We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karl Wiggins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Karl thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Earlier in my life I never connected my professional life to needing to be in the mountains, I would climb, camp or just go on drives because I loved to be outside. I became a firefighter when I was 19 years old. As I got older in the fire service I realized I needed to be outside to help relieve stress, to get away from the stress of being a firefighter, but still not a mission not something id go around to others telling thatit will directly help you with what you see as a firefighter. Then I had a string of bad calls that really messed with my mind. They said I had PTSD, that not only had a rough few months, but that I never dealt with past calls I had been on. I realized the biggest thing that helped me deal with everything was photography/overlanding. So not only is taking a camera out into the mountains one of my favorite things it also helped me work through a difficult career. I have been a firefighter now for 17 years now, I try and share my experience with PTSD with other first responders and hopefully get them outside and enjoying the world in a different way. We live in a wild world that can get you down. I think it’s important to know that the outdoors are out there and that there is a different path if you want to take it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Well my name is Karl Wiggins. I first started photography when I was climbing. When I was younger I climbed Mt.Rainier multiple times and even had the opportunity to climb a mountain in Nepal. After awhile I started really focusing on becoming a full time firefighter. Only when I had a son did I pick up a camera again and start taking photos. I started this whole instagram process, because I wanted to create prints. I am self taught and have learned how to fly drones, edit and different camera techniques all from YouTube university.

After awhile as my account grew I began realizing I can work with companies and brands. I started with IKamper as an ambassador and have worked with numerous other companies in the last year. My main goal is to produce photos and video that I am proud of. To show people beautiful places to experience. I create what I love to experience and that’s trying to show off the sweeping landscapes we all love to explore. Trucks and gear are all tools for the main goal and that’s to chase a sunset or a great view. To have a good time with others camping and overall enjoy the outdoors.

This year is a big year for my business. We have partnered with Dirtbox who will install a canopy camper on my Ford Raptor. We have prints in a local shop and a website as well to sell prints, finally my main goal is to push YouTube and to start generating income with my hobby. Finally in 2026 we will be taking Offroad Landscapes abroad with a winter trip to Iceland.

When I was younger I had two dreams. One to be a full time firefighter. The other to work with National Geographic and travel the world taking photos. Now im working on that second dream. If you would like to support myself and my family you can find us on Instagram @offroad_landscapes, my website https://offroadlandscapes.mypixieset.com, and YouTube Offroad_Landscapes.

Thank you.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I think the biggest thing with social media is if you want to grow it like a business then you have to view it a little differently. Be genuine is the biggest thing and have patience. Every night for years id watch my favorite photographers on YouTube teach how to edit. Id spend countless hours traveling to take photos and always kept my camera with me incase I saw something interesting. I got my big break off of a couple drone reels that I posted. But with growth comes its own struggles. I try and be genuine with my content, if Im not I won’t enjoy the creative process. So dont stress to much with algorithms and views. Think about what your style is what you want it to be and then just do something everyday to work towards those creative goals. Things will happen for you if you keep working at it and endure the highs and lows. But you have to put in the work.

When reaching out to brands and companies you have to stand out. I think a phone call is such a better way of connecting then emails. That way the company can get an idea of who you are and you can form a connection. Emails can be ignored quite easily often going into spam folders. Also don’t take rejection as you will never get to work with somebody. I have had multiple contracts including my biggest ones happen just by being patient. No doesn’t mean no forever each one of these companies are trying to make their business work too. It might be a good time for you but financially not for them. Don’t be afraid to reach out again at a later date, you might get a different answer.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My biggest goal in my creative journey is do this full time. To make enough where my wife and son can join on more adventures, and to travel and explore the world with my camera. I have found a skill that I enjoy and would to translate that into a career. I have been a firefighter for a long time and love the lessons and experiences from that job/journey, but I also would to pursue something new and different that doesn’t tell me what my next 20 years is going to be like.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://offroadlandscapes.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offroad_landscapes
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Offroad_Landscapes
• Other: Threads-https://www.threads.net/@offroad_landscapes

Image Credits
Offroad Landscapes -Karl Wiggins