Rising Stars: Meet Billy Murray of West Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Billy Murray

Hi Billy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started just over two years ago at the ripe age of 47 when I decided to pursue a career as a professional photographer. Considering time, my age and being located in a small town in Canada, I felt the opportunity for success was minimal. With that being said, I decided that the best and only way to establish myself as a photographer and prove my worth was to be in Los Angeles as it is the mecca of entertainment. When I first arrived in Los Angeles, I stepped onto the scene equipped solely with my camera and an unwaiverable desire to hustle and get my name on the radar of others. Initially, I stayed in West Hollywood and it proved to be the perfect place to jumpstart my career. Thankfully, I had a few previous connections in the area which helped me gain traction and come upon my first subject, the owner of a local hat store located on Fairfax, going by the name of Capanova. It turned out to be a massive success and it led me to my first notable shoot with Guerin Swing, a local artist. As the trip progressed, I found myself shooting a multitude of subjects, building my portfolio and solidifying myself as a legitimate photographer, regardless of time and age. The journey and my time in Los Angeles has led me to a cover shoot with Tommy C Howell, as well as working with a plethora of other actors, athletes, and comedians which can all be found on my profile.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If it was a smooth road everyone would be a professional photographer, there is always ups and downs, busy times and down times. The struggle comes with having to stay positive and staying focused on what your trying to achieve but at the same time staying true to who to who you are.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a portrait photographer specializing in dark and moody badass portraits.
As a photographer I am known for transforming my subjects into their darker alter ego and bringing out there inner badass. I love to make my subjects their own villain in their own movie , making them look and feel like they have never felt before.
My proudest moment to date would my cover shoot with Tommy C Howell as it opened many doors and it occurred within my first year as a photographer.
Photographers who capture dark and moody are a dime a dozen, what sets me apart from the masses is that each one of my shoots is an experience where you see yourself in a new light and discover a side of yourself you never knew you had. Countless clients have expressed my innate ability to bring comfort to the set, while creatively empowering the subject and capturing every moment of it.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Stay true to yourself and you will always believe in what you are capturing and do what you do best and stick to that.

Don’t be scared to say NO!

Contact Info:

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

Image Credits
Tommy C Howell , Mike Ferguson, Arnella Barbara, David Lucas, Rob Archer, Violet, Kyle Turley
Jay Davis