We had the good fortune of connecting with Billy Montgomery and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Billy, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
In 7th grade, I discovered my passion for communication during a series of severe winter snowstorms in Chicago. My English teacher assigned us to write about a significant impact on our lives, and I chose to write a poem about a recent massive snowstorm that caused school closures for several days. My teacher was impressed with my work and displayed it all over the school, which received positive feedback from my peers and teachers. This experience made me realize the power of words and their impact.

Throughout high school, I explored my passion for communication through acting, journalism, and music. I wrote scripts for creative arts classes, articles for the school newspaper, and played guitar in the jazz band. In undergrad, I majored in communications and created a radio show and produced broadcast pieces for our TV club.

After graduation, I was hired by The Citizen Newspaper Group, where I discovered my biggest form of creativity: photography. As a self-taught photojournalist, I captured stories of politicians, entertainers, and everyday lifestyle images through the lens that words couldn’t express. This led me to shoot weddings, premiere fashion shows, and travel throughout the US, documenting history.

After a few years of reporting in the field, I decided to pursue a master’s degree to share my enthusiasm for storytelling with others. I then went into teaching traditional and digital journalism.

My passion for visual storytelling led me to launch a digital production company that emphasizes connecting models with brands.

What should our readers know about your business?
At Billy Montgomery Media, we specialize in creating digital content that tells compelling stories through photography, videography, and marketing assets. Our goal is to give our clients the greatest possible exposure. We conduct interviews with our clients and pitch them to magazines. We also record these interviews on video, which can be used on social media. Our photos are used in spec ads or pitched to marketing companies with clients ranging from greeting cards to billboards. The potential for success from just one photo session is awesome.

One of the biggest challenges we face is generating consistent interest. With so many people and options vying for attention, it can take time to get the green light. The visual session is the easiest part as we have control over it, but once we pitch, it’s up to the publishers.

To ensure success, preparation is crucial, so we have detailed consultations with each client to ensure we’re all on the same page.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
N/A

I don’t go out enough to answer this one.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Citizen Newspaper Group – That is where it all started. I never picked up a camera before then.

Website: www.billymontgomery.net

Instagram: @billymontgomeryla

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/billydmontgomery

Facebook: www.facebook.com/billydmontgomery

Image Credits
used with permission from Billy Montgomery Photography

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