About Christopher Forslund

I've been photographing the natural world for most of my life. What began as an interest in landscapes and the places I traveled eventually developed into a passion for birds and wildlife photography.

Over the years, I've learned that finding a subject and finding a photograph are two very different things.

Much of my time in the field is spent watching. I'm paying attention to the direction and quality of the light, the behavior of the wildlife, and what's happening beyond the subject. Sometimes moving just a few feet changes everything. Other times, the best decision is to put the camera down and wait.

I enjoy the challenge of creating photographs that go beyond simply documenting what I encountered. I want the light, composition, and perspective to contribute something to the image. Sometimes that means capturing a moment of behavior. Other times, it's about finding something interesting in an otherwise ordinary scene.

That's what keeps me coming back.

The Road That Brought Me Here

My interest in photography began in my teenage years, long before digital cameras made it possible to review an image moments after taking it. I'm largely self-taught, and much of what I've learned has come through years of experimentation, mistakes, and time spent outdoors.

Photography has been a constant through a life that has taken me in several different directions. I've worked in law enforcement, spent time as a touring musician, and built a long career in technology. Each of those experiences has influenced how I approach the world, but photography has always been there.

For several years, my wife, Tangee, and I traveled the country full time in our RV. Those years gave us the opportunity to explore some remarkable places, often far from the familiar destinations. They also gave me the freedom to spend more time photographing landscapes, wildlife, and the changing character of the places we visited.

That experience helped shape Birds and Backroads. The name reflects not only the places we've explored, but also my preference for slowing down, taking the less traveled road, and seeing what might otherwise be overlooked.

Today, I'm based in Arizona, where the wetlands, desert landscapes, and remarkable variety of birdlife provide opportunities to photograph throughout the year. I continue to travel whenever I can, always looking for new places and new subjects.

Finding the Photograph

One of the things I enjoy most about wildlife photography is that no two mornings are ever quite the same.

You can return to the same location dozens of times and come away with something completely different. The light changes, the birds behave differently, and an opportunity that wasn't there yesterday may present itself today.

I believe good wildlife photography begins well before the shutter is pressed.

I'm constantly evaluating the scene. Where is the light coming from? What's happening in the background? Is there a better angle? What is the subject doing, and what might happen next?

Those decisions often have more influence on the final photograph than the equipment I'm using.

I tend to favor clean compositions, natural backgrounds, and working at or near eye level whenever possible. I enjoy using light to separate a subject from its surroundings, reveal texture, or create a particular mood.

Not every photograph needs to be dramatic. Sometimes a quiet moment, thoughtfully composed, can be just as compelling.

I also believe it's important to understand what you're trying to accomplish with an image. A photograph intended to document behavior may call for a different approach than one created primarily for its artistic qualities. Neither is inherently better. What matters is recognizing your intent and making decisions that support it.

For me, that's where much of the creativity in wildlife photography happens

Sharing What I've Learned

Teaching has become an increasingly rewarding part of my photography.

Through Birds and Backroads, I offer small-group bird photography workshops and individual mentoring sessions for photographers looking to improve their skills and become more confident in the field.

My approach to teaching is much the same as my approach to photography. I want photographers to understand why they're making certain decisions, rather than simply memorizing camera settings.

We spend time talking about light, exposure, backgrounds, composition, field techniques, and wildlife behavior. Just as importantly, we work on recognizing opportunities before they happen.

I believe some of the most valuable lessons come from working together in real conditions, where the light isn't always perfect, the subjects don't always cooperate, and adjustments need to be made as situations develop.

My goal isn't to teach someone to photograph exactly as I do. It's to help them develop the knowledge, confidence, and awareness to make their own creative decisions.

Whether someone is relatively new to bird photography or has been photographing wildlife for years, there's always something more to learn. That certainly remains true for me.

Birds and Backroads

Birds and Backroads brings together the things I enjoy most about photography: exploring new places, spending time with wildlife, creating images, and sharing what I've learned along the way.

Whether you're here to explore my photography, find something for your home, or join me for a workshop or mentoring session, I appreciate your interest in my work.

I hope the photographs encourage you to look a little closer at the natural world and perhaps see something familiar in a different way.

Explore My Photography | Workshops & One-on-One Mentoring

Recognition and Exhibitions

I've been fortunate to have my photography recognized through national and international competitions, exhibitions, and publications.

One particularly meaningful milestone was having my photograph Curtsy selected for the cover of the Winter 2026 issue of National Wildlife Magazine.

Selected Recognition

National Wildlife Magazine, Winter 2026 cover, Curtsy
National Wildlife Federation, 2025 Honorable Mention, Baby Animals, Curtsy
Louisville Art Association National Photography Show, 2025 First Place, Color Wildlife
Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts, 2024 exhibition selection
International Photography Hall of Fame, 2023 Open Exhibition
Best in Show, 2023, Entangled

I'm grateful for the recognition, but what matters most to me is continuing to grow as a photographer and producing work that reflects the experiences I've had in the field.