Meet Billy Moon | Still Photographer

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

Hi Billy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’m in the midst of starting my own business actually. It’s been a long time coming. Just landing and locking on a name is difficult by itself. My industry friends and mentors have been encouraging me to launch one and I shall. My thought process a few years ago would’ve been tremendously overwhelming with numerous, irrelevant overthinking ideas but as I’ve aged, it’s just wiser and more serene to be simple, direct, and meaningful. I’ve experienced and listened time and time again to people who talk the talk but take very little to no action to live up to their words. I refuse to be one of those people. I do what I say and I expect others to as well. Therefore, with starting a business, it must be totally intentional and based on passion and forward-thinking. Not just fame and wealth. Although having those qualities can be very helpful, too. It’s really about the long term goal. Thinking big. Focused on the future. Almost all the time. I love photography but I may one day transition to producing and directing films. Back to choosing a name, that’s really difficult. The word “content” really bugs me. The word “art” seems to be dying. What I want to create is art. Emotional art that can be everlasting. I admire Amblin and Syncopy. I strive to create great stories like them. Whether it’s through photography or feature films. If we’re granted the rare opportunity to live out the American dream, we must harness and give it a shot because not trying is worse than failing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I don’t know what sets me part from others. I’d have to let the mass audience decide that verdict.

I’m most proud of the fact that I’m still pursuing this, and excited for the creative people I’ve met who are smarter and more experienced. I got to where I am today professionally from all the conversations I’ve had with them, listening to their notes, and applying their advice. It is very easy for me to ask for insight from other pros. In the middle of all this hustling, you’re doing a tremendous amount of waiting, waiting for emails, waiting for reponses they said they would, waiting for gigs, the checks, and waiting for miracles. The lesson with all the waiting is to fulfill the time you got with productive training and to constantly reach out to other brands, producers, and companies to get ahead.

You asked so I’ll spill it. You asked about lessons along the journey. Life lessons certainly are more significant and that is, “get your personal life in order.” I learned that from Bryan Cranston. Once your personal life is in good shape, the major opportunities that land will be smooth for you because you don’t have to worry about your family or loved ones, and you can focus on your job without mental distractions.

Some of the hardest lessons I learned, which I’m still experiencing, is that some younger people, friends young and old, are blindly consumed with crippling fear and mundane complacency, are slaves of unfulfilled, comfortable repetition. I don’t know why I care so much but it breaks my heart to hear people say they don’t know what they want, what they want to do, or don’t know what makes them feel alive. I want to help or encourage in some way but it only reaches so far. Change is hard. Deciding is harder.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If it’s winter season, I’ll take them to Koreatown for the best Korean, steamy stews and broth that will change them. L.A. certainly has the best Mexican food whether it’s a truck or a restaurant. Always fun. Sushi is making a strong swarm of a comeback. Then of course, In N Out. But it’s more like In N Wait. There’s a flurry of activities to do here in LA. I miss the early days of going on a lengthy hike at Malibu Creek State Park because it looks like Middle Earth. The more popular hike with a parking lot would be Griffith trail that’ll take you up to the Observatory and be blinded by the sunlight reflecting off the white walls. The views are great. Especially after a rainy day. There’s a movie theater at every head turn and who on this planet does not love movies? I’m an AMC member so I like to watch new releases on Tuesdays. Back to dining out, this is the most spoiled city in the country for numerous, diverse selections of food from every culture. Everyone needs to eat at Pampas Grill at Farmer’s Market. Just follow the long line. Woof.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents. I thank God for blessing me with the parents I got. I certainly don’t deserve their acts of love, sacrifices, and patience. I wasn’t the greatest student in school. They never pressured me to become a stereotypical, success path of a doctor, lawyer, or financial broker. I’d fail at all of them anyway with flames and secret glory. When I pursued this career, at first, I was just fulfilling my personal and professional desire. A short time later, now, I just want to earn enough to support my parents. It’s honestly slow. The strikes last year left a lot of work dry. In some ways, it still feels like crumbs of the strikes are affecting the industry. My parents deserve all the credit and recognition. Forever. My mentor, David James, truly helped me how to see and capture art in an enhanced, amazing way. I was able to train my eye like his on shooting narrative photos that have emotional impact for viewers. He tells the greatest behind-the-scenes stories of Tom Cruise, Steven Spielberg, and many more.

Website: https://www.safflare.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safflarestills

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bimoon

Image Credits
Jessica Doan, Moung Park, Palonia Olson