Billy Ball

Just a dude with a camera is how I describe myself.  Despite a penchant for moody animal portraits, my shooting and teaching philosophy is all about having fun and not taking oneself too seriously.

As a self-taught photographer who began shooting later in life, I especially enjoy the technical side of photography: researching techniques and applying new processes to bring the unseen into view.  My signature style leans macro with a recent inclination toward habitat and bird photos, and I appreciate the hyperfocus that photography requires, for me it is a “forced meditation” where the rest of the world ceases to exist.  Over time my interests have expanded into CFWA and large animals. I try to stay true to my roots as a dive guide in Hawaii: careful observation, learning an animal’s behavior, and waiting for the magical moments to unfold.

I am a lifelong Nikon shooter.  My current set up includes a Z8 and Z6ii in addition to my preferred lenses the 105mm f2.8 macro, 100-400mm f4.5-5.6, and 500mm f4 along with a variety of vintage lenses.

As a longtime guide and instructor I feel that strong fundamental skills go hand in hand with artistic thinking to improve photo quality. In my workshops I encourages photographers of all skill levels to learn together in a noncompetitive environment, believing that students do their best work when having fun and enjoying the process, not just the outcome.

When I’m not shooting in the Pacific Northwest you can find me eating gummy bears and planning my next trip to Southeast Asia.