10 Questions with Michael Ramsey
Michael Ramsey - Venture Awaits started to create photography in childhood. Always in awe of nature's beauty, photography became a way to express his appreciation for the environment around him. From an early age, Venture Awaits was captivated by the quiet power of the natural world. Photography became more than a hobby; it evolved into a visual language, a way to express reverence for the landscapes, light, and fleeting moments that too often go unnoticed. Through each image, Venture Awaits invites others to pause, look closer, and rediscover the beauty that surrounds us. Immerse yourself in the venture that this world has to offer. Everything begins as a dream.
Michael Ramsey - Portrait
INTERVIEW
What first inspired you to pick up a camera and start capturing the world around you?
My interest in photography began during childhood trips with my grandfather. He always brought a camera to document our adventures, and watching him inspired me to do the same. Over time, photography became a personal and spiritual practice for me. Through my roots in Buddhist mindfulness, I’ve learned to slow down, be present, and truly see what’s in front of me, allowing me to capture not just images, but the feeling and essence of each moment.
How has your relationship with nature influenced the way you see and photograph your subjects?
I walk through nature knowing that any moment could become my next canvas. That awareness keeps me grounded and open, with each step driven by my artistic passion. My relationship with nature has taught me to see beauty in fleeting moments, subtle shifts in light, the clouds over a landscape, and the energy in stillness. Nature isn’t just something I photograph; it’s something I collaborate with, letting it guide my artistic eye and shape my perspective.
Mother natures balance, photography. 24x36 in, 2025 © Michael Ramsey
What do you hope people feel or notice when they look at your photos?
I hope my photos awaken a sense of adventure in people and an urge to explore the natural world around them. I want viewers to feel drawn into the moment, as if they’re standing within the scene themselves. My goal is to create images that feel immersive, almost like being transported to a different place entirely.
Are there certain places or moments in nature that draw you in more than others?
There’s something almost indescribable about the feeling I get when I’m hiking to the top of a mountain like the Hualapai Mountains. The intense focus and awareness it requires, along with the physical and mental challenge of the steep hike, can be draining. But once I push past my limits, I’m met with a vast, awe-inspiring view. In those moments, I feel deeply connected to the natural world, humbled in the presence of something so much greater than myself.
How do you decide when to press the shutter and capture a moment?
I try my best to immerse myself in whichever environment I’m in and let the moment reveal itself to me. I search for it, but ultimately it is nature that has sculpted these moments for my photography.
Fleeting moment, photography, 24x36 in, 2025 © Michael Ramsey
Moments away, photography, 24x36 in, 2025 © Michael Ramsey
Can you share a time when photographing nature changed the way you see it?
Photography has deeply changed the way I see nature in ways I never expected. I often find myself daydreaming about how I’ll edit the view before I’ve even taken the shot. I imagine the colours, the mood, the feeling I want to convey. It’s like seeing the landscape not just for what it is, but for what it could become through my vision. That blend of imagination and reality brings me a deep internal sense of joy and has made me more present, more appreciative, and more connected to the world around me.
Your photos invite viewers to slow down and look closer. Why do you think this is important today?
Slowing down and looking closer is essential not only for finding the perfect moment to capture in photography but also for cultivating gratitude for the moments most people overlook. In today’s world, where we’re constantly bombarded with distractions and dopamine overload, taking the time to be present helps us reconnect with the subtle beauty around us. It’s about appreciating what’s often missed in the rush of daily life and allowing ourselves to truly experience the world on a deeper level.
Do you have a favourite season, time of day, or kind of light to photograph?
Monsoon season is my favourite. The intense lightning that electrifies the night sky and the way the powerful flooding reshapes the landscape fascinate me. There’s a unique beauty in the temporary danger and destruction as the floodwaters carve new rivers, renewing the land with much-needed water. Coming from Arizona, this season brings me a deep sense of peace and nostalgia. It’s incredible to witness the raw power and transformation that the monsoon season brings.
Equilibrium, photography, 24x36 in, 2025 © Michael Ramsey
What message or feeling do you hope to share through your work?
I want to evoke a newfound spark of curiosity and a deeper sense of immersion in nature. Through my work, I hope people begin to see the natural world not just as scenery, but as something sacred and worth protecting. By capturing moments that highlight the beauty and fragility of our environment, I aim to inspire a sense of responsibility to care for it. In a time where climate change threatens so much of what we take for granted, I want my photography to serve as both a reminder and a call to action to reconnect with the earth and to help preserve it for future generations.
Finally, what keeps you inspired to keep exploring and creating through photography?
Being able to enjoy the moment and stay grounded in my surroundings is a huge part of what keeps me inspired. Knowing that my next best photo could be just around the corner brings a sense of excitement and curiosity every time I go out. That feeling is at the heart of my photography. It’s changed the way I see the world, a breath of fresh air that helps me slow down and really take in the beauty around me. Especially when I’m hiking, I let my artistic eye guide me through the lens, trusting that the right moment will reveal itself. That balance of presence, adventure, and creativity is what continues to drive me forward.
Artist’s Talk
Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.
