Today we’d like to introduce you to Wayne Moran.
Hi Wayne, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Photography has been woven into my story from the very beginning. As a kid, I had one of those old 110 cartridge cameras. I’d photograph everything—friends and family water skiing, camping trips, family reunions—anything that caught my eye. I didn’t think of it as “art” back then; it was just a way to preserve the moments that mattered.
In college, I somehow ended up with my first real camera—a 35mm Minolta with a zoom, a 50mm, and a midrange lens. I honestly don’t remember buying it, and no one gave it to me, so the origin remains a mystery (but I’m pretty sure I didn’t steal it!). I used that camera to document college life and to capture the places and people I encountered while touring with our college choir.
Then came a pause. After graduation, I joined the Air Force, and photography slipped to the back burner. I remember my wife taking a black-and-white photography class, and I was so jealous. That desire never really went away.
When our kids started coming along, I bought my wife a simple point-and-shoot camera… and immediately stole it for myself. The spark was back.
Around 2003, the internet—especially Flickr.com—ignited that spark into a flame. I was blown away by what other photographers were creating. At the time, I was working as a software engineer and blogging. I understood how to get a post or photo to rank on page one of search engines, sometimes within a day. That skill turned out to be a powerful asset.
One turning point came when my brother commissioned me (over dinner!) to capture a photo of the Minneapolis Stone Arch Bridge. That image became my most iconic work. Through Flickr, someone discovered it and reached out to license the image to brand their entire company. That one deal changed everything. It gave me a glimpse into the power of visual storytelling and the potential of turning this passion into something much bigger.
Since then, I’ve built a career blending art, technology, and storytelling—focused on capturing the beauty of creation, the power of place, and the spirit of adventure.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In many ways, my path has been steadier than most because photography isn’t my only source of income. I’m also a software engineer, and that stable base has allowed me to pursue my passion for photography without the pressure of making it “pay the bills” every single month. That financial cushion has helped smooth out the bumps that many creatives face—like slow seasons, equipment costs, or the unpredictability of the art market.
That said, juggling two careers comes with its own challenges. Time is always limited, and balancing client work, creative projects, marketing, and family life can be a real test. But I believe those challenges have made me more focused and intentional with the time I do have.
When I mentor students, I always encourage them to build a solid foundation—whether it’s a day job, a freelance gig, or some other form of reliable income. That way, they’re free to pursue their art without the constant fear of the wheels falling off when life throws a curveball. But I also tell them to pursue their creative passion with everything they’ve got. Because when you show up with consistency and energy, amazing things can happen.
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’m a fine art landscape and travel photographer based in Minnesota, and my work is all about capturing the beauty of creation and the stories hidden in places. I specialize in large-format, high-impact photography—images that transform a space and stir something in the soul.
I’m probably best known for my iconic image of the Minneapolis Stone Arch Bridge. That photo has taken on a life of its own—it’s been licensed for corporate branding, displayed in homes and offices, and has become a symbol of the city. But beyond that, I’m known for photographing national parks, historic architecture, and vibrant cityscapes across the U.S. and around the world. My goal is always to reveal the majesty in both the everyday and the epic.
What sets my work apart is a blend of artistry, technical excellence, and a strong storytelling sensibility. I don’t just snap pretty pictures—I craft images that invite people to pause, reflect, and reconnect with something deeper, whether that’s the awe of nature, the history in stone, or the wonder of light.
I’m proud of the reach my work has had—millions of gallery views, collectors across the country, and countless people who’ve told me that one of my images brought peace, inspiration, or even tears. But honestly, I’m just as proud of the students I mentor and the creative community I help lead. Encouraging others to pursue beauty, purpose, and excellence in their own work is a big part of my mission.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I grew up in Los Angeles, California, and my favorite childhood memories are rooted in the outdoors—exploring the ocean and the mountains. There was something magical about being out in nature, whether we were camping in the hills or spending the day at the beach.
Some of my best memories come from camping trips with a close-knit community of family and friends. We’d gather around the fire, tell stories, laugh until late, and wake up to the sound of waves or birds in the trees. Those moments shaped my love for the natural world and taught me the value of connection—both with people and with the beauty around us.
Even now, that sense of wonder and adventure continues to inspire my photography.
Pricing:
- Lessons $110 / hr
- Images for $20 – $3000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://waynemoranphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waynemoranphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WayneMoranPhotography
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waynemoran/
- Twitter: https://x.com/WayneMoranPhot0
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WayneMoran/featured
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/wayne-moran-photography-eagan
- Other: https://wayne-moran.pixels.com/
