Andy Glass: A Vision Through Captivation

Andy Glass manages his dual role as a photographer and CGI director to create imagery that seamlessly blends fantasy and reality. Andy’s ability to effectively communicate and bridge the gap between agency and post-production makes any creative direction realized. When you see his work, it’s hard not to be mesmerized and to question just how he did it. So it’s only fitting that his vision statement be centered on a word that evokes intrigue and allure. We are excited to present Andy’s vision through captivation.  

As a photographer and CGI director, I’m all about capturing attention — diving headfirst into a project to craft images that stick with the viewer, always speaking a visual language that goes beyond words. I’m naturally optimistic; I like to see life as an adventure, with each project being a chance to express myself creatively. For me, it’s all about balance, which you’ll see in my creative process — a mix of methodical and a bit deconstructed, finding that sweet spot between working solo and teaming up and understanding that true artistry thrives in harmonizing structure with performance. 

Everything I create is a reflection of who I am — a mix of my experiences, values, and emotions. I grew up just south of London with my German mum, Scottish dad, and older brother, and their influence shaped the way I see the world. From my mum, with her thick accent, I learned the German values of order and discipline, which I’ve carried through from school to an intended career in the Royal Marines — always focused on precision, structure, and self-discipline. My dad? He passed on some solid Scottish values — to make do, crack on, and push forward with determination, no matter the situation. My brother, a former boxer, showed me what mental toughness means, a lesson that came in handy after a motorbike accident that landed me in the ICU and required months of surgeries. Positivity has always been part of my makeup, reinforced by my family’s resilience. My grandfather survived WWII injuries, my mum beat cancer twice, and my dad rebuilt his life after business failure. Their strength is at the core of everything I do.

Photography has always been more than just capturing moments — it’s my way of connecting with people, especially when words fall short. My grandfather was the first to show me that. We struggled to communicate because of the language barrier, but he used his camera to bridge that gap, sharing stories that words couldn’t. I can still picture us sitting together over coffee and cake, flipping through old family albums. One photo that stuck with me was of a downed British airman wearing a formal dinner jacket under his charred flight jacket. It was a powerful reminder that images can reveal stories in ways nothing else can.

Studying German and French at university and living in Austria taught me how language fosters connection. Still, it wasn’t until I experimented in the darkroom that I discovered photography as a language I wanted to speak. While earning my photography degree was just the beginning, a trip to the Isle of Skye with a mentor and staring at the raw beauty before me was what truly shifted my perspective. Those early experiences shooting landscapes taught me what can come from waiting for the perfect light, focusing on composition, respecting every inch of the frame — how to be fully prepared for that perfect moment. I love creating images with a natural, lasting flow rather than aiming for quick impact.

I still value traditional techniques but love blending them with modern innovations. I’ve witnessed key moments in photography, from the rise of digital to Photoshop and CGI. My style reflects a mix of precision and creative flexibility. I focus on discipline and technical mastery, ensuring every detail is planned and executed perfectly in large-format photography or CGI. That structure gives me the control I need, but I also like to stay flexible. I often work backward from my vision for the final product, leaving room for creativity and problem-solving. It’s all about balancing preparation with openness so the result feels polished and has a natural creative flow.

Having worked with CGI since its early days, I’ve developed a strong appreciation for its technical side and ensure projects achieve high levels of realism and quality. My ability to bridge the gap between creativity and technical expertise sets me apart. While I like to plan projects with a clear vision, I really value the ideas and perspectives that come from collaboration — working together always strengthens the outcome. I always act as the key point of contact with agencies, bringing creative vision and technical skills to the table. My experience in complex retouching and creating photorealistic CGI allows me to speak the language of CGI while leveraging my photography background to enhance the final results.

As a photographer, I’ve always understood the importance of human behavior and visual perception. When I’m behind the camera, I’m not just capturing what I see — I’m responding to it, bringing my background and vision to create something captivating. Looking ahead, I see my work evolving as a blend of personal experience, creative expression, and emerging technology. Personal projects will remain vital to keeping my creativity fresh and allowing me to explore new ways of shaping those moments into something meaningful.

I’m excited about what’s ahead as AI and new technologies integrate further into the creative process. While I embrace these tools, I’m committed to the enduring power of human creativity — there’s something irreplaceable about capturing emotion and vision that no algorithm can replicate. My journey from film to digital, Photoshop, CGI, and AI has been about diving in and staying open to change. I’m ready for what comes next and the opportunity to push boundaries even further.