Photography Perspectives in the Pacific Northwest

Photography Tips

Known for its rainy weather and fog, the United States’ Pacific Northwest doesn’t always present the most optimal climate conditions for photographers to explore and document its many natural areas. However, the rewards of shooting the region’s towering old-growth forests and picturesque mountain ranges outweigh physical comfort for adventure and lifestyle photographers like Dylan Furst.

In the following short film, Adorama continues their ongoing “Through The Lens” web series, which examines the evolving aesthetics of photography as a new generation of creatives arises, by featuring Furst’s work:

Based in Bellingham, Washington, Furst grew up in a cabin in the woods and spent long hours during his childhood exploring nature. He first discovered photography in high school as a means to document outdoor adventures with his friends, but he soon found himself dedicating more and more of his personal time to developing his unique, moody style until he was ultimately faced with a choice: pursue a career with his then-current employer, UPS, or become a professional photographer.

“I think that it’s important to start photography because you have a passion for it,” Furst said. “Photography is just my life… it’s just what makes me happy.”

One of Furst’s primarily goals for his photography is to promote the beauty of the Pacific Northwest — gloomy weather and all:

“I want my photos to say, ‘Just get outside.’ I want to inspire people to connect with nature. If I can be the small impact on these people with my photos, I think my job is done. I think everyone can appreciate nature if they give it a chance and not everyone is willing to give it a chance, especially in the Northwest.”

Furst primarily wields a Canon EOS 5D Mark III, but he also owns a Canon EOS 6D, which he uses as a backup. His go-to lenses are his Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM and Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM.