Rising Stars: Meet Cheyne Walls of Laguna Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheyne Walls.

Hi Cheyne, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into photography was shaped by an adventurous upbringing in Southern California, where I spent countless hours exploring the region’s beaches, mountains, and deserts. I was a promising athlete at Dana Hills High School and on track to play college baseball when an unexpected accident altered my path. Temporarily confined to a wheelchair, I turned to my father’s old film camera, capturing the world from my backyard and developing a deep appreciation for photography. Upon returning to school, I graduated with honors in art, setting the stage for my future career.

I went on to study at the prestigious Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California. During my time there, an internship led to a position as an Editorial Photographer at Motor Trend, launching me into the world of automotive advertising. My work caught the attention of renowned automotive photographer Vic Huber, under whose mentorship I contributed to high-profile campaigns for brands such as Target Racing IndyCar, Range Rover, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Aston Martin. Traveling extensively throughout the United States and internationally for commercial shoots, I developed a deep appreciation for the diverse landscapes of the world.

At 24, I made the bold decision to leave commercial photography and pursue my true passion—capturing the raw beauty of nature. I embarked on a 17-month journey through Europe, creating Backpacking Through Europe, my first fine art collection, which celebrated both natural landscapes and architectural wonders. Upon returning to the United States, I continued traveling, focusing on the diverse terrain of the American West.

In 2010, my landscape piece Absolute earned second place in an international competition, making me the youngest recipient of the prestigious award. This recognition led to invitations to showcase my work in galleries and museums across the United States and Europe. My second collection, Tranquility, debuted at the renowned Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach, California, where I was honored as one of the youngest artists ever to exhibit. By the age of 35, I had participated in over 25 art exhibitions, including a solo show at Los Angeles’ largest photography gallery.

Since 2015, I have received more than 100 photography awards, including Gold Medals from the Epson Pano Awards, MML International Photography Awards, and PPA’s IPC Awards. In 2020, I was awarded the prestigious Master of Photography Degree from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), recognizing both excellence and impact in the field. My crowning achievement came when The Wildling Museum of Art & Nature acquired my work for its permanent collection—displaying my photography alongside original works by Ansel Adams.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all—it’s been anything but smooth. Like most creative paths, it’s been full of pivots, uncertainty, and moments where I had to really trust my instincts. Early on, one of the biggest struggles was walking away from a stable commercial career to pursue fine art photography. There was no clear roadmap, no guarantees, and plenty of doubt—both internal and external.

There were also very real challenges in learning how to balance the creative side with the business side. Making the work I believed in while figuring out how to sustain a career from it took time, patience, and a lot of trial and error. On top of that, landscape photography itself demands sacrifice—long hours, difficult conditions, missed moments, and a willingness to fail repeatedly before getting it right.

But those struggles shaped the way I see and approach my work today. They taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of staying true to my vision. In many ways, the road itself is inseparable from the photographs I make—the challenges are embedded in the final image.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work centers on fine art Nature photography, with a focus on capturing quiet, meaningful moments in nature—images that invite people to slow down and really feel a place rather than just see it. I specialize in natural light, large-format-style compositions, and scenes that balance scale, atmosphere, and emotion. Much of what I photograph comes from extended time in the field, returning to the same locations over and over until everything aligns.

I’m known for a very deliberate, intentional approach—both in how I photograph and how I print. I care deeply about craftsmanship, from the moment the shutter is pressed to the final physical artwork on the wall. For me, the photograph isn’t finished until it exists as a tangible piece of art.

What I’m most proud of is building a career that stays true to my vision while remaining sustainable. Walking away from commercial work to pursue fine art was a risk, and the fact that the work now lives in private collections, museums, and permanent archives means more to me than any single award.

What sets me apart is patience and restraint. I’m not chasing volume or trends—I’m chasing moments that feel timeless. I approach photography much like a long-term relationship with the landscape, and I think that depth of connection shows in the final image.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
First and foremost, my family. They’ve been the foundation of everything I’ve been able to build. I was incredibly fortunate to grow up with parents who supported creativity and independence. My dad was a business owner, and from him I learned not only the realities of running a business, but also the importance of carving out your own path and standing behind your decisions. That balance—creative freedom grounded in discipline—has stayed with me throughout my career.

My mom was my constant cheerleader. She believed in me even during the uncertain moments, and that kind of encouragement makes a lasting difference, especially early on when the path isn’t clear and confidence can waver.

My wife has been an unwavering source of support. This career demands long stretches away from home, unpredictable schedules, and periods of deep focus where the work takes everything I have. She’s carried far more than her share during those times, and her patience, understanding, and belief in what I do allow me to fully commit to the work in the field.

I was also incredibly fortunate to work alongside Vic Huber for nearly ten years. He’s an extraordinary photographer and mentor, and that time shaped me in profound ways. I learned not just about photography, but about professionalism, consistency, and what it means to sustain a career at a high level over decades. That mentorship was instrumental in helping me find my own voice while respecting the craft and those who came before me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cheynewalls.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheynewalls/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheyneWalls
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheyne-walls-a7865325/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheynewalls

Image Credits
Cheyne Walls