Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brandon Moser. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Brandon, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Growing up, my dad unknowingly planted the seed in my head to get into photography. He always had a Nikon camera at family vacations and around the house and allowed me to use it from time to time as I got older. In November of 2016, I purchased my first DSLR, a Nikon D3400. After moving to South Carolina in 2017, I started my photography business and upgraded my lenses and camera body. Fast forward to 2020, I traveled to Titusville, FL to see and photograph my first rocket launch, which was the launch of the SpaceX Crew Dragon Demo-2 mission that launched NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the I.S.S. After that, I was hooked on launch photography and made the move to Orlando, FL in March of 2021 to continue photographing them.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a Freelance Photojournalist for 90.7 WMFE, which is an NPR affiliate, based in Orlando, FL. I photograph SpaceX, United Launch Alliance & NASA rocket launches for online publication.
Most recently, I’ve photographed NASA’s Psyche Spacecraft inside a clean room ahead of the scheduled launch date of October 5, 2023. I’ve also photographed historic moments such as NASA’s Space Launch System rocket inside the Vehicle Assembly Building during final preparations ahead of beginning the long launch campaign.
I documented the public rollout of SLS in March 2022, and documented the August, September & November launch attempts where they finally launched the Artemis 1 mission to the moon in November 2022. I also run a side business where I sell prints of my landscape and rocket launch photography on Etsy.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
My advice for anyone early in their photography journey, regardless of the type of photography they’d like to focus on, is to learn the exposure triangle. Also, take time to sit and read the physical or digital manual of your camera after purchasing it so you know the ins and outs of it.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
There are a few people I’d like to list. My parents, Mark & Carmen, have been the most helpful in regards to helping me get to where I am today in. They’ve taught me from a young age to never give up, be professional, be polite, help others along the way and have goals in life.
Another person that has been instrumental in my photography journey would be a photographer and coffee shop owner in Charleston, South Carolina named Gregg Lambton-Carr. Had he not recommended I purchase a specific lens, I likely would not have gotten as into launch photography as I currently am. He’s also given me great tips & valuable feedback along the way.
Lastly, a photographer named Sean Cannon. I met him in 2021 after moving to Orlando, FL. He gave me helpful tips to cover my first launch as credentialed media (SpaceX CRS-23 in August 2021). Since then, he’s been a valuable friend who’s always willing to lend a hand & provide tips and advice on how to improve my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: brandonmoserphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/brandonmoser_photography/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Brandonmoserphotography
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/brandonjmphoto
- Other: Etsy.com/shop/brandonmoserphoto
Image Credits
Brandon Moser
