, and Australia, Will was hired as an assistant to Kirkland’s studio where he learned hands-on the art of image making. He is also the first photographer to be accepted into the Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains. In addition to documenting the surrounding spectacular landscapes, he photographs musicians and artists. His work of the Santa Monica Mountains can be seen in his gallery space at the Cornell Winery.