Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Oz Billig. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Oz, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?

As a photographer working in live music and cosplay spaces, I strive to create an inclusive space, and focus on community building within my work. There have been many times where I see incredibly talented people be looked over by other photographers in the respective communities because they don’t check the ‘conventionally attractive’ boxes. There is so much talent out there, and creating an inclusive community through photography is a great way to showcase incredibly talented people, and it also shows artists and viewers alike a wider scope of talent than they might have otherwise been exposed to.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Oz, and I have been a photographer for about 10 years now. In college, I did some modeling work, and had the opportunity to talk to photographers about their gear and their shooting practices. From there, I started to get into photography myself. I started taking pictures of cosplayers at conventions, and doing small modeling shoots with friends. After that, I was able to get into live music photography through a friend who was starting his new project.
Since then, I have done a ton of live music photography for bands across Florida, and work with cosplayers all over the country. I do studio shoots, location shoots, convention shoots, and live music photoshoots. I pride myself on the diversity of my portfolio, and the comfort I can provide to my clients. When working with musicians, I want to be able to capture the energy each artist brings to the venue. With cosplayers and models, I want to create a collaborative space where my clients feel comfortable, confident, and powerful. Using my experience in front of the camera to help pose, using my background of working in film & television to create a story with the pictures I take. I love working with anyone, and am always happy to work with everyone.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I want to create an inclusive community with a wide variety of talent and clientele. A photoshoot doesn’t end with the pictures being sent out, I become a fan of anyone that I work with, and love supporting their art as well, be it cosplay, music, or anything else. By continuing to support the artists that I work with, I can help drive home that sense of community.
And I really can’t emphasize this enough: diversity and inclusivity is vital to me as a photographer. I want to showcase artists of different backgrounds, body type, ethnicities, and everything else. Art doesn’t stop at able bodied, thin, fem presenting white people.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I really love the art that is created by my clients. I have had the honor and privilege of working with so many amazing people, and I think that that love for what is in front of my lens really shows. I also pride myself on my turn around time. I never want to keep clients waiting, and the sooner I can return high-quality edits , the more I can keep the energy from the photoshoot rolling.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @thevikingmedia