We recently connected with Daniel Forster and have shared our conversation below.

Daniel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

I feel the most important lesson I learned, both in my IT consulting career and as a creative entrepreneur, is that change is the only constant in business.

In my IT consulting days, I witnessed how rapidly things could shift: long-term customers suddenly changing vendors, technology evolving daily, management turnover, and fluctuating industry trends. This experience prepared me for the similar volatility I’ve encountered in my creative career.

As an artist, I’ve seen my social media exposure fluctuate dramatically without warning. Customer preferences seem to change with the seasons, and market demands are ever-shifting. These constant changes present a significant challenge: how to stay true to my creative vision while running a sustainable business.

The key, I’ve found, is to strike a balance between adapting to change and maintaining my artistic integrity. When I try to chase trends or let external pressures dictate my work, I lose the passion that drives my creativity. My most fulfilling and successful work comes from within, not from trying to conform to fleeting market demands.

However, the business acumen I developed in consulting has proven invaluable. I’ve learned to capitalize on what resonates with my audience without compromising my artistic vision. For instance, I ensure that my most popular works are immediately available as prints and easily accessible to my followers. This simple strategy allows me to maintain focus on creating what I love while still running a viable business.

In essence, the lesson is twofold: embrace change as an inevitable part of any business, but don’t let it derail your core mission or passion. By finding ways to adapt your business practices without altering your creative essence, you can navigate the ever-changing landscape of the creative industry while staying true to yourself.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a fine art landscape and nature photographer, focusing on creating, selling, and teaching photography. At my core, I’m a creative person who has found his passion in capturing the beauty of our natural world.

What excites me most about landscape photography is the opportunity to showcase nature’s grandeur in ways that inspire and move people. There’s something truly special about freezing a moment of natural beauty – whether it’s a dramatic sunset, a serene wilderness scene, or an intimate detail of nature – and sharing that with others.

The fact that people want to display my photos in their homes and offices is incredibly gratifying. It’s a constant reminder that my work resonates with others and allows them to bring a piece of nature’s beauty into their daily lives.

Moreover, teaching photography has become an unexpected joy in my journey. Sharing my skills and knowledge with other aspiring photographers, watching them grow and develop their own unique vision, is deeply rewarding. It’s a way of paying forward the mentorship and guidance I’ve received throughout my career.

This path has created amazing opportunities for me to continually grow as an artist, problem-solve creatively, travel to breathtaking locations, and adventure in nature. Every shoot is a new challenge, every location a new canvas, and every student a new perspective.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My approach to building an audience on social media might seem counterintuitive: I try not to focus on building an audience at all. I’ve discovered that when I fixate on growing my follower count, it detracts from my creativity and passion for my work. This shift in focus often leads to negative feelings that don’t translate well in my art, and I’ve found that my audience doesn’t typically connect with negativity.

Instead, I concentrate on authenticity and passion. I focus on exploring places that genuinely excite me, photographing scenes that capture my imagination, and creating art that I’m truly passionate about.

This approach has led to organic growth in my social media following. People naturally gravitate towards and engage with content that comes from a place of genuine enthusiasm and creativity.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to stay true to your artistic vision. Don’t compromise your style or interests for the sake of trends or likes. Consistency is key. Regular posting keeps your audience engaged, but make sure it’s sustainable for you. Engage authentically with your audience and other creators. Meaningful interactions can lead to a loyal community.

Be patient. Building a genuine following takes time, but it’s more rewarding and sustainable in the long run. Learn from your analytics, but don’t let them dictate your creative decisions.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to have a large audience, but to have an engaged audience that truly appreciates your work. By focusing on creating art that you’re passionate about, you’re more likely to attract followers who resonate with your vision and style.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There are multiple aspects of being an artist that are rewarding for me, these are probably the most important.

The act of creation itself. It still amazes me that I can bring something into existence that wasn’t there before. This innate desire to create from scratch has been with me since day one, and the process and results continue to be deeply rewarding.

The impact on others. Nothing is more gratifying than hearing that my work has moved someone emotionally. When someone tells me my photo brought them to tears of joy, it touches me profoundly. This unexpected connection with others through my art has become an integral part of my creative journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.danielforsterphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielscottphoto
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/danielforsterphotos
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-forster

Image Credits

Daniel Forster Photography