Meet Dustin Keirns | Fine Art Photographer

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

Hi Dustin, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic career because I felt like I was destined to be an artist. As a young person, I was so intrigued by the photographic medium, I never really considered anything else than becoming a photographer. I think that when you know that something is meant for you, you follow the universe’s lead and take what it hands you. I’ve owned a portrait business since college, which has been a great creative and profitable outlet. During covid is when I started making more work for myself and that is where my fine art work found its voice. I feel so lucky to be able to create my work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Fine Art Photographer based in Denver, Colorado. My photographs blend the reality of worldly places and the imaginative allure of epic landscapes and golden light. The intersection of humans and wilderness is a major theme of my work. I am inspired by color, texture, and the complex yet simplicity of nature.

I recently purchased a large format printer, which allows me to create large fine art prints in-house. I haven’t made prints since college, so I am quite excited about this new endeavor !

Along my journey, I’ve learned that there is only so much time we have on earth. I put my energy towards the things that are the most important to me. Creating masterful images and bringing them to life as unique prints are two of those priorities. I want others to know that when they support my art that they are trusting my unique vision of the world and know that I will continue to create images of beauty and splendor on earth.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting from out of town, I would plan an active week of outdoor activities around the Front Range and Denver. We would start day 1 with a coffee at The Wash Perk and a walk around Washington Park. I’d pack a picnic and have a relaxing afternoon enjoying the Colorado sun. Maybe some frisbee time or tennis at the courts. Day 2 I would get out of Denver and head into the mountains to camp. What is a trip to Colorado without seeing the majestic mountains?! I would take them north to visit Estes Park and explore Rocky Mountain National Park. Lots of great opportunities to hike and see wildlife in the park. We would drive over Trail Ridge Road and end up in Grand Lake for the night. I would opt for one of the beautiful campsites on the shores of Lake Granby. We would bring paddle boards and the next day enjoy some time on the water. A short drive away is Hot Sulfur Springs, the perfect way to end the day. On Day 4 we would drive through Winter Park to see the sleepy ski town on our way back to I-70. Berthoud Pass is a great place to stop and hike to the top of Colorado Mines Peak to get a bird eyes view of the Continental Divide. We would stop in Georgetown for the night. On our way out, we would stop by the historic Hamill House and walk around the downtown area on 6th Street before heading over Guanella Pass. Staunton State Park will be the next stop for a night of camping followed by hiking the trails with some stunning views of the foothills and rock formations. Time to get back to Denver and enjoy the arts districts of RiNO and Santa Fe. On the last day I would take them to the Molly Brown House to learn about the life of Margret Brown who survived the sinking of the Titanic. Dinner at Steuben’s is a must before heading out of town. On their flight out, I would recommend visiting Terminal B and getting a sweet treat for the flight home from Voodoo Donuts. Jammed packed Colorado adventure trip!

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?
My shoutout is dedicated to my late grandfather, Jerry. He was the first person to expose me to photography and allowed me to explore the medium while taking me on photo trips into the wilderness. Without his guidance and obsession for photography, I don’t know if I would have explored other artistic mediums. During my studies at the School of Visual Arts in NYC, there were several professors who inspired me and my work. Allen Frame and Ellen Wallenstein to name a few. I’ve also appreciated the insight from Richard Renaldi, Dan Halm, and Michelle Mercurio who have helped me in my photographic career.

Website: https://www.dustyadventure.com

Instagram: @dustyphotoboy @dustyadventurephoto

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

Image Credits
Chris Doyle and Luke Lenertz