Andy received his education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
He has many interests which include the Civil War and he has been researching the Charleston area for more than 25 years. He believes that "walking the ground" where history took place is essential in his research.
Two of his research studies have been recognized at The Library of Congress. In 2011, he was awarded the top photographer honor by the Civil War Trust for his photograph of Fort Sumter entitled: "A Moment of Silence".
His current Civil War project involves a highly detailed photo-archaeological study of Charleston.