Lucas Moser is a talented photographer who we hope to see on the pages of National Geographic some day. Despite the fact he just left us to move off to Idaho, our Active Crew is truly thankful for his support and willingness to share his photos with us.
His ability to capture nature in it’s most natural and unique form truly amazing. Here’s a little bit more about why he chose photography and what keeps him chasing after crazy awesome stories.
Tell us a little bit yourself.
I’m a 26 year old Male, born and raised in Iowa on a Cattle farm outside of Nevada, IA. I’ve been Photographing the world since 2010. I started out self teaching myself while being a nanny in Roma, Italy and enrolled in DMACC in Ankeny for photography during the Summer of 2012.
What does an average day off of work look like for you?
Wake up, make coffee, decide where I should go cross-country skiing *weather pending*. Pack gear, load up car, head out, pop-on some tunes, drive to destination, strap on skis and hop on the trail and see what we can find.
Last year you packed up and went out west for a bit — what were the highlights of that trip?
My favorite highlights were: Seeing Mount Rainier for the first time and various wildlife run ins. Like waking up to a baby skunk in my tent or having a Grizzly sneak up on me while photographing the sunset in Yellowstone.
Were there any pieces of gear that made life easier while living on the road?
Having the Etekcity Ultralight portable stove and Aeropress. Nothing is more amazing than making yourself coffee on the hood of your car or a stump and watching the sunrise over the mountains.
What made you fall in love with photography and want to make it a key part of your life?
Well, in 2010 my mom got diagnosed with cancer and I wasn’t really doing anything with my life. My friend Kipp Paulsen was/is really into photography and suggested to me that I should buy a camera and start photographing concerts.
So, I got a Canon T1i and started photographing the pastures, timber and area around my parent’s farm where I grew up – as well as photographing concerts. Later I accepted a nannying gig in Roma, Italy and continued to teach myself photography in my down time. Once I was back stateside I enrolled into DMACC’s Photography Department in 2012.
While there, I met Curt Stahr and many other amazing photographers. He constanly challenged me and kept me active. Sadly I was there for his last 2 years of teaching before he retired. While there he told so many crazy awesome stories from travels he had taken in his life and I guess, I to, want some crazy awesome stories
Your photography is primarily nature-based - why is that?
I grew up exploring the outdoor world of the woods and creeks around my house. When I wasn’t outside with my dog, I was reading everything about animals and watching Bob Ross paint early on Saturday mornings. So now that I’m older, I can do the same things but on a much greater scale.
What's your favorite piece of photography equipment you own?
My 10-stop filter. It allows me to get personal with nature and the world. It forces you to slow down and admire everything. It turns a 1/100sec shot into a 10 minute photo. You have to look at everything and try and predict what’ll happen in the 10 minutes your photo will take to expose.
What has been your favorite place to photograph to date?
As of this moment right now…. The Canadian Rockies or Iceland.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
New Zealand in their winter (or summer), the Aurora Australis or Himalayas in Pakistan tracking down snow leopards.
What motivates you to get outside and explore?
My housemates horrible taste in music…..just kidding….Everyone in my house is super active and it’s really contagious. I love winter but am currently awaiting spring and summer for packrafting, camping, biking, and fly fishing.
Lucas Moser: Photographer | Aim for Saturn Photography | @aimforsaturnphoto
Fantastic photos!!!