I’ll never forget the moment I first stumbled across Moses Aurelius’ Instagram, a Blade Runner-inspired image leapt off my feed, radiating atmosphere, colour, and a story that gripped me instantly. As someone who’s always been drawn to cinematic imagery, I was hooked. What I didn’t realise then was that Moses, based in Sydney, Australia, isn’t just a photographer; he’s a visual storyteller, a filmmaker, and the creator of Lightroom presets and LUTs that have become go-to tools for creatives. With over 500,000 followers on Instagram, his portfolio spans street, portrait, and travel photography, all tied together by a signature moody, cinematic style that feels both familiar and otherworldly.

Moses’ journey into photography is as compelling as his images. Before diving into this world full-time, he worked as a forensic scientist, documenting crime scenes with a precision that honed his eye for detail and composition. It was just before the COVID-19 pandemic that he picked up a camera as a hobby, searching for purpose and a creative outlet. What began with urban scenes quickly evolved into a passion, shaped by influences like filmmakers Christopher Nolan and Denis Villeneuve, as well as photographers who master mood, colour, and narrative depth. His past in forensics, seemingly unrelated, unexpectedly laid the groundwork for his artistic evolution, transitioning from rigid documentation to expressive, interpretive visuals.

What sets Moses apart is his adaptability. On the streets, he shoots spontaneously, letting the environment guide his lens, while for conceptual or commercial projects, he meticulously plans every detail, lighting, mood, the works. This balance carries into his post-production, where he spends hours in Adobe Lightroom Classic, fine-tuning colours, contrasts, and compositions to evoke specific emotions. His editing is never overdone; it enhances the scene’s natural atmosphere, whether it’s neon lights reflecting on rain-drenched streets or an intimate portrait bathed in soft, cinematic glow. This passion for post-processing led him to craft his own presets and LUTs, reflecting his style while giving others a foundation to build upon.

His portfolio invites you in, single subjects against moody backdrops, leaving room for your own interpretations, or dynamic cityscapes pulsing with mystery and nostalgia. It’s this blend of technical precision and artistic freedom that makes his work so immersive. And he’s not just about creating for himself; Moses is community-driven, hosting workshops on visual storytelling, colour grading, and social media strategy, and collaborating with brands like Adobe, Fujifilm, and Nanlite. He’s generous with his knowledge, encouraging beginners to explore their potential, and connecting with like-minded photographers for inspiration.

What I find most inspiring is his commitment to growth. Moses doesn’t sit still, his artistic vision is constantly shifting as he experiments with new techniques and blends styles. With plans to expand into short-form filmmaking and explore global landscapes, he’s pushing his boundaries further into narrative-driven work. For anyone who sees photography as both a technical craft and an expressive art form, Moses Aurelius is a name to watch. His journey from a forensic scientist capturing crime scenes to a creator of cinematic worlds reminds us of creativity’s transformative power. His images aren’t just moments frozen in time; they’re ongoing stories of exploration, imagination, and connection that resonate long after you’ve scrolled past.

Here is the interview.

What first drew you to photography, and how did you get started?

My journey into photography began through my previous work as a forensic scientist, where part of my responsibilities was documenting and photographing forensic investigations. It quickly became my favourite part of the job, as I loved the process of capturing details and telling a visual story.

Outside of my previous career, I started experimenting with photography more creatively, initially through street and urban scenes, before developing a passion for cinematic storytelling. My forensic background gave me a strong foundation in technical accuracy, but over time, I shifted towards a more artistic approach—focusing on light, composition, and atmosphere to create immersive and emotionally driven imagery.

Did you start as a photographer or filmmaker, or did they develop together?

I started as a photographer first. I was fascinated by how a single frame could tell a story and evoke emotion. Over time, filmmaking naturally followed as I wanted to bring motion and depth to my visuals. While photography helped me develop a strong sense of composition and lighting, filmmaking taught me pacing, sequencing, and storytelling on a larger scale.

Who were your biggest inspirations when you first picked up a camera?

I was heavily inspired by filmmakers like Christopher Nolan, Andrei Tarkovsky and Denis Villeneuve and cinematographers including Roger Deakins. On the photography side, Henri Prestes (@henrifilm), Alexander (@wrapped.nil) and Billy Dinh (@billydeee) really influenced my approach to mood, colour, and composition. Their styles pushed me to think beyond just taking a photo and instead focus on crafting an atmosphere.

How would you describe your personal photography style?

I like to leave it up for interpretation. That said, most people describe it as cinematic, moody, and atmospheric. My approach is heavily inspired by film and storytelling, blending realism with a more stylised, immersive feel.

How do you plan a shoot? Are you more spontaneous or methodical?

It depends on the project. For travel and street photography, I’m very spontaneous, working with the environment and adapting to light and movement as I go. But for conceptual work, portraits, or brand collaborations, I take a more methodical approach; I plan locations, lighting setups, and the overall mood beforehand to ensure the vision comes through.

What’s your go-to camera and lens setup?

I’ve used most major camera brands over the years, as well as a variety of vintage lenses, so my setup changes depending on the project. In general, for street and travel photography, I tend to favour a 24mm or 35mm for their versatility and natural perspective. For video work, a 24-70mm is usually my go-to, as it provides the flexibility to adapt to different shooting conditions.

How important is post-processing to your final image?

Post-processing is essential. It’s not about “fixing” an image but enhancing what is already there. I treat editing as the major final step in crafting a scene—adjusting colours, contrast, and light to bring out the look I envision.

What led you to create your own Lightroom presets and LUTs?

Over time, I developed a distinct editing style that people started asking about, so I decided to create Lightroom Presets and LUTs that reflect my approach. They’re designed to give photographers and filmmakers an efficient starting point while maintaining flexibility for personal adjustments.

What’s the biggest mistake photographers make when editing?

One of the most common mistakes is over-editing—pushing contrast, saturation, or sharpening too far, which can make an image look unnatural. Editing should enhance a photo, not overpower it. Subtlety often leads to a more polished and timeless result.

Another thing I’ve noticed is that many photographers shoot too tight, not giving their compositions enough room to breathe. Shooting slightly wider allows for more context, depth, and flexibility in post. A well-composed image from the start reduces the need for excessive cropping or heavy adjustments later, leading to a more natural and intentional final result.

What’s next for you in your photography and filmmaking journey in the rest of 2025 and beyond?

I’m looking to expand more into filmmaking, particularly short-form narrative and commercial work. I also want to refine my cinematic editing style and explore more brand collaborations that align with my vision. Beyond that, I’m planning to travel more and shoot in places that push me creatively.

When I think of who I am and who I want to be as an artist, my answer is constantly changing. Maybe that in itself is the answer; I take no interest or pride in being content with my current skill level and experience. Continuing to learn, evolve and weave styles into one another keeps me going, but at the same time I need to understand how far I have come and appreciate my work at any period of time while it continues to transform into the future.

Give him a follow or check him out at the places below:-

Titk Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@moses.aurelius
Threads – https://www.threads.net/@moses.aurelius
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/moses.aurelius/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/people/Moses-Aurelius/100080632756738/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@moses.aurelius
Website – https://mosesaurelius.com

Regards

Alex