Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Hertel.
Hi Andrew, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Photography came later in life for me. Growing up in the Midwest, the outdoors were always part of my life, but moving out west, and suddenly being surrounded by the desert, mountains, and coastline, and experiencing that completely blew my mind and changed how I see the natural world. I started out by taking a camera into the field to document my adventures, and along the way I realized the act of creating images meant more than just recording where I’d been. I’m completely self-taught, which meant I had to find my own way forward. That path shaped not just my craft but also how I see the world. Now, I’m a fine art black and white nature photographer based in San Diego, drawn to the solitude and strength of wild places.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wouldn’t call it a smooth road—more like a winding trail with its fair share of bumps and washouts. Being self-taught meant I made a lot of mistakes early on, probably the kind formal training might have helped me avoid. But those mistakes became lessons, and they shaped the way I see and create today. Another challenge has been balancing the creative side with the business side. Making the art comes naturally; selling it, marketing it, and putting myself out there doesn’t always feel as easy. There’s also the ongoing struggle of keeping up with social media and the constant demand for fresh content. My images often take time, patience, and effort to create, which doesn’t always align with the pace of today’s online world. Becoming an artist late in life brought another struggle: learning who I was as an artist while trying to learn and master my craft at the same time. That was tough, but once I had the ‘ahah’ moment and figured out who I am as an artist, it’s been full steam ahead. The road hasn’t been smooth, but the rough patches have been where most of the growth happens.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I create fine art black and white photographs rooted in my connection with the natural world. My work focuses on the contrasts between light and shadow, texture and form, and often emphasizes solitude and quiet strength in the landscape. I specialize in black and white because it strips away distraction and allows me, and hopefully the viewer, to focus on emotion, mood, and balance.
I’m probably best known for my images of deserts, snow-covered forests, and sand dunes, though my work also includes wildlife and coastal subjects. I’m proud of the way my photographs have resonated with people on an emotional level. I often hear that my images make people feel something, which is exactly my goal: not just to show a place, but to evoke a mood and invite reflection.
What sets me apart is that my process isn’t just about creating images, it’s about immersing myself in the experience. Many of my photographs come from extended time in the field, whether backpacking in the mountains, riding my motorcycle through remote desert roads, or spending long hours in the snow. That sense of presence and patience comes through in the work. I want the viewer to feel as if they’re standing next to me in that moment, experiencing the quiet beauty of nature firsthand.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Spending time in nature is what makes me happiest. Whether it’s hiking in the snow, wandering through the desert, or camping under the stars, being outdoors grounds me in a way nothing else does. It’s not just about the photographs—it’s the stillness, the sounds, even the smells that remind me I’m part of something bigger. Those moments recharge me and keep me curious.
Adventure also brings me happiness. Riding my motorcycle down a dirt road, pedaling a long stretch of trail on my bike, or waking up in a tent miles from the nearest town, it all makes me feel alive and connected. Just as much, I find happiness in seeing new places and experiencing new cultures. Dropping into unfamiliar surroundings, whether that’s a remote mountain range or a city halfway across the world, pushes me out of my comfort zone and makes me feel present and alive.
Ultimately, I think happiness comes from presence. When I’m fully in the moment, whether creating an image, exploring a new place, or just sitting quietly and watching the light change, I feel both joy and gratitude. That sense of connection to place and time is what fuels me, both in life and in my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.andrewhertel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewjameshertel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrewhertelphotography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ajhertel
Image Credits
All images are mine, Andrew Hertel.
