William H. Werts

William H. (Bill) Werts died in Santa Barbara on December 7, 2024 (one week short of his 78th birthday). He had fought courageously and uncomplainingly for years while suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
Bill was born and raised in North Hollywood, CA by his parents, Christine and Leonard Werts. At age 18, he volunteered for the Air Force and served in Vietnam. Unexpectedly, during his service, he found what would become his lifelong passion for photography.
Talented and self-taught, Bill became a commercial photographer. With the help from his mother Christine, who took out a second mortgage on their family home, Bill bought a building in Hollywood and started WertsStudios. In the 1980s, he became well-known for his impeccable lighting of food and cars. With nudging from his print clients, he began directing television commercials, starting his own production company, WertsFilms, and had a successful career through the 1990s. Later, Bill returned to his first love, photography, and began an advertising agency in Santa Barbara, 3inc, with two dear friends. Bill loved people and it was a natural evolution that he ended up shooting portraits. His special way with his subjects allowed them to feel at ease and the results were powerful.
Bill volunteered at Brooks Institute and Santa Barbara High School teaching photography and he mentored many aspiring young photographers who became professionals themselves. He was also passionately involved with the Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital, where he served on the board for many years.
A natural athlete and avid sportsman, Bill’s first love was baseball in high school. He continued to play in later years with an advertising league softball team. He added golf to his sports repertoire and that became another lifelong passion.
Bill was beloved and respected by all who knew him. They were drawn to his true heart, warm spirit, and kind demeanor. He was always generous with his smile and laughter. He was a loving and loyal husband, father, son, son-in-law, grandfather, cousin and friend.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Alison, his daughters, Whitney Perry and Carley Algorri, his son-in-laws, Tyler and Evan, his grandchildren, Wesley, Mila, Collins, Oliver, and his mother-in-law, Diane Hester.
He is missed by many, many more.
(A celebration of Bill’s life will be held privately. In his memory, contributions may be made to the Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital.)