Collaborative Explorers
William Optics collaborators work hands-on with our products, sharing real-world experience and feedback while advancing the use of precision optics in observation and imaging. We appreciate their curiosity about nature and the universe, and how they translate practical insight into knowledge that supports meaningful scientific exploration.

Gary Lopez
Gary Lopez is a fine-art astrophotographer whose work blends scientific curiosity with cinematic storytelling. Holding a Ph.D. in marine biology, he spent much of his career producing award-winning documentaries and educational media before turning his focus toward the night sky. His deep-sky and wide-field images are crafted with the precision of a scientist and the eye of a filmmaker, resulting in museum-quality prints collected by private, public, and corporate clients. Through his long-standing work in science and art, he continues to advance visual literacy and inspire audiences to see the natural world - from oceans to galaxies- with renewed wonder.

Trevor Jones
Trevor Jones is an astrophotographer known for transforming deep-sky imaging into an accessible, inspiring journey for beginners and advanced users alike. Through his AstroBackyard platform and YouTube channel, he shares hands-on techniques, gear insights, and long-term imaging projects that highlight both the creative and technical sides of astrophotography. His award-winning work has helped countless newcomers understand calibration, framing, processing, and practical backyard setups, while also building one of the most supportive communities in the astro-imaging world. Trevor’s dedication to clarity, authenticity, and education continues to shape how many enthusiasts begin their exploration of the night sky.

Mehmet Ergün
Mehmet Ergün is an astrophotographer known for his high-precision solar work and striking deep-sky images that blend scientific detail with artistic expression. His award-winning photographs—ranging from dynamic prominences to complex nebular structures—demonstrate meticulous planning, technical mastery, and an exceptional understanding of atmospheric conditions. Beyond producing internationally recognized imagery, Mehmet actively contributes to the astro community through workshops, interviews, and educational content aimed at helping others refine both capture and processing techniques. His dedication to craftsmanship and community engagement has earned him a respected place among contemporary astrophotographers.

李永適
李永適 ( Yungshih Lee ) is an award-winning journalist and veteran editor whose career spans cultural, environmental, and scientific storytelling across Asia and beyond. With decades of experience in international publishing, he has overseen large-scale editorial projects, field reporting, and visual narratives that connect audiences with nature, conservation, and global culture. As a founder and media executive, he has played a key role in developing high-quality editorial platforms that support photographers, writers, and visual storytellers. His work reflects a long-standing commitment to visual literacy and meaningful narratives that bridge science, exploration, and human experience.

賴小熊
賴小熊 ( Dearbear Lai ) is a senior R&D manager and power electronics engineer whose work is grounded in precision and analytical thinking. Beyond his professional role, he is an amateur wildlife and astrophotographer and a DCView Review Committee Advisor, documenting nature across vastly different scales. From fleeting moments in birdlife to the distant light of nebulae, his photography reflects a disciplined, contemplative approach shaped by his engineering background. Through his imagery, Lai explores the intersection of technology, nature, and time, using optical and electronic tools as bridges between human curiosity, the living Earth, and the universe.

Drew Evans
Drew Evans is an experienced astrophotographer for over 25 years. A 3x APOD winner, he specializes in both wide-field and deep-sky imaging, operating a fully automated 18×18-foot roll-off-roof observatory in northern Arizona. Working under pristine Bortle 2 skies, he images nebulae and galaxies through long-integration datasets that reveal faint structure and color with exceptional clarity.
Drew’s journey—from modest backyard setups to remote automation—has led him to collaborate with manufacturers, support astronomy education, and contribute to university outreach programs. His processing approach emphasizes controlled long exposures, disciplined workflow evolution, and a passion for sharing techniques that help others grow as imagers. Drew is also a very passionate dark sky enthusiast and supporter.

Simone Curzi
Simone Curzi is an astrophotographer celebrated for his detailed deep-sky mosaics, dust complexes, and wide-field nebular work created with William Optics optics. His artistic approach blends scientific accuracy with immersive visual storytelling, producing images that have earned major international recognition, including NASA APOD, the nPAE World Champion title, multiple ASIWeek selections, and the European AstroFest 2025 Award. As a PixInsight instructor, event organizer, and active member of both the ShaRA Team and the Associazione Astrofili Forca Canapine, he teaches advanced processing techniques and supports community-driven collaboration. Simone also works closely with manufacturers and institutions on equipment testing, educational outreach, and dark-sky initiatives, helping elevate both the creative and technical frontiers of modern astrophotography.
