William “Bill” Bridges (1925-2003) was born in Palestine, Texas but spent most of his youth in Houston. After graduating high school, he enrolled at Texas A&M University, but transferred to University of Texas at Austin and entered the journalism program after just a few weeks. Before he could complete a full semester, however, he was drafted for World War ll. Bridges was captured and held hostage for two days before he was rescued during the war. After being rescued he was transferred to a hospital in England,  and then sent to Boston.
Following his discharge in 1946, Bridges returned to the University of Texas and the journalism program. He dropped out before his senior year to go into the work force and better support his wife and son.

His first big break was in 1957 when he got a freelance photography job for Life Magazine. Bridges would continue to work for Life as a runner for four years. In 1961 he left Life and began working for The Saturday Evening Post as a staff photographer.
Bridges had the opportunity to photograph many stars over his career, including Fred Astaire, Ingrid Bergman, Doris Day, Alfred Hitchcock, Buster Keaton, Steve McQueen, John Wayne, and Natalie Wood. 

After his retirement from photography, Bridges focused on cooking, writing, and helping his wife with her antique business. In 1981 his The Great American Chili Book was published.

Bridges created one cover for The Saturday Evening Post.