When singer-songwriter Jacob DeBillio first came to our Long Beach photography studio, it was just supposed to be a simple promo shoot—something clean and professional for his press kit and upcoming releases.
But what happened next? Pure creative alchemy.
Jacob rolled into the studio fully loaded—multiple guitars, a rack of outfits, and a clear vision for the kind of vibe he wanted. We ran through a bunch of looks, from moody and dramatic to playful and expressive. He’s the kind of artist who isn’t afraid to explore different versions of himself in front of the camera, and that makes for golden images.
One of those images turned into something more than just a promo shot. Jacob reached back out months later—completely hyped—and asked if I could re-edit one specific photo for his album cover.
The concept? Him holding a globe on a leash. The whole image is black and white except for the globe and leash, which pop in color. It’s bold, a little surreal, and totally fits the vibe of his music: introspective, ambitious, and just left-of-center in all the best ways.
Jacob DeBillio is part of a new wave of independent musicians coming out of the Long Beach music scene, blending indie rock, folk, and a bit of cinematic flair. His lyrics hit hard without trying too hard, and there’s a real rawness to what he’s doing—both emotionally and sonically. If you haven’t heard him yet, you will.
The best part of this whole shoot? The fact that the work kept working for him long after the day was done. That’s the goal. Jacob came in for a standard promo session and walked away with the visual identity of his next album.
If you're a local musician in Long Beach or the LA area, we’d love to help you create something that actually matches your sound. Whether you need press photos, cover art, or just something fresh for your Spotify and social media, we’ve got you covered.
DM us or book a session directly through @nanigrossphoto.
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