Creative Heads // Andrew Winn: Adventure Photographer

Okay, picture me: 17 years old, sitting in my trackies and eating Oreos by the handful. Now, picture Andrew Winn: 18 years old, living out of his truck, travelling around America and Canada and probably not eating Oreos by the handful.

To begin this new series on my blog - Creative Heads - I have chosen to interview Andrew for his talented photography skills and his ability to grab life by the horns and follow his dreams. So, without further ado...

1. Tell us about yourself

My name is Andrew Winn. I am an 18-year-old self taught photographer from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

2. What does photography mean to you? Why do you do it? 

Photography for me is a way to express myself creatively. As a child I tried drawing, painting, writing ect and never really found that creative outlet. It wasn’t until fall of 2014 when I got my first camera. Once I started creating consistent content I knew it was more than a hobby for me.

3. So you've just been on an amazing journey called #WhereShallWeWander... How did you find your time on the road? What made you go: yep, I'm actually going to do this?

The #WhereShallWeWander came from my burning desire as an adventure photographer to get out and explore unknown areas while pushing myself as an artist outside of my comfort zone. I’ve been dreaming of living out of my car on the road since early 2015. I saved up, made a list of people I’d like to meet up with and planned spots out. I drove over 12,500 miles, went to 14 states and Canada over 7 weeks.

4. Best and worst thing about living out of your truck?

The best thing about living out of my truck was the convenience of it! I could sleep anywhere I parked and didn’t have to worry about tents ect. I had everything I needed to live on in my vehicle. The worst thing about it was losing a few essential things like running water and easy access to electricity. Overall it was the cheapest way to travel and I plan on doing it more in the future.

5. Favourite place you've been? Dream travel destination? 

Montana was definitely my favorite area I explored in. The terrain was unlike anything I had experienced in my life. Right now, Alaska is the top location I want to travel to right now. I am starting the plan another summer car camping trip up to Fairbanks and back.

5. Tips for aspiring photographers? 

As a photographer fresh in the game, the biggest thing is to not compare. Most people you’ll envy have been doing for years. Take time to learn your gear, shooting good light and experiment a lot. Once you find “your style” work on refining it.

6. Quote you live by?

“The word adventure has gotten overused. For me, when everything goes wrong – that’s when adventure starts.”- Yvon Chouinard

“There’s only one time which you’re gonna be young; and get out there and do things that people wish they would have done once they get too old to do them. Because that’s what life is about; it’s about livin’ it!”- Chongo Chuck

Check out Andrew at: @winnterfresh or andrewwinn.com