We had the good fortune of connecting with Joseph O’Reilly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joseph, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
This question hits home to me right now. Unfortunately over the past 7 months or so, I’ve had 2 falls. I broke my feet on the 1st and my shoulder on the second, both within 2 months of each other. Several factors led to both but I do believe that sleep deprivation and pushing myself to hard were key. My full time job was suffering as well as some of my clients because of it. I’ve been forced to take a leave of absence & am just now getting back to holding my cameras. With the time I’ve had to reflect, I have definitely learned the need and power of a balanced life. Add in the Pandemic and other things happening these days, I have come to the conclusion that what you Love to do, where your true passion lies is where i will concentrate. Life is too short and unpredictable. I’m lucky to know my passion, some never find it.

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.
Art or Artist are such broad terms. My passion, my reason for doing this is People. All People. To me everyone is special in their own way and I’ve been told that I have a gift for seeing, showing and helping someone realize how I see their specialness. Their Art & Talents. When I get shooting or whatever, my heart races, my focus is completely on them and the next thing I know, the shoot is over. When I show them some shots or footage, I remember every setting, everything I was thinking at the time and when I get that “I cant believe it” expression, words cant explain how I feel.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Lol, that’s a tough one to answer right now. But it’s the city of Atlanta! Where do you start and where to end? Even with things as they are, Atlanta is still one of the greatest, as well as the people. And the people is where I would start. So many places to meet new and interesting people. Outside in Centenial Park, Mercedes Benz Dome, Little 5 points etc…. I love observing, street photography and meeting most of them lol. People not living here do not get to experience the diversity we are used to living around. Taste of Atlanta would be perfect for a newcomer!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Your exactly right. No one gets too far in life without support from close family and friends. There are many for me. My 2 sons inspire me. Cricket Mikaskal is a friend and mentor. He was famous when we first met but himself along with Johnboy & Surroundsound band have let me in their circle, introduced me to very talented people, all while just being humble normal good people. I will also shout out to “my” top model, Cameo Hadden. @be_cameomodel. She has taught this older man how strength of character & a positive attitude can take you as far as you wish to go. God bless them & others not mentioned.

Website: Airdevi.biz
Instagram: @airdevilphotography