Today we’d like to introduce you to Randi Sidman-Moore
Hi Randi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My father introduced me to photography at a young age. He served in the First Calvary Division in South Korea and worked as a photojournalist for the U.S. military newspaper, Stars and Stripes. I started photography with my dad’s old cameras, which was a great way to learn since his equipment was fully manual.
However, it was when I decided to take a year off after college and work my way around the world, that I pursued photography full-time.
I traveled to over 15 countries and documented my trip through images (this was before social media!). When I arrived home to New York, several publications featured stories of my trip, especially on the remote areas of travel.
In New York, I was fortunate to assist some of the country’s legendary photographers: Alfred “Eisie” Eisenstaedt and Mary Ellen Mark. I also became the photographer for an advertising section of Elle Magazine, for Ocean Drive Magazine in Miami and Cycle America (I biked over 3,000 miles!). From there my career took off and my work has been published in hundreds of advertisements and magazines.
Presently, I’m the photo editor for On The Snow, and the photographer for Park City’s Town Lift News. Additionally, I’m the photographer for the YMCA Alumni Tiny Homes Project, a non-profit that builds new housing on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota.
My personal projects include a photo documentary book on the Cuban-Jewish community with writer Ruth Behar, and a non-profit I founded, One Camera One World, that teaches photography to underprivileged communities.
I feel fortunate that I can combine the beauty and outdoor lifestyle of Utah with my career in visual arts.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
An example of one of the struggles I faced as a photographer was my trip to Haiti after the devasting 2010 earthquake.
Working as a photographer for Project Medishare, I was one of the first individuals to arrive in Haiti after the quake. I traveled in a group that included medical staff and other members on the non-profit community. Project Medishare chartered a jet, and we saw the devastation as soon as we landed at the Port-au-Prince airport as there wasn’t even customs or security.
Everywhere I went in Haiti was suffering and death. I photographed over-loaded hospital tents with adults and children with life-threatening injuries. I photographed crushed buildings, still with the bodies of Haitians that perished in the aftermath of the quake.
When I arrived home to Miami, I immediately attended a birthday party for my friend’s daughter. The home was filled with beautiful decorations and laughting children. The contrast between the two worlds was overwhelming.
So combining my personal life as a Mom, and some of my work experiences abroad, was at times, a tremendous challenge.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have endless curiosity; I love working with people and documenting their stories.
I always give 100% regardless of the type of work and time involved.
I’m proud of my tenacity, my ability to secure grants for documentary photography exhibits, my museum work and my travel to almost every state in the U.S. and many countries abroad. Most importantly, I’m proud of my positive client relationships and reputation as an honest, hard-working photographer.
What matters most to you? Why?
Spending time with people I care about, pursuing activism, health and wellness, and definitely having fun!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.onecameraoneworld.org/
- Instagram: @randiphoto
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randi-sidman-moore/
- Twitter: https://x.com/randiphotos
