Q & A with Photographer Flip Twogood

When did you first become interested in photography?
I became interested in photography in January 2023 when I bought a camera for my wife and I to use to document our travels. That whole first month I set a goal to take and edit at least 1 photo everyday and post it. After that first month of giving it my all I totally fell in love. 

Were you self-taught or did you learn in school/from a mentor?
I guess like most I am self taught, however I did an internship with Jakob Lilja-Ruiz (portra papi) who is my all time favorite film photographer and he taught me a lot!

How did you develop your style?
I developed my style by shooting and editing almost every single day without fail for over 2 years now. The more you do it the more your own preferences will come to fruition. 

What themes do you explore through your work?

I love to explore the landscapes of the mountains and desert in my home state of utah. These places have been extremely challenging to get to whether it be summiting the highest peaks or or reaching the deepest valleys there is always a fear to overcome and a physical and mental determination to find the most beautiful places on earth. 

How do you find and choose you subjects or locations?

I spend lots of time on onx backcountry looking at 3d maps trying to find what spots look like they'd have insane potential for shots

What themes do you explore through your work?

I love to explore the landscapes of the mountains and desert in my home state of utah. These places have been extremely challenging to get to whether it be summiting the highest peaks or or reaching the deepest valleys there is always a fear to overcome and a physical and mental determination to find the most beautiful places on earth. 

How do you find and choose you subjects or locations?

I spend lots of time on onx backcountry looking at 3d maps trying to find what spots look like they'd have insane potential for shots

How do you compose an image? Do you go into the shoot with a specific shot in mind, or does the inspiration strike when you place your model in the setting?

Its definitely a mixture. Something that I always focus on is symmetry. I want my images to feel balanced and clean. I'm always triple checking to make sure there are no competing/overlapping lines unless they happen to be aesthetic. Organizing what is before you is the most important part of composing a good image and making sure that all the subjects (main subject, horizon line, foreground, supporting subject, ect.) are placed neatly in the frame and compliment each other. 

How do you compose an image? Do you go into the shoot with a specific shot in mind, or does the inspiration strike when you place your model in the setting?

Its definitely a mixture. Something that I always focus on is symmetry. I want my images to feel balanced and clean. I'm always triple checking to make sure there are no competing/overlapping lines unless they happen to be aesthetic. Organizing what is before you is the most important part of composing a good image and making sure that all the subjects (main subject, horizon line, foreground, supporting subject, ect.) are placed neatly in the frame and compliment each other. 

What has been your biggest lesson learned through creating your art?  

That magic happens on this earth every single day!! The more you put yourself in situations to notice it (intentionally making time to go visit beautiful locations and putting yourself outdoors) the more fulfilling life becomes. I cannot believe I lived my first 27 years of life not noticing and oblivious to the wonder of this life! Photography has taught me and given me so much gratitude for life.

What do you hope your art says to people?

I hope my art inspires people to go outside and look for the beauty that is available to us every day. 

Why did you choose your craft(photography)

I just wanted to document my travels better

How hard was it to become profitable at it? 

To be honest it's still pretty hard. Shooting analog film, i spend significantly more money than I make. Each photo usually costs me anywhere from $1-3. I take hundreds of pictures every month and this definitely adds up along with the cost of gas and travel. But that all being said its beyond worth it. The thrill I get of snapping the shutter in locations that are truly otherworldly is all worth it.  

Any suggestions to newcomers to the field

Shoot and edit every single day!! There are no shortcuts to getting good. Its a matter of overall hours put in. In the last 2 and half years I have poured nearly 7,000 hours into learning this new skill. Every night before bed I have edited at least 1 photo without missing a day for the last 700+ days. This has made all the difference. 

If you couldn’t be doing your craft, what would you do instead?
I'm actually a music producer for a living and play guitar for my band acacia ridge! So probably that haha

What would you do differently if you could start from scratch?

I feel fortunate to say nothing so far, I had the advantage of being obsessed with the art on my side so all my freetime has gone into improving my art. 


Biggest pet peeve about the industry?

Photographers who seem to get lazy with their editing and shooting style. Always staying the same and not trying to improve year after year. I understand burn out and that's super valid. But I just love seeing artists continue raising the bar and ever evolving and pushing themselves.

Is flannel really always appropriate?

Not when you are climbing a mountain and sweating to death