…When I transform my subjects, I provide them with an extraordinary, life-changing experience that leaves them feeling happier, more confident and rejuvenated. It’s my way of bringing goodness to the world, one person at a time…
As a part of our series about “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became An Artist” I had the pleasure of interviewing Billy Murray.
Billy Murray is a rogue photographer based in Toronto, Canada, and the proud founder of Hosstyle Photography. He embarked on this journey just two years ago, and in that time, has been fortunate enough to achieve some incredible milestones. His work has graced the cover of a magazine, been featured on posters for comedy specials, and he has even had the opportunity to photograph a handful of celebrities. This profession has been an exciting adventure, and he is passionate about continuing to create bold and unforgettable imagery.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I grew up in a small town just outside of Toronto, surrounded by a whirlwind of challenges, including mental health struggles, divorce, and a home where attention and care were scarce. School was something I loathed — I spent most of my time lost in daydreams and exploring my creativity. Yet, paradoxically, I was also spoiled and had access to everything I could ever need or want.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
While working at a steel factory, I found myself needing to take leave to undergo a full hip replacement. During my recovery, I had a lot of time to reflect on my life and what I truly wanted. It was then that I made a life-changing decision — I would never return to the factory. Instead, I took a leap of faith, purchased my first camera, and declared, “I’m now a photographer.” That moment marked the beginning of an entirely new chapter for me.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
In just one year of pursuing photography, I went from being a beginner to reaching out to Tommy C. Howell on Instagram. That simple message led to an email from his manager inviting me to do a magazine cover shoot in Nashville. It’s incredible how quickly things can happen when you follow your passion and take a chance!
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
Currently, I’m focused on connecting with A-listers and hoping one of them bites. In addition to that, I’m working on a new marketing campaign for a retired NFL player. Kyle Turley is a retired NFL football player and is also a singer. Kyle recently got signed to a record label in Nashville and I was asked to transform and create his new badass image for all his marketing content.
I had the incredible pleasure of sitting down with and photographing Bob Marley’s cousin, Ali Ras. The photos are for an upcoming documentary based on his life. To top it off, I later ran into Bert Kreischer at Ralphs grocery store in LA. It all started when I accidentally bumped into him with my shopping cart in the meat department. From that chance encounter, things escalated to Bert following me on Instagram and expressing interest in doing a photo shoot together. The whole experience was surreal — almost like an out-of-body moment. Truly one for the books!
Where do you draw inspiration from? Can you share a story about that?
The music, film, and fashion scenes from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s are an endless source of inspiration for me — a vibrant melting pot of creativity that continues to shape my perspective and fuel my passion. There have been many times when my love for the eras was evident through my work and its processes, however, one that stands out was a shoot with a guitarist a few months ago. This client envisioned himself on the cover of a Rolling Stones Magazine with his guitar, and he knew by seeking me out that I could turn his vision into reality. Using his desired concept, I developed an idea to create a backdrop made of posters featuring a few of the most notable guitarists, starring the client as the centerpiece. His presence among these iconic guitarists would pin him as the next, up-and-coming guitarist who would one day join them as one of the greats.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
When I transform my subjects, I provide them with an extraordinary, life-changing experience that leaves them feeling happier, more confident and rejuvenated. It’s my way of bringing goodness to the world, one person at a time. I recently received this review from a client, “Billy, I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how incredible my experience was with HOSSTYLE Photography. You are, without a doubt, a master of your craft. Your creativity and artistic edge are unmatched, and the way you draw out the inner badass in each person is truly a gift. You didn’t just take photo, you created art, and I can’t thank you enough for that. Taking these on my 52nd birthday, couldn’t have been more perfect. It was cathartic and empowering, something I felt I needed to do for myself. You made the whole experience so comfortable and fun, and the results? Absolutely stunning. I felt like I was starring in my own movie, and these photos are more than pictures, they’re masterpieces. Thank you for everything. You have incredible talent, and I’m so grateful I had the chance to work with you. It was an unforgettable day, and I’ll treasure this experience forever.”
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
1 . When you’re on a high there is always a down, its not always forward-moving.
2 . No one will love your work as much as you will.
3 . When you’re a photographer you’re also a therapist.
4 . Photographing a famous person doesn’t result in you blowing up and getting new clients.
5 . Mentally, financially and emotionally this will be the hardest job you will ever do.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
You never know what your ideas might inspire!
If I were a person of great influence, the first thing I’d do is create a podcast dedicated to the world of arts and photography. I believe in the incredible power of a strong platform to educate, motivate, and empower people to believe in themselves and achieve their goals — not just in the arts and photography, but as individuals. Through meaningful conversations and insights, I’d aim to inspire creativity, celebrate diverse perspectives, and explore the human experience through the lens of art.
We have been blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she just might see this.
I would absolutely love to have breakfast with Rick Rubin! He’s been such an incredible inspiration to me, and he’s the reason I’ve discovered a newfound confidence in myself and my abilities as a photographer. Something about the way he expresses himself just struck a chord with me and completely shifted my perspective. In a recent interview, Rick Rubin stated, “I don’t know how to work a soundboard, I have no Technical ability and know nothing about music, I know what I like and what I don’t like. It instantly made sense to me having little to no knowledge about photography and having no technical ability when it comes to studio equipment. When I’m shooting it comes down to the same thing, it’s what I want to see or it’s not.
What is the best way our readers can follow you on social media?
@hosstylephotography
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!
Billy Murray of Hosstyle Photography: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became An Artist was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.