We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Billy Murray a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Billy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I have always been a risk taker, and have failed at multiple businesses. Quitting a well-paying, comfortable job to become a professional photographer at 47 years old is insanity. I took a big risk when I spent all my savings on airplane tickets and equipment to prove to myself, my wife, and my son that I could be one of the world’s best portrait photographers. I was determined to succeed. In the last two years, I have created a body of work that speaks for itself. This work has opened incredible opportunities for me, which has brought me closer to achieving my vision. Best risk I have ever taken.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Billy Murray, a self-taught photographer who specializes in dark, moody, and badass photography. My journey began just over two years ago in Canada when I left my job at a steel factory to pursue a career as a professional photographer. My previous business was an internet company that helped Fighters get work in the entertainment industry. I would visit the gyms armed with one studio light and my phone to take photos for content. Soon realizing that the vibe, and look of the dark and moody look is definitely the route I was going to go and a niche I wanted to practice and really master as my own. After leaving the steel factory, I purchased my first camera and started building up my apartment into a studio one light at a time. Having little to no knowledge and experience in photography, I started watching youtube videos and asking lots of questions at the local camera store. I knew right out of the gate that I wanted to specialize in dark and moody badass portraits. I also knew that I needed to be in Los Angeles to show my talents and hustle out celebrity clients. I was 47 years old at the time, and I felt that this was the best way to fast-track my career in a very competitive industry. I arrived in Los Angeles and headed straight for West Hollywood. I unpacked my camera and went out to hustle for my first client. I met the owner of Capanova on Fairfax, and that led to a shoot with local artist Mr. LA Guerin Swing. My plan to market myself in Los Angeles was starting to pay off. I was flying back and forth from Canada, and my portfolio was building fast. Within my first year, I landed my first magazine cover with legendary actor Tommy C. Howell. I am a creative visionary who loves to transform my clients into their alter ego. I bring out their inner badass and make them the main villain in their own movie.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

As a photographer, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the hustle that leads to a “yes” from a client. I recently got a “yes” from a celebrity client, which was a huge thrill.
As a photographer, the most rewarding feeling in the world is seeing your creative vision come to life. But seeing the client’s reaction to the final edit is a close second.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I spent all my time in the mecca of the entertainment industry marketing myself. This strategy helped me immensely and fast-tracked my start in the industry. The most effective strategy for me is sticking to my brand and niche and doing it incredibly well. I don’t veer off into other areas where I’m not as good or not good at all, and I’m not afraid of saying no to other styles of portrait photography.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hosstylephotography.com
• Instagram: @hosstylephotography

Image Credits

Danny
Bubba Nicholson
Arnella Barbara
Glen Coyle
greg carrasco
Leeanne Bauer
Kendra Cole