Frame Your Story Simply. An interview with Photographer Forrest Smith

Livestock sat down with Portland-based photographer Forrest Smith to inquire about is initial interest in photography, what inspires him, and what he recommends to all of the aspiring photographers out there. And if you wish to purchase prints of his photography, Forrest’s work is available through his Livestock gallery.

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What originally sparked your interest in photography?

I was originally inspired to try photography in a high school by a friend of mine. After becoming more and more obsessed with the possibilities of the medium I realized that photography was the perfect way for me to combine my passion for the outdoors, creativity, and connecting with individuals into a hobby that could, in the end, be self supporting. At the end of the day, I just want to lead a life worth living and document it as I go.

Much of your photography aims to capture the beauty of the great outdoors. Are there specific aspects of the outdoors that you endeavor to capture and convey to your viewers?

For a long time the outdoors have been a place of peace for me. There are so many emotions and memories tied to my experiences in the outdoors, but at the end of the day the quiet moments are what stick with me. Listening to the crackle of the campfire. The wind through pine trees. This environment both inspires me and lets me really look in towards myself as a person. These are the moments I aspire to capture.

The outdoors can change meaningfully season to season, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Is there a time of year that’s your favorite for shooting?

The summer has always been my favorite time of the year, especially for photography. There’s a certain energy in the air during the summer that has always inspired me creatively. Climbing mountains, jumping in alpine lakes and late nights with friends are just better when the air is warm and the grass is green.

Do you have any tips for the aspiring photographers out there?

My main tip for up and coming photographers is to find that creative space that lets you be yourself and make work that you’re proud of. Creating is a process, and there is so much that precedes the click of a shutter.

You’ve cultivated a large following on Instagram. Why is it important for you to offer fans of your photography the opportunity to collect prints of your work?

I absolutely love prints because they give you such a personal connection to both the artist and their work. Having a print is much more than just owning a photograph, it’s a physical piece of the journey which the photographer has gone through. The whole feeling of that experience can only be had in person.

To learn more about Forrest and see more of his work. To purchase prints of his photography, click through to his gallery.