Dustin Doskocil is a commercial and editorial photographer based on Golden Colorado specializing in outdoor and adventure photography. Dustin has shot for various newspapers, magazines and businesses from all across North America, and his real passion is capturing people in their element, doing what they love. Fueled by fishing, the outdoors, and good food, Dustin engages in a vast array of outdoors activities and pursuits. As a result he has not only encountered fascinating individuals, but also has access to some of the most scenic and remote places in the country.
Where is home for you? / Where do you typically photograph?
I currently live in Golden Colorado and still go down to Texas for some river bass fishing but really shoot all over the United States and am eager and willing to travel just about anywhere.
Why did you begin photography? What inspired you to begin?
I took photography as an elective in college and really enjoyed shooting and the darkroom experience. It wasn’t until my professor at the time said something along the lines of “Back when I was a professional photographer,” that I realized it was a career path. I then went on to take more photography classes, ended up with a degree in Advertising and Fashion Photography, then moved to Dallas to be an assistant.
Is there a specific niche of photography that you are known for or that you gravitate to?
I specialize in adventure/action and the lifestyle that embodies the outdoors. I got my start in kayak fishing and am mostly known as a fishing photographer. However, what I really like is photographing people doing what they love to do. Whether it’s a kayak angler, mountain biker, baker or knife maker I try to capture the passion that someone has in their journey.
What is one thing you wish you knew before beginning outdoor/fish photography?
That a degree in business would have been better than a degree in photography. I mean my professors always said that business is 80-90% of it, but I didn’t really take that to heart because all I wanted to do was take pretty pictures.
Is your photography a full-time job, or do you have a daily gig too?
I am a full time photographer.
How do you manage a work-life balance as a photographer?
I don’t do that very well. I live and breathe photography. I have a problem because anytime I leave my camera at home, I see something inspiring and cool and I wish I had the camera with me.
What brand of camera equipment do you shoot with?
Nikon.
Which lens is your favorite for photographing in various conditions?
They all have their purpose but I’m a big fan of the 70-200 2.8 and the 85mm 1.8.
Do you take macro-photography of flies? If so, what is your process/lens of choice?
I have taken macro-photos of flies and used my old 55 Micro lens. You can see some of them here.
If someone is interested in getting involved in outdoor / fishing photography today, what would be some suggestions you would give them regarding introductory gear?
When it comes to cameras and lenses, use what you have or what you can afford.
I’ve been a Nikon guy since I bought my first DSLR (Nikon D50) but the reason I chose Nikon was because between the Nikon and the Canon that I could afford, the Nikon felt better in my hands.
That’s what I would say, just go to the actual store and hold all of the cameras that you can afford and see what feels good.
What editing software do you use the most for photo edits? Why?
Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Nothing else compares.
How did you learn this specific genre of photography?
I was spending time on the water with my buddy Josh Walker in kayaks exploring various bodies of water and snapping away at wildlife, landscapes and especially when he was catching fish. I enjoyed it so much that I started reaching out to some other people to get on the water with and soon had a portfolio worth sharing.
Out of all your photos, which is your favorite and why?
I have soooooo many terabytes of images that it’s hard to choose. However, above is a photo I am very proud of.
I had the idea of standing on a bridge at night with a flash on the bank aimed at my buddy Joseph paddling and fly fishing along the river.
What was your first fishing experience?
Probably chasing sand bass in my dad’s bass boat as a young lad.
After having a rooster tail embed itself into my leg around the age of 15, I didn’t care for fishing for a while. Then while out on the river, Josh put a rod in my hand and after that first tug, I was hooked again.
When did you begin fly fishing?
Maybe 10 years ago. However, I don’t really fly fish unless it’s a specific body of water and I’m alone. I’ve found that the fly line can get pretty messy when someone else catches a fish and you have to put it down to take photos.
What draws you to fly fishing, both personally and professionally?
It’s a beautiful sport set in the most beautiful locations.
Who is your biggest inspiration or mentor?
R.J. Hinkle has been my mentor for many years since I started assisting him back in Dallas. Not only is he a great photographer and teacher but a rock solid dude and I wouldn’t be where I am without him.
Do you remember your first published piece?
It was for my college newspaper. My first major publication was in Outside Magazine of a snake eating a fish.
With so many people scrolling on their phones, does social media play a role in your photography?
I feel like at one point I was shooting everything wide so that I could get that stupid square crop. I’ve since started putting borders on my photos for Instagram and think the algorithm has punished me for it.
Sure, that little bit of dopamine that hits you when somebody “likes” a photo is nice, but you can’t let that dictate your vision.
Do you have any tips to help people take better photos with their smartphones?
Robert Capa said, “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.”
Also, lighting, angles and subject matter are the three key components to good photography.
Do you suggest any smartphone apps for photo editing?
Maybe the Lightroom app??? I’ve never edited on my phone…
Any tips for other aspiring outdoor / fishing photographers?
Get insurance on your photo gear. In April I turtled my kayak and lost 2 camera bodies with lenses at the bottom of the lake and the rest of my equipment was sitting in water in my camera bag. I had insurance and still took a hit but not as big as it would have been if I didn’t have it.
What is your favorite weather to photograph in, or what is your favorite time of day?
The first and last couple of hours of each day are known as the Golden Hour and usually provide the best light for photographs. I also really like storms and while it’s hard to photograph in the rain, with some good rain gear or underwater housing, you can come away with some really cool shots.
What photography trends currently inspire your work?
I’m not sure what is “trending” in photography right now. Maybe the use of colored gels in lighting a subject. I think that “trends” are strange and that all of these tools that people are using have been around for forever. Also, most people overuse what is “trending” when just a little bit, in the right circumstances can make a photo better.
Where can people find your artwork?
Yes, yes and yes. I shoot mostly editorial and advertising so you can find my images in fishing magazines, catalogs, social media and on websites. The best place however is my webpage www.doskophoto.com and Instagram @doskophoto
Any parting thoughts you’d like us to add?
Just like anything else, keep shooting and you’ll get better at it. And don’t flip your kayak with all of your photo gear in it!
