Today we’d like to introduce you to Syd Moen.
Hi Syd, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a child, I loved to draw and dreamed of becoming an artist. Like many creative people, I initially pursued a profession, architecture, that I hoped would satisfy that creative drive. I earned a Master of Architecture degree with a focus on historic preservation and reuse, and that training continues to influence the way I see space, structure, and the built environment.
Photography eventually became the bridge that brought me back to the dream I had set aside. Over time, I became especially interested in 360° panoramic photography and in finding ways to transform those images beyond a traditional photograph. My work has developed into both two-dimensional photographic pieces and three-dimensional or immersive installations, often exploring the space somewhere between reality and surrealism.
Since my first VoyageHouston interview in 2018, I’ve continued to experiment with new ways of seeing and presenting familiar places. During that time, my work has continued to find its way into public and private collections, including the City of Houston Permanent Collection. I’m increasingly interested in how photography can alter our perception of architecture, landscape, and movement, and how an image can become an experience rather than simply something we look at.
At the heart of my work is still the idea that the viewer completes the piece. I like creating images that invite people to pause, explore, and perhaps see a familiar place in a completely different way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I was a late starter, so one of my biggest challenges was finding my way into the art world later in life, building confidence, and establishing myself in a completely different arena. At the same time, I came to it with a lifetime of experience behind me, including business experience, which made some aspects of being a working artist less intimidating.
Starting later also gave me an unexpected advantage: I gave myself permission to play. I felt a remarkable freedom to explore, experiment, make mistakes, and create without worrying too much about what other people thought. In many ways, that freedom helped me develop a voice that was truly my own.
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 specialize in 360° panoramic photography, but I’m especially interested in what can be done with that imagery beyond the traditional panorama. I transform panoramic photographs into Little Planets, tunnels, and other altered perspectives, and I’ve also incorporated the imagery into three-dimensional and immersive installations.
I’m most proud that I’ve continued to experiment and push the medium while developing a body of work that feels distinctly my own.
Early on, I made a conscious decision to focus on 360° photography and become the best I could be at working with panoramic imagery. What sets my work apart is that I’ve stayed with the medium and continued to push it. As technology has evolved, I’ve incorporated new tools and techniques, including drone photography, which has allowed me to explore familiar places from entirely different vantage points.
What matters most to you? Why?
Staying true to myself matters most. I think creative work is strongest when it comes from a genuine place rather than trying to follow trends or create what you think other people want to see.
Giving myself the freedom to explore ideas that interest me has been an important part of my work from the beginning. I hope that honesty comes through in what I create and gives the viewer room to bring something of their own to the experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sydmoen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydmoen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/syd.moen/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syd-moen-12937a8
- Twitter: https://x.com/sydmoen
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sydmoen
