About MOSH Planner's Creator - Moshe Levis

I usually don't assume anything about anyone but in this case I would like to assume that if you're here, you're either a photographer, photography enthusiast or looking  to buy a gift to a photographer.

So I will generalize and say... Hi there, fellow photographer.

My name is Moshe Levis, a landscape and fine art photographer living in Los Angeles. Creator of Mosh Planner.

My Journey Into Landscape Photography

My photography journey started only after I first arrive in the United States, having Wichita, Kansas as my first city of travel. The moment I experienced the large open spaces, all the green fields and the changing landscapes I knew I had to start taking pictures; and if not for myself, then for the family and friends.

Growing up in Israel, in a city environment, this gift for photography was kept in a state of hibernation. I did not grow up taking pictures of every little thing I saw nor did I get my first camera when I was just a child (although I was always fascinated by my grandpa’s camera collection).

The Fuji Finepix S5600 was my first digital camera, at the age of 20. It was a great camera at the time. Not too complicated, not too heavy, no interchangeable lenses; but also not a pocket camera. Perfect for taking quality photos of my adventures.

After being a full time graphic designer in the clothing industry, I had realized how fascinated I was when seeing all the beautiful and creative editorial photos in the fashion photography world. That was when I first picked up my camera to take photos I envisioned rather than just clicking the shutter release button. There was so much to learn about the different settings of the camera and about techniques and how to get out of Auto mode!  Self taught, I captured better and better photos. More of what I wanted and less of what the camera wanted.

Although the Fuji Finepix S5600 was good for getting more experience and confidence, it wasn’t good enough to start taking professional photos, meaning, charging for the service.

I decided it was time to invest in a more professional camera. my first entry level digital camera with a cropped sensor, the Pentax k-r. That camera changed my life. It made me realize what was/is real passion. It wasn’t only photography in general, which I loved, but the fact that I noticed how calming, fulfilling, fun, beautiful and spiritual it was to take photos of our ever evolving planet.

Taking those breathtaking photos wasn’t enough, something was missing, and soon enough I understood what it was. Taking photos and viewing them through your computer screen is fun, but it’s lacking the physical experience of holding a picture - the reason for capturing a moment – to suddenly see it and relive your experience, by printing and hanging the photo. It reminded me how I missed the old days when I used to go to the local camera store and develop rolls of film from when I went on trips with friends and family. These where not professional, but they had meaning. They showed moments of love, happiness, sadness, fun and even moments you took for granted (before you saw the pictures).

Nikon D800e, was the turning point of my photography. It was (still is) my first professional full frame digital camera. It symbolized a new era, success, new goals and dreams, love, and last but not least, the capability of printing my landscape and fine art photographs on a much larger scale.

We know by now that everything is embedded in our genes, our mental and physical traits. So even though – believe it or not – my grandpa did not really take any professional photos, maybe somewhere down the family tree, someone was a talented aspiring photographer. Who knows.

My Photography Journey In The Past Few Years

Photography Magazine

Most of us could probably agree that landscape photography can be a pretty lonely path. At least it was for me.

With that in mind, back in 2016 I decided it needed to change. I started an international landscape photography magazine called NOTINDOOR, in which hundreds of photographers shared their stories, photos, tips, opinions etc.

Landscape photography was no longer lonely. I have become friends with so many talented and amazing (persona wise) people and I'm grateful for each and every one of them.

The magazine ran for about 16 months. It had 16 issues with about 120 pages per issue. It stopped running because at the time I didn't have the capital to maintain it and make it a "known success".

But mark my words, I WILL BRING IT BACK TO LIFE!

Photography Exhibits

A few years back, thanks to NOTINDOOR magazine, I was able to curate and launch a photo exhibit of some of our readers/authors and had a really awesome night out of it. The photographers sent beautiful images that amazed our guests.

In General

I like to find solutions to all kinds of problems but my passion for photography makes it that most of what I come up with is related to photography. I have many ideas for all kinds of "problems" in the photography field that I'm sure I'll tell you about, one day.

One of those solutions is, in fact, Mosh Planner.

Go ahead, put Mosh Planner in your bag and let me know how it is.

Got any questions? Just want to connect as a fellow photographer? Send me a message.