The Power of Simplicity: Meet Photographer Wil Moore
As a photographer, Detroit native Wil Moore draws from his background in the fine arts as he captures the dynamic humanity of his subjects.
Inspired by Experience
From his childhood in Detroit to his time in the armed forces, Wil Moore has collected a range of experiences that inform his work as a fine art and portrait photographer. From his father, Wil Moore Sr., came the inspiration to create. From his service, the opportunity to travel and see a side of life not many people witness. And from his education, an eye for detail and a passion for the arts.
A Lighting Connoisseur
Wil’s photography is dynamic and energetic, balancing light and shadow and capturing the essence of his subjects. You can see that in the work featured above: his portrait of Arnetta Johnson, a professional jazz trumpeter who’s performed with Beyoncé at the Super Bowl.
See More of Wil’s Work
From portraits to commercial photography, Wil’s website is a great place for a deep dive into his work. Keep up to date with his Facebook page or his Instagram feed. And check out Wil’s YouTube channel, Somewhere in America Wil Moore, for tutorials on topics like lighting, speed editing, and creating a cinematic look.
Scroll down to read my Q&A with Wil, where he shares how his struggle with depression affects his work, “gear” he finds indispensable, and the real reason he first picked up a camera.
Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Wil Moore …
1. What is your background; how did you get started?
I got started as a photographer 12 years ago when I was an art major. I would always need someone to photograph my work but they were unreliable. So I bought some camera gear and started loving the process.
2. How important is it for a photographer to "connect" with their subject?
I believe it’s very important to have a connection with your subject. It's almost like dating. You want to get know the person, not the representative, lol. I ultimately think it's not our job to put the subject at ease. I think they just present themselves and then it clicks naturally.
3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?
Simplicity can speak volumes in an image.
4. In what ways does your work reflect your personality?
I'm a real fanatic over lighting. Natural or artificial. I lived a lot of years battling depression, so where I can accentuate light, that’s the positive side of my personality.
5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?
Woah!!!! Yes, I do. I usually get frustrated at first and then wait till inspiration finds me. So I always keep a camera or cell phone at the ready.
6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)
As an artist, all of them. But as a photographer in particular, it would be my wife, who is my biggest supporter. And dusk. That time of day for some reason brings out the best in what I do.
7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?
I'm running a YouTube channel called Somewhere in America Wil Moore. I'm also starting a co-op of photographers and artists alike, in which I've declared 2021 my year to share my knowledge of photography. I just finished my first music video for a friend of mine who's a music producer in upstate New York. The video features many of my images as well as footage that I shot.
8. What "fad" gadget do you most regret purchasing?
I really can’t answer this because I'm so frugal I'll rent it first. If it stays in my bag or if I use it once, I won’t buy it. I've never had a lot of money to waste on gear or gadgets.
All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.
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Last Updated August 01, 2021