Meet the Artist: Tanner Wilson
It all started when I was gifted a film camera before heading off to study in South Africa. I knew nothing about photography and shooting film forced me to learn quick! To this day, I still prefer shooting film. I feel more much more connected to what I am shooting and I love the tangibility of the whole creative process.
Favorite photo you’ve taken and why?
This double exposure is one of my favorite images I’ve created because it was a spur-of-the-moment idea and was taken right outside of the house I grew up in. With one more frame left on a roll of film that I was trying to finish, I took a photo of this saguaro that I was very familiar with. Right before re-winding the film, I noticed some small daisies on the desert floor and thought I’d give the double exposure a shot. It was cool to see a quick idea turn out exactly how I imagined it. Plus, it’s like a little piece of home for me.
Where do you feel the most inspired?
I’m easily most inspired anywhere in raw nature but particularly the desert. I grew up in the Sonoran Desert and feel like I didn’t fully appreciate it until I moved away. I love the coast, and really enjoy adventures in the mountains, but I find a unique beauty in the desert that gives me a creative boost.
What advice do you wish you could give your younger self?
I’m still pretty young since I’m in my mid-20s but, I would tell my even younger self to stop and smell the roses more. Or better yet, pick up a camera sooner because that’s what slows me down and has allowed me to find beauty in details that a lot of us pass by.
Favorite photographer or artistic inspiration?
Nowadays it's easy to find plenty of inspiration from fellow photographers on social media, but I’ll be cliche and say some of the pioneers in landscape photography are still where I find the most inspiration. Josef Muench, Galen Rowell, Eliot Porter, the obvious Ansel Adams, etc. are some examples. They’re the “greats” for a reason, right?
Favorite book, TV show, or movie from the past year?
The Last Season by Eric Blehm is my favorite book I’ve read recently. It’s about a legendary backcountry ranger in Kings Canyon National Park that went missing in the 90s. Would highly recommend as a good outdoor story or anyone who loves the Sierra Nevada range.
Last meal on earth? (food, setting, people, etc.)
Cardiff Crack. My local market in (shoutout to Seaside Market in Cardiff by the Sea) offers an unbelievably mouthwatering burgundy pepper tri-tip that is adequately dubbed “Cardiff Crack.” For dessert I would have my grandma’s famous pecan pie.