Meet Kyle Moon

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kyle Moon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kyle, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I found my purpose after many trials and tribulations. These setbacks that I had in life has really centered my though on what I want to make of myself. In truth, I’m doing what I do because it’s what brought me joy. I’ve returned to Nature time and time again to get the same therapy and as a result I’ve got pretty good at reading it. This developed into a skill that I can now share amongst the people that want to achieve what I’ve been doing behind the camera for over 10 years now.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

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 prestigious magazines across the globe all while teaching my craft as a wildlife photographer from my background as a biologist.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Resiliency – As a photographer, you can tackle the peak seasons, but you must go out continuously in order to get “the shot.” You never know, that one day you miss could be the shot that can change your life.

Have intent – When you go out to shoot, don’t just go out there without a plan, have intent on exactly what it is you’re trying to capture. This plan in your head will guide you to increases your odds of achieving what it is you’re set out to do. You’ll be surprised what you’re capable of when you put the effort in.

Know your subject – Learn about what it is you’re trying to target. Is it even in your location? What kind of habitat does it like? Is it here in this season? Here are just some of the questions you should be thinking about before heading out aimlessly. Use whatever resources necessary. For instance, if you’re targeting a specific bird maybe check eBird or the Merlin app to see when’s the last time someone spotted one in your area. This will give you an idea if it’s even possible and if possibly a starting point.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I’m always looking for folks to collaborate with. Besides being a Yellowstone guide & photo instructor, I’m also an artist who sells prints across the country. I collaborate with many other artist—mostly painters—who find my work realistic and inspiring.

Another outlet for collaboration for me is working with production crews and for conservation stories. I was once a practicing biologist and I loved that for me when I was practicing, but overall I feel like I had a bigger impact as a guide & photo instructor.

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