A little about me.
I’m an artist shaped by wild places.
I’m an adventure-driven fine art photographer creating quiet black and white images inspired by time spent in wild places. I’m an artist shaped by those places. The adventure is the effort. The art is the result. I don’t just photograph the landscape. I spend time in it. I hike through snowstorms, explore remote deserts, ride through mountain passes, and sometimes come back with a few broken plans and one good frame.
My black and white images are about more than beauty. They’re about what nature does to you when you give yourself over to it. Through simplicity, contrast, and mood, I try to translate that emotional weight into something lasting. I’m not trying to impress with the places I go. I just want people to feel what I felt. Maybe even for a moment, feel like they were there too. That ongoing pursuit has become the heart of what I call Images from Nature, a reflection of how I see, feel, and experience the wild places that shape me.
BIO
I'm Andrew Hertel, a black and white nature photographer based in San Diego, California.
My work is shaped by time spent in wild places. Deserts, mountains, and coastlines often explored on foot, by bicycle, or motorcycle. These experiences are not simply about reaching a location. They are about immersion in the landscape. Feeling small, connected, and alive. Though I grew up in the Midwest, the open spaces of the West Coast pulled me in and changed the course of my life.
I am largely self-taught, and my photography is driven by instinct, emotion, and a deep respect for the natural world. Over time I developed a visual language rooted in contrast, simplicity, and mood, creating images that feel both intimate and expansive.
Alongside my fine art work, I lead immersive photography workshops in extraordinary landscapes, guiding photographers of all levels to slow down, connect with their surroundings, and discover their own creative vision.
Artist Statement
Nature is where I feel most connected. Physically, emotionally, and creatively.
Whether I am exploring the vast openness of the desert, hiking into remote backcountry, or quietly observing wildlife near home, I am always drawn to places that feel raw and untamed. These experiences are the foundation of my work.
I create black and white photographs from nature, images shaped by presence, patience, and effort.
Without color, everything else comes forward. Form. Contrast. Emotion.
The quiet strength of a snow-covered tree. The curve of a sand dune. Fog drifting slowly through a forest.
My goal is not simply to make a beautiful image, but to bring the viewer into the experience. To make them feel like they were standing beside me when the shutter clicked.
Through each photograph I hope to share not just what I saw, but what I felt. A moment from my ongoing body of work, Images from Nature.
~ Andrew Hertel
Labs Behind The Lens
Over the years, I’ve been lucky to share the trail with two incredible yellow labs.
Sligo was my first adventure companion—steady, curious, and always close by. She was there for so many early outings and quiet moments in the wild. Her spirit left a lasting mark on me and my work—she’s even in my logo.
Sierra is my current sidekick. She’s full of energy and affection, always eager to explore the next bend in the trail or bury her nose in fresh snow. She’s joined me on countless hikes and camping trips and brings joy to every outing, even the cold ones.
These dogs have been more than pets—they’ve been part of the journey. Watching them move through the landscape reminds me to slow down, look closer, and stay present.
Featured in Voyage Magazine — read my recent interview about my journey into fine art photography, inspiration, and adventure here.
Awards
Recognition is always appreciated, but it’s the personal connections and moments in the wild that matter most to me.
2025
“Cradled by Stone”, Joshua Tree National Park Art Expo, 2nd Place
“Hokkaido: Act III”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: 1st Place
“Red Fox with Bread”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: 2nd Place
“The Quiet Between”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: Honorable Mention
“Hokkaido: Act X”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: Honorable Mention
2024
“Red Fox and Tree”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: 4th Place
“Hokkaido: Act I”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: Donor Award
“Eagle Hunter and Eagle”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: Donor Award
2023
“La Línea”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: 1st Place
“Aeolian Dunes No. 2”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: 3rd Place
“Burrowing Owl”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: Honorable Mention
“Aeolian Dunes No. 3” San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: Honorable Mention
“Egret on the Lake”, Neutral Density Awards: Honorable Mention
“Balance - Harmony”, Neutral Density Awards: Honorable Mention
“La Línea”, Neutral Density Awards: Honorable Mention
“Burrowing Owl”, Neutral Density Awards: Honorable Mention
“Eagle Hunter & Golden Eagle”, Neutral Density Awards: Honorable Mention
2022
“Egret on the Lake”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: 2nd Place
“Winter Wonderland”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: 2nd Place
“Morning Hymn No. 23”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: Donor Award
“Balance - Harmony”, Fine Art Photography Awards : Nominee
“Egret on the Lake”, Fine Art Photography Awards: Nominee
2021
“Morning Mist at Bird Rock”, Monochrome Photography Awards: Honorable Mention
2020
“Children’s Pool Wall”, Neutral Density Awards: Honorable Mention
“Ballad of the Coyote”, Neutral Density Awards: Honorable Mention
“Chiseled by the Elements”, Neutral Density Awards: Honorable Mention
I proudly serve as a Nature First ambassador for Southern California, because protecting the places I photograph matters as much as capturing them. The Seven Principles of Nature First Photography were developed to help educate and guide both professional and recreational photographers in sustainable, minimal impact practices that will help preserve nature’s beautiful locations.
The Nature First Principles
Prioritize the well-being of nature over photography.
Educate yourself about the places you photograph.
Reflect on the possible impacts of your actions.
Use discretion if sharing locations.
Know and follow rules and regulations.
Always follow Leave No Trace principles and strive to leave places better than you found them.
Actively promote and educate others about these principles.
If you would like more information on Nature First Photography please click here.