Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Moss.
Hi Andy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a kid, I skipped recess to draw in the classroom, doodled instead of taking notes and walked around my yard to photograph blades of grass, tree branches, and clouds until it was too dark to see.
Throughout my life, creating art has been a constant.
During college, I became unsure of my future, so I dropped out and decided to live in a truck to travel the USA. Y’know, the logical thing to do. I worked seasonal outdoor education jobs – summer camp, ski instructing, trail maintenance, etc. – and moved wherever I worked. I spent a year in New Mexico and a year in Utah. I visited neighboring states whenever I could, met a ton of unique and lovely people, and got very familiar with living outside.
With every day being different, I found comfort and consistency in photography.
The ability to capture the memories, emotions, and stories that come along with outdoor adventures is very valuable to me.
When I was young, I had no idea I could be a backpacker, a rock climber, an athlete, or anything of the sort. I love sharing what other outdoor enthusiasts are doing. Through my photos, I hope to share what’s possible and inspire people to get outside and try something that’s new, fun, and outside their comfort zones. Spending time in nature has been pivotal in who I’ve become and has taught me so many life lessons. When others see my art, I hope they see the beauty of nature and learn how they can build a personal connection with the natural world.
Currently, my days are spent sitting at a rock-climbing gym, volunteering at a National Park, and traveling for climbing and backpacking whenever I get the opportunity. My camera is always with me to document beautiful landscapes, nature, and folks having fun outside!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There’s been a lot of physical and mental challenges along the way.
Physical challenges for my photos include planning and executing trips, working in harsh conditions, and finding time and resources for trips,
There are a lot of logistics for the photos I take. How do we get where we’re going? How do we all stay safe on these trips? How do I take photos of a climber on a cliff face? Etc.
Figuring out these questions is one of the most enjoyable aspects of outdoor photography. There’s always a problem to solve, and figuring out the solution is almost as rewarding as the finished photos!
As for mental challenges, overcoming doubts, creating meaningful work, and connecting to a subject and community have been challenging.
Being a self-taught photographer, I’ve had to learn everything on my own. I’ll imagine what I want in my head, but making that happen in real life gets tricky. When it comes to creating, there’s really no right or wrong, which can be as difficult as it is freeing. After lots of time, mistakes, and practice I’ve gotten better at figuring out how to make images I’m happy with.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a photographer specializing in nature, outdoor adventure, and landscapes.
Capturing candid moments of people connecting with nature is the overarching goal of my art. Whether it be the focus of a climber, the calm, meditative trek of a backpacker, or the peace of an early morning paddle, I strive to encapsulate the moods and memories of every adventure, resulting in nostalgic, halcyon photographs.
In landscape, I acquaint the viewer with not only the epic, sweeping scenery but also the small wonders. A mountain lake with its ripples and reflections. The river meanders cutting through valleys and the eddies and rapids within. The small flowers and towering trees dot hillsides. I love how large-scale patterns of a scene can be replicated naturally in the little details. Landscapes are a way for me to appreciate and cherish the beauty of our world, and my photos are how I share my love for these places.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Keep going. Make friends, be a friend.
Say yes.
Ask for help.
Trust your ideas, decisions, & abilities.
Keep learning.
Follow your joy!
Contact Info:
- Email: andymossphotography@gmail.com
- Website: andy-moss.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/a.n.d.y.m.o.s.s
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/andymosso
- Other: http://andymoss.tumblr.com
Image Credits
Allan Zou
