Meet Cal Foster | Photographer & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cal Foster and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cal, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My mission is to create and tell stories through both photography and the moving image, my thought process was purely about putting pen to paper and creating from passion and a need to capture a moment. I take photos within fashion religiously, it’s always been an interesting subject for me and breaking down the rules of the commercial fashion world. That was definitely a big thing that kick started my business; the need to bring my own perspective to how we see and interpret subjects and approach concepts with a “why can’t we do that?!” approach.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Creating/ taking photos for me is like breathing. If i don’t do it for a period of time i get withdrawals. I’m not sure what necessarily distinguishes me from other creatives, but i think feeling is one of the biggest components within my work. I don’t really like to put myself in a box of being “that fashion photographer” or shooting just within a journalism context, commercial context or fine arts context. I just love everything around photography and image making, and if someone really wanted to put me into a category i would say my craft is more about image making using different photographic practices.
I still have a lot to learn and a long way to go, if i said i didn’t then i would be kidding myself.. you always have something new to learn that can help what you do. That being said i am proud of the growth i have had so far and the achievements as a result. From solo art shows, shooting extensively with Vice, to landing fashion campaigns with international labels i’m just grateful that i have been blessed with those opportunities and am honestly just excited to live and breath more of it. I wouldn’t say it was easy, but also nothing worth having is easy, it just depends on how much you want it and the challenges that arise on the pursuit is the universe testing your want for that said thing. I honestly full heartedly believe that with passion, patience, kindness and determination you can do what you set your mind to and build a solid brand.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
That’s a tough one, if you’re coming to Melbourne i feel like you need to experience the city and the country side so you can see the best the two worlds have to offer. I’d probably say a roadtrip in the week down the peninsula to check out some of the wineries and go camping/ hiking at Wilsons Prom. But if you’re into some more boujee stays then Sorrento has some greats spots and the Mornington Peninsula hot springs is right around the corner for some lux spa time. For the weekend, Fridays in Fiztroy/Collingwood is fun for the random art exhibitions. There’s a bunch of galleries in the area within a short walk of each other where you can meet people from all walks of life have a wine and see what the local art scene has to offer. Then i’d say go hit as many of Melbourne’s good food and drink spots, the city, Carlton, Collingwood, South Melbourne, Richmond, Brunswick and Prahran have a few killer ones that are worth a visit. If you want something in particular just search these spots on Broadsheet.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am extremely grateful to the people in the photographic, visual art based community that encouraged my ideas when i had moments of scepticism. Specifically Juan Farrell and Sergei Pozdniakov for their mentorship pre and during the lockdown period in Melbourne when creativity was really lacking for a lot of people. I really turned to a lot of collage and polaroid work during the pandemic as film labs weren’t always open to develop the rolls I’d shoot, so i also want to recognize the inspiration that Frank Ockenfels had/has on me and his use of different image making techniques that gave me the creative means to produce photographic based art during a difficult time. I also want to thank my partner and my mum for being my rock and supporting my endeavours no matter how crazy the project sounded.

Website: www.calfoster.co

Instagram: @cal_fos

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cal-foster-94588b193

Image Credits
Models: @whoredeculture @nahredhot @gabrielhenningsen @cl3mgram Makeup: @xs.rose