In the Spotlight: Photographer Billy Ward (USA)
Can you tell us a little about you?
I’m originally from Albuquerque,NM but now reside in Las Vegas,NV USA. I went to photography/film school 12 years ago and have been shooting ever since. I make fashion, glamour and documentary images and films.
How and when did you get into photography?
I’ve always been impressed with photography and film. I went the route of professional chef for 20 years before embarking on my career change to photography. I honestly didn’t think it was possible for me to make it as a photographer where I come from. Not till later in life did I take the risk to go for it. I’m glad I did!
What does photography mean to you?
Photography means many things to me and it’s hard to pinpoint that in one answer. I love how it portrays a moment in time for us to reflect on over and over. Life is a series of moments and capturing it, if only for a moment, is a gift. It’s also a very artistic outlet for many of us who partake in it. Model, actor, writer and photographer. We get to do narrative storytelling at our discretion and give people some thoughts to entertain.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
My photography is heavily geared towards erotica and fashion. It’s outside the realm of mainstream fashion/glamour and more about sensuality and seduction.
Where do you get inspiration from?
I pull inspiration from lots of places. A couple of most notorious photographers that I love is Helmut Newton and Richard Avedon.
Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?
Most of the time I do, yes.
Studio, on location or both?
Both
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
Paid Professional
What has been your most memorable session and why?
There’s too many to name.
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Fuji actually.
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Shoot, shoot, shoot! And pull your inspiration from the greats and not social media. I mean take a look at it and see what others are doing and have done but don’t get caught up in the social media rat race. It all starts to look the same after a while and you don’t want to be in that tornado. Or maybe you do.
What do you think of our new magazine?
I like it! It’s a great platform for people in the industry to display their work and get published! To offer this for no charge to us and viewers is no easy feat. I thank Modellenland for that. I’m new to this magazine but I’ve been looking through the website and it seems a huge archive of artists. I look forward to working more with you and getting to know this magazine better.
https://www.facebook.com/billywardphotography/
www.billywardphotography.com
