Chris Douglas is a Montana-based photographer and creative director who is one of the most sought-after visual storytellers in the American West. Chris is a go-to photographer for iconic brands such as Filson, Stetson, and Mossy Oak, and his editorial work appears regularly in publications including Modern Huntsman and Men’s Journal. In a world flooded with iPhone photography and armchair creatives, Chris’s work stands out as being artistically stunning and of the highest professional caliber.
When viewing Chris’s work, most people would assume that he’s been laser focused on photography for his entire career. But even though his interest in photography began at age ten, the first half of his career was spent in front of the lens– first as an international model for brands such as Versace, and then as a successful television actor. But life moving between LA, New York, and Milan was not a fit with his love of the outdoors, so Chris eventually moved to Montana, where he continued his life-long passion for hunting and adventure. Then, as you’ll hear him describe, Chris was severely injured in a horse accident, which became the catalyst that led him to leave acting behind and devote his full energies to photography.
Those of you who are long-time listeners know that I spend a lot of time preparing for each of these interviews, but, as you’ll hear, I was completely surprised by much of Chris’s story. Chris is unbelievably humble and keeps a low profile, so I was honored that he was open to sharing his full journey with me on the podcast. We started out chatting about his upbringing in east Tennessee and his tight-knit, supportive family that he credits with being the foundation for all of his success. Then we discussed his fascinating career trajectory– from international model to soap opera star to television host to photographer. We had a great conversation about his Native American ancestry and how Native culture has influenced his work and family’s life in Montana.
Chris’s story is both entertaining and instructive– he is a wonderful example of how life’s unexpected twists and turns can lead people on the most interesting journeys. And how hard work, humility, creativity, and professionalism can result in a one-of-a-kind life and career. Check out the extensive episode notes for links to everything we discuss. Enjoy!
Photos courtesy of Chris Douglas, top photos of Chris by Paul King
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EPISODE NOTES
Topics Discussed:
- 5:00 – Where Chris grew up
- 6:45 – How did Chris become interested in photography?
- 10:00 – Chris’s other artistic talents
- 11: 15 – Chris beginning to work with Bruce Weber
- 16:00 – Chris learning more about photography through observation
- 18:00 – Social media’s impact on photography from Chris’s perspective
- 19:00 – Chris pursuing his passion for hunting while modeling
- 22:45 – Chris reflects on the best and worst parts of his career in front of the camera
- 24:30 – What pushed Chris to spend time in the outdoors in the middle of a successful modeling/acting career
- 26:00 – Why Chris decided to move to Montana
- 28:30 –Chris’s gradual transition to professional photography behind the lens
- 30:30 – Chris’s horse accident
- 39:30 – Chris reflects on all the jobs that got him to where he is now
- 42:00 – Chris’s keys to success in business and photography
- 47:00 – Chris’s Native heritage
- 50:00 – Chris reflects on learning about his heritage
- 55:43 – Where Chris thinks his career will go from here
- 58:15 – Book recommendations
- 1:01:45 – Parting words of wisdom
Information Referenced:
- Chris Douglas Photography
- Clinton, Tennessee
- Clinch River
- Melton Hill Dam (lake)
- Cannon AE-1
- Dale Hollow Lake
- Bruce Weber
- Versace
- Steven Meisel
- Arthur Elgort
- Soft Box light
- Bob Frame
- Norman Seeff
- KISS
- Calvin Klein
- Ralph Lauren
- One Life to Live
- North Salem, NY
- Broadhead arrows
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- McAllister, MT
- Ennis, MT
- Bozeman, MT
- Trail Creek trail
- The Young and the Restless
- Passions
- Scott Gurney/Gurney Productions
- NFR (National Finals Rodeo)
- Leo Burnet
- Marlboro ad campaigns (Marlboro Man)
- Yeti
- Cherokee
- Pocahontas
- Ellijay, GA
- Panthertown, NC
- Lame Deer, MT
- Powwow
- Crow
- Charles Frazier
- Mari Sandoz
- Charles Eastman
- Lakota
- Filson
- Rick Bass
- E. Donnall Thomas
- Cormac McCarthy
- Michael Fox
- Robert M. Pirsig
Enjoy this episode? Then you might like these as well:
- Ivan McClellan – A New Look at the Old West
- Chris Burkard – The Art of Suffering
- Pete McBride – A Passion for Water & Wild Places
- Alexis Bonogofsky – Taking a Stand for the West
- Jessica Lewis – Doing More With Less
- Heather Hansman – Demystifying Water in the West
- Hal Herring – A Man of Words & Wild Places
- Duke Phillips III – A Vision for the New West
- Duke Phillips IV – Living with the Land
