Ben Moon is a nature and sports photographer for Patagonia, and author of the book Denali. As a young adult Moon was a prolific hiker, climber and surfer, living the self-described “dirtbag lifestyle.” His life revolved around nature, travel and his rescue dog, Denali. However, at age 29, he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, extremely rare for someone his age and health.
Denali is an autobiography about the support Moon found in Denali during recovery. In preparation for his visit on Friday, we asked Moon about the stories he tells throughout Denali, and how they shaped him as a person.
What made you decide to write Denali?
My dog Denali was my dear companion for nearly 15 years, staying by my side through so many life challenges including a battle with cancer and building a career as an adventure photographer. After he passed I realized so many things I had learned through that journey could be relatable to others as well.
Did writing your autobiography affect how you processed the more painful parts of your life? How so?
While grappling with the thought of sharing my story publicly in a book, I spoke with Tommy Caldwell – the well known climber who had just finished his memoir Push and was featured in the film Dawn Wall – and he told me that writing a memoir was an intensely therapeutic experience. Personally I found revisiting the more painful times and finding the positive lessons to be a very healing process.
In Denali, you describe yourself as being quite reserved, and yet you are incredibly vulnerable throughout the book. Why did you choose to write in that tone?
Growing up I was extremely shy and even now I tend to keep the personal parts of my life more private. We are in a time where it is the norm to share only the most curated and polished parts of life in social media, and I thought that being honest and vulnerable about the painful and sometimes ugly side things could be a true help to those feeling alone in their experiences. I’ve realized that even the most successful people and celebrities go through the same feelings of insecurity and self doubt and its so important to recognize that.
What draws you to the “dirtbag” life? Emotionally speaking, how is it different from living in the city?
I never planned on living the dirtbag life, but it sort of just happened when I hit the road and started climbing and photographing my experiences. I was making very little income starting out in a new career, so I was forced to live simply. It wasn’t always easy but there is a beauty to it all. My family lived off grid for several years while I was growing up so living in a camper van seemed pretty normal, even though it was years before van life became such a popular thing.
As a photographer, what kinds of moments do you try to capture?
I love to document human emotion and the moments in-between, when we’re the most present… whether that is in a portrait or hanging out watching the sunset after a surf. I have been doing this professionally now for two decades and I still find it fascinating.
How did surviving cancer change you?
Surviving cancer in my twenties helped me recognize that our greatest accomplishments in life are the relationships we build and the connections we feel with others.
How did Denali change the trajectory of your life? Do you feel that you would be where you are today without him?
Having Denali at my side gave me the courage to carry on in the face of heartbreak, a cancer diagnosis and so many other challenging experiences, and it is so gratifying to see him continue to help others through the short film and book.
