We were lucky to catch up with Kyle Moon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kyle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned my craft from my general interest in the outdoors and my fascination for wildlife. The interest needed to be there first before I would move on to get a degree in wildlife ecology and conservation from the University of Florida. After that I worked many jobs as a biologist for many different organizations across the New World and I always had my camera with me. With camera in hand I used it like a tool to understand what it was that I was looking at often taking deeper dives into what it is that I photographed.

Kyle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got into the industry of guiding and being a photo instructor when I picked it up as a side job that was very flexible and worked well with my other job at the time. I started running more and more guided trips in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks when I began to learn that I liked taking folks out more than I liked my other job. As a result, I quit my job as a biologist and went full-time Yellowstone guide and worked up to being a photo instructor.

As a veteran photo and Yellowstone guide, I offer private tours & photography workshops—domestically and internationally—for all clients interested in improving their portfolio. I pride on keeping groups small so I can be attentive to my guest as they need assistance. I also work with professional wildlife photographers that hire me for me expert knowledge of where wildlife are in the moment to help increase their odds of getting their dream shot.

I’m most proud of where I came from and where I am now as a self-taught photographer. I picked up a camera in college for the first time and had no idea how to use it. Now, I am an international award-winning photographer who continues to get my work published in credible magazines across the globe all while teaching my craft as a wildlife photographer from my background as a biologist.

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

When I run photo tours some people get so fixated on getting “the shot.” I understand we want to come away great photographs and I always strive to produce, but I like the mission to simply be in the moment. My goal is to create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime while our photographs are only representations of those moments in time that we can reflect on. When you have more of this approach I’ve learned that guest come away with better photographs and truly enjoy and appreciate the experiences that were had.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

As someone that isn’t a big fan of social media I have grown my audience through my art. For those that are visiting Yellowstone you can find my work in Gardiner, Livingston, Bozeman, and Big Sky and beyond! Whether you’re a tourist or resident of the area people see my work and want to follow. I find this the best way to grow your audience because they’re genuine and authentic to your work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.moonman.photography/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonman04/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoonManPhotos
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@moonman04
• Other: Online Gallery:

  https://www.moonmanphotography.com/

Image Credits

Kyle C. Moon