Meet Daniel Forster | Fine Art Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniel Forster and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniel, what inspires you?
Before I even owned a real camera, I used my phone to snap photos of brilliant sunsets or scenes like a landscape covered in fresh snow. Those photos served as a way for me to remember the experience of what I saw and a way to share them with others. I believe the earth was created for us to enjoy, and when I see something beautiful it’s a reminder of why we are here. I’ve even told people that sometimes it feels like a big hug when I get witness the sky filling up with color from an amazing sunset.

Living in Colorado also brings me a great deal of inspiration. The landscape in Colorado is very diverse and at many times it is also very dramatic. I don’t even have to leave my house to be inspired by a Colorado 14er, Pikes Peak, that I can see from my balcony. From the plains, to the big cites, to the jagged peaks of the San Juan mountains, there really is inspiration every I go in Colorado.

Another big motivation for me is to hear how other people respond to my work. I’m inspired to hear about the emotional reactions that people have when they see an image I created. Many people have shared with me that my work has brought them feelings of joy, nostalgia, happiness, excitement and the list goes on. For me, this is a very special aspect of creating art.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Three years ago with I bought my first camera, all I really knew at the time is that I had a drive to create and I wanted to learn photography. I’ve always felt that drive to create. However I’ve never been good with traditional creative mediums. Writing was always my worst subject in school. I can’t draw anything but stick figures and smiley faces. I’ve done a lot of woodworking projects, but I’m allergic to dust and my dark dingy garage. So photography for me has really been a journey of finding something I want to do, rather than just doing something I fell into. It’s been a journey of learning, of exploration, of adventure, of excitement and a great deal of joy.

I’ve learned over and over again in life, and especially in the last few years, nothing comes easy. Even if you are good at something, that doesn’t mean you will be successful. I’m constantly evaluating where I am personally, creatively and professionally. If I’m not where I want to be, or where I think I should be, I will make adjustments and keep moving forward. With photography, every day I have the opportunity to learn something new and do something I enjoy tremendously.

Lately you can find me out on adventures chasing sunsets, searching for summer wildflowers or camping in forests filled with fall colors.  And if I’m not out on an adventure, I’m restocking my booth or fulfilling customer print orders.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I learned recently that Colorado Springs was founded as a tourist destination. So it makes sense there are a lot of touristy things to do here. Some of them are great, like the drive up to the top of Pikes Peak can’t be beat. Taking a drive through Garden of the Gods, and then hanging out in the park for the sunset is something everyone should do. However, I would take them on a hike in one of our many city parks or open spaces like Red Rocks Canyon, Cheyenne Cañon or Ute Valley. Or just take a stroll through the shops and restaurants in Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs. One of my favorite things to do is taking people on one of the multiple old mining roads like Old Stage Road or Gold Camp Road. There is also a lot of good food in Downtown. My favorite new spot is the COATI Uprise with it’s multiple food truck style vendors, a brewery and a roof top hang out area.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There has been no person more supportive and encouraging in my photography journey than my mom. She is always ready to encourage me, lend a helping hand or give advice when I need it. From my first wall calendar I put together, to help with my pop-up gallery, she has great advice and knows how to push me forward.

Website: http://danielforster.photography

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielscottphoto/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielforsterphotos