Matt Billian of Farmington uses a drone in some of his photography work. A recent aerial image of downtown Farmington was in Down East magazine. Bob Bailie photo
FARMINGTON — Matt Billian had worked in a variety of professional fields including being a 911 dispatch supervisor before he decided to begin his own business, Billian Moments Photography.
Billian, who is in his mid-30s and has two children with his wife, Yvonne, has always had an interest in photography and art.
“I was ready to break out of the corporate style of work to begin my own business,” Billian, of Farmington, wrote in an email.
His photography started as a hobby and became a passion.
How did you get into photography? Being an outdoorsman, I have always had an interest in nature and landscapes. Seeing the world through a lens whether on the ground or in the air became so fulfilling. . . . I self taught photography through mentors and YouTube university and a lot of trial and error. I continue to develop my craft daily.
What interested you in using a drone to capture landscapes? Throughout my life I have always had an interest in aviation. I was flying Cessnas before I had my driver’s permit. I coupled this interest with photography and videography after purchasing several drones. I obtained my Federal Aviation Administration commercial drone license after much studying and tests.
Do you have a specific camera or drone you use? I do use Nikon bodies for my DSLR and mirrorless cameras, and my drones are DJI Mavics with a Hasselblad camera system. But it’s lighting and creativity not equipment (that matters).
Did you have to take lessons or are you a natural to know what makes for a good landscape or photo? I have had many “bad” photos to get good photos, or occasionally great photos. Sometimes everything aligns, but it really comes down to light and creativity and composition. Equipment does not MATTER.
Is there one particular photo you are proud of or are there many? I would say there are a few photos I am particularly proud of: my capture of comet NEOWISE with my and my brother’s children, featured on WGME, would be No. 1. Second, I would say the most recent notoriety of the aerial of Farmington published in Down East magazine. Then I would say the recent creative portraits and headshots for local businesses are another favorite of mine.
What is your goal in this profession? My goal is to continue to grow a local business and continue to learn more about my craft. And to possibly have a downtown studio someday!
Matt Billian recently had one of his aerial images of downtown Farmington featured in Down East magazine. Matt Billian photo
Send questions/comments to the editors.
