Meet Forest Brooks Veerhoff | Photographer and Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Forest Brooks Veerhoff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Forest Brooks, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
As I explore deeper into my artistic endeavors with increased intention and sincerity, I find myself continually drawn to numerous sources of inspiration. Foremost among them is my father, who placed a camera in my hands from an early age. A photographer himself, his work has served as an enduring beacon, guiding me towards the quality of work I strive for today. He is my biggest critic but I take all of his advice with love and seriousness.

Working across both photography and film, my inspirations shift with each project I undertake. In my personally journalistic approach to photography, which I seek to elevate to the realm of high art, I often turn to old magazines such as Life and National Geographic. Within their pages, entire worlds unfold, offering many lessons in photographic composition that I have absorbed over countless hours.

In my video work, I draw inspiration from the raw authenticity of early YouTube content. Amateur montages capturing the mundane beauty of day-to-day life, such as “Testing my new camcorder in Italy” or “Riding the Bus – April 2nd, 2009,” hold a particular allure for me. There is something inherently captivating about the archival quality of video, the ability to immortalize a time and place in its most real to life form. It is within this context that my work lives, echoing the archival nature of documentary and news footage, which serves as yet another source of my inspiration.

Additionally, my own collection of home movies from years past serves as a deeply personal well of nostalgia. While I acknowledge that such intimate moments cannot be fully replicated, it is this emotive essence that I aim to capture in my own creations.

Inspiration, I’ve discovered, can manifest in so many forms throughout the course of my daily life—whether in small conversations overhead or the gentle rustle of leaves in the wind.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My artistic journey has been and exploration of experimentation and evolution, characterized by a constant goal to capture the essence of society and human nature through my work. Each new project I embark upon is an opportunity to push my boundaries of imagination and creativity.

Music has always been an integral part of my narrative, although it took me some time to recognize my own voice as a songwriter. In hindsight, I realize that the stories I yearned to tell were always within me, waiting to be unleashed. Memories unfurl like reels of film in my mind, and my dreams brim with vivid imagery and profound experiences that I endeavor to translate into tangible art forms.

The path to my current creative landscape has been filled with setbacks and moments of doubt, yet the spark of imagination within me refuses to be extinguished. While uncertainty may linger on the horizon, I embrace the journey with determination, eager to see where it leads.

Failures, once a source of doubt, now serve as ground for inspiration and growth. I’ve learned to find solace in the present moment, where the camera lens becomes a window into life unfolding before me.

My journey has been supported by a myriad of odd jobs, each offering a glimpse into a new world waiting to be explored. Despite the challenges and occasional financial hardships, I find joy and fulfillment in the freedom to chart my own course and craft my own narratives. These stories, both lived and imagined, serve as sources of motivation, propelling me forward toward a future rich with tales waiting to be told.

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.
Having called Richmond, Virginia, home for the past six years, I’ve developed a deep love for this city and discovered countless “secret spots” tucked away in its nooks and crannies. For me, the crown jewel of Richmond is the James River and its meandering trails that just beg for exploration. Among these, Texas Beach holds a special place in my heart, hosting a unique culture that captivates like no other. Throughout the pandemic summers, this riverside park was a hub of activity, with live concerts, impromptu raves, and a kaleidoscope of artists and performers converging along its banks. This city is filled with hidden gems awaiting discovery for those willing to venture off the beaten path.

During my time here I have become very in tune with Richmond’s thriving DIY music scene, a subculture that pulses with raw energy and innovation. While these DIY venues may be very hard to come across as an out of towner, I wholeheartedly recommend catching a show at The Camel or Ipanema Cafe for an authentic taste of our local musical talent.

Richmond’s allure extends far beyond its urban confines, as it lies in close proximity to an array of breathtaking natural wonders. For visitors seeking a break from the city, a quick trip to the Appalachian Mountains promises unparalleled beauty that must be experienced firsthand to be fully appreciated.

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’d like to extend heartfelt appreciation to all the educators who have been instrumental in shaping and inspiring my artistic journey. From my formative years through undergraduate education, their guidance and encouragement played a pivotal role in shaping not only my aspirations but also the person I’ve become today. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had mentors who recognized and nurtured my artistic potential along the way. It saddens me greatly to hear stories of individuals whose creative spark was put out by strict or unsupportive teachers. Art, in all its forms, should be celebrated and explored, especially among the youth. Those who discourage this exploration have no place in education.

A special shoutout to the educators who left a deep impression on my artistic development: David Glover, whose dedicated acceptance allowed me to freely express myself in his classroom; Cullen Wade, who broadened my perspectives on identity and worldview; and Todd Barnett, whose teachings deepened my connection to nature and showed me how fun a life can be. I am also deeply grateful to my college professors, whose wisdom, guidance, and belief in my potential propelled me to new heights of artistic expression. Their mentorship extended beyond the confines of the classroom, encouraging me to embrace vulnerability and authenticity in my creative endeavors. Through their transformative teachings, I learned not only the technical skills of my craft but also the importance of remaining true to my artistic vision and never shying away from pushing the boundaries of creativity.

To my friends, whose unique perspectives and infectious humor never fail to inspire me, I owe a debt of gratitude. Without the collective influence of these individuals, I would not be where I am today.

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Image Credits
All original work.