Drew Baker is a photographer that lives in Southwest Montana. When Drew isn’t toting around his camera equipment, he works at a fly shop and guides clients on his local waters. Since he found his passion for photography, his camera has been a consistent companion at home, at the “day job,” traveling, just about everywhere! Drew gives a lot of great advise to new photographers, including gear choices, and more. As a photographer, Drew reminds himself that the most important thing is that if you have a dream, you should work to make it happen, and if you like a photo; post it and don’t care about what others think!
Where is home for you? / Where do you typically photograph?
Home is in Southwest Montana in a little town called Philipsburg. I’d say a majority of my photography takes place in the western portion of Montana.
Why did you begin photography? What inspired you to begin?
I was actually fairly reluctant to start packing around a fancy camera in the fishing/outdoor space years ago but I had acquired a thousand followers or so on Instagram and a lodge I was guiding for wanted to start implementing a photography program into their offerings.
So, I got pushed to the top of the list as a “photographer” when it came to attendees at a Jay Dickman National Geographic photo workshop. That course changed the direction of my life and a few days afterwards I nearly overdrew my bank account and purchased a Sony a6000 and it never left my side for years.
Is there a specific niche of photography that you are known for or that you gravitate to?
As a Montana local growing up hunting and fishing I’d say that has heavily steered me in the direction of trying to document those special moments in the field or on the river. But, I still do enjoy checking off national parks and mountain ranges with my camera.
What is one thing you wish you knew before beginning outdoor/fish photography?
People’s opinions don’t matter. Especially on social media. When I was starting out (mostly photographing my own adventures) I’d get caught in the trap of assuming what people would think of this or that photo and a lot of photos met my Mac’s trash can before they even saw Lightroom. If it’s memorable to you…who cares.
Is your photography a full-time job, or do you have a daily gig too?
I’m trying to turn it into one! Now that I took the plunge and dove head first into the video scene it’s making the transition seem a little more obtainable. But, the day job still includes working at a fly shop in the slow season and guiding all spring and summer.
How do you manage a work-life balance as a photographer?
I guess I haven’t ever had to draw the line between work and life. Since I fell into photography my camera has been a pretty consistent companion at home, the “day job,” traveling, etc.
What brand of camera equipment do you shoot with?
I shoot primarily Sony and DJI.
Which lens is your favorite for photographing in various conditions?
My favorite and definite go-to is the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8.
Do you take macro-photography of flies? If so, what is your process/lens of choice?
I haven’t dove into the macro world yet. It’s on my radar though. I think the 90mm Sony Macro lens might have to be my next purchase.
If someone is interested in getting involved in outdoor / fishing photography today, what would be some suggestions you would give them regarding introductory gear (camera body, lens, brand, editing software, etc.)?
Cliche but the “best camera is the one you have on you.” Whether it’s your cell phone or a 5+ year old go pro; use it. Even the fanciest mirrorless camera does you no good if it’s stuffed away in a dry bag or at home. But, a good introductory camera would be anything from the Sony Alpha series. The A6000 is an affordable beast of a little camera that was easy to learn on, use, grow with, and upgrade from. I now shoot with the Sony A7iii and it was a pretty seamless transition with their camera interface. Also, ditch the kit lens if you can; good glass goes a lot further than a few thousand dollar camera body. Plus companies like Tamron and Sigma are making good glass affordable now.
What editing software do you use the most for photo edits? Why?
I only use Lightroom classic/mobile from Adobe. I primarily edit on my Ipad Pro now and it cut my workflow in half.
How did you learn this specific genre of photography?
It’s what was already consuming 99% of my time so I was pretty familiar with the emotions and exciting aspects/trials of hunting/fishing photography to shoot for.
Aside from the Nat Geo Workshop though I have taken Grady Rawls Hunting Film School and the Hunting Photographer online course taught by Steven Drake and Zach Boughten. Both helped me out tremendously with everything from the actual shooting of photos/video to the whole backside of organization and the business skills needed to make this dream work.
Out of all your photos, which is your favorite and why? (Please attach this photo!)
Probably this photo I took of a flank of a male Brook Trout. It was right around the time I started actively taking photos but for some reason I didn’t have my Sony with me so I snapped it with an Iphone 6 or 7. The framing, lighting, colors all looked so cool and I threw it on Instagram and I had multiple people want to buy it from me. It was kind of that ‘moment’ where making money as a photographer in this space became a lot more obtainable. I think prints of that photo are hanging in nearly every state between Montana and New York now.
What was your first fishing experience?
…31 and already losing my memory haha. I still hold dearly to a handful of memories of chasing Walleye in North Dakota with my Uncles/Grandparents followed by the best fish fry ever or fishing a tiny creek in Northwest Montana with my grandpa, behind a bar he owned. I don’t remember any specific fish, just the family memories.
When did you begin fly fishing?
I didn’t really catch the bug (unfortunately) until my early 20’s, even though I went to a small college town and camped on one of my now favorite tailwaters in SW Montana.
What draws you to fly fishing, both personally and professionally?
In both aspects I think it’s the fact that you’re always learning. I always tell clients if they’re getting frustrated, “You could fish away 5 lifetimes and still have no idea what you’re doing out here.” And I firmly believe that. Every time I go out I believe I learn something, whether about myself, bugs, or fish.
Who is your biggest inspiration or mentor?
In life; definitely my folks, even though they know nothing about photography. But dad inspired me to work hard and mom taught me how to do that while chasing my dreams.
In photography, good friends like Eric Bunting and Calvin Connor have helped mentor me in a lot of aspects of photography and business. And the OG guys I came across on social media like Steven Drake, Zach Boughten, and Sam Soholt all have kept me inspired and helped me try to up my game every time I take my camera into the field.
Do you remember your first published piece?
It was a cover shot, a long long time ago, in the spring issue of the Montana Hunting and Fishing news magazine. It was even a self timed photo of me holding a Cutthroat trout. I wanted to do some writing for them and they surprised me with that.
With so many people scrolling on their phones, does social media play a role in your photography?
Unfortunately it does (especially with the video stuff now) but I try not to let it. It’s free marketing and it’s nice to ride the ‘trending reel’ train to a wider audience but it’s a super easy way to beat yourself up about your content when it doesn’t catch the wave. Adamantly trying to avoid the social media trap haha.
Do you have any tips to help people take better photos with their smartphones?
Framing is super important with any camera I think. This is mostly due to Jay Dickman turning his nose up to photos that had even the tiniest portion of a subject cutoff (i.e. the tip of a horse’s ear, a fish’s fin, or a guy’s foot). Now I pay super close attention to that.
Do you suggest any smartphone apps for photo editing?
Adobe Lightroom makes a super user friendly app that’s pretty affordable. Plus if you use Adobe Creative Cloud you can sync your work between your pc and phone.
Any tips for other aspiring outdoor / fishing photographers?
Keep your camera where you’ll use it!!! I’ve missed so many cool opportunities on a boat or in the woods with my camera in my backpack.
Don’t shoot for social media…Shoot for you.
Who cares what other people think. If you think it’s a rad photo and want to kick it out to the world; Do it.
Look at other genres of outdoor photography to find inspiration. I.E. Skiing, skateboarding etc.
Learn the basics of photography and your own camera. Being efficient when it comes to fish/wildlife is essential to capturing good photos.
What is your favorite weather to photograph in, or what is your favorite time of day?
Although unpleasant, I think every photographer likes to photograph in the shit weather. When it’s freezing cold or raining sideways, the weather really finds a way to draw out emotion that the sunny warm days don’t.
What photography trends currently inspire your work?
I think with Instagram really pushing Reels it’s helped inspire me to expand my skill set more into videography. Clients want video, so we shall learn to video haha.
Where can people find your artwork? (Retail store, online store, social media handles, etc)
My portfolio, as well as purchasable prints can be found at www.drewbakerphoto.com
And my Instagram is @drewbakerphoto
Any parting thoughts you’d like us to add?
Even though I’ve been shooting for a handful of years now, it still feels so new and surreal (definite imposter syndrome as well) as I am getting closer to turning this into a full time job. 10 or even 5 years ago I would’ve scoffed at the thought of being in the shoes I find myself in now and I’m incredibly thankful for that. If you have a goal, work hard and make it happen!
