Oz Billig shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Oz, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I just came back from touring with the band GIORGI. Traveling between cities and states with the band was such an incredible experience, and having the frontman of the band, Giorgi, in my car with me for these long road trips resulted in hours of story telling, inside jokes, and just an incredible time all around. I’m proud of the community I have been able to foster, and the artwork I was able to create photographing the first tour of this band.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Oz, I am a photographer specializing in live music and cosplay photography. As long as I can remember, I have been going to concerts with my folks. I have a lifelong love of music and live shows. Despite having an interest in photography since I was a little kid, I didn’t start doing much behind the camera until I was in college. I went to school for film production, and gained a love for lighting and camera techniques. Early in my college career, an old family friend passed away, leaving me his old camera and some lenses. I started to take that to comic conventions and take pictures of my friends in cosplay. As I got more used to being behind the camera, I combined my passion for photography and live music and started working with local bands, and from their my photography and collaboration with bands grew more than I ever thought it would.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
I learn so much from other artists of any discipline. The community I have found myself in has been my biggest inspiration and my biggest source of knowledge. By seeing how other artists work, be it in photography, traditional artwork, music, film, or anything else, I better learn about what looks good to me in my chosen artwork, There is so much to learn from the people around me, and I am always looking to learn even more.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You have so much passion and love for what you do, regardless of what it is. Never think for a moment that you don’t., and you will have a circle of friends bigger and closer than you ever thought you would.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Never succumb to using AI for anything. Art is a creative processes. By losing that process and jumping straight to a result rendered by a heartless machine, you lose a key part of humanity.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am at a live show with camera in hand. Being engulfed by the music and creating art with other artists feels so much like home, I don’t know where I would be without it.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
@thevikingmedia
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