In our series Behind the Scenes, artists answer questions about their creative process, philosophy, and more. This installment features Scott Dere, a contemporary American photographer who travels the world, capturing animals in their natural environment. You can see our curated collection of his work here. (Read our other exclusive interviews with artists here.)

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

I was working deep in the Great Bear Rainforest, on the Pacific coast of northern Canada, where very few would travel just to photograph the rarest bears in the world. Right next to me was world-renowned National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen. I introduced myself and told him about my company, The Elements of Nature, my endeavors of being a successful wildlife photographer, and the struggles of getting my name and photographs out on the world stage. His advice was for me to do business as myself and use my personal name and stamp on my work instead of my company name. From his personal experience, people tended to remember his efforts over the companies he had worked for. The information and knowledge gathered through his life experiences and hard work is what truly inspired his fans and followers. That was enough for me.

How would you describe your subject matter or the content of your work?

The content of my work is the most pure. Traveling the world and photographing wildlife behavior is like capturing the soul of the earth. My photography is a documentation of natural history and a bridge to the wilderness and its absolute perfection. I try to share it respectfully, and portray it in the most humble, prestigious, and magnanimous matter possibly to educate others of what they take for granted everyday.

What’s an image that makes you want to work hours on end?

What do you consume (art, music, books, film) to help fuel your work?

For me music may be the most important influence on the work I produce. Music can put me in a mood that will transfer through to my photographs. Other artwork and film would be secondary influences that will trigger a thought, idea, or concept that I will deliberately go out and capture with my subjects in mind.

How do you know when a work is finished?

The finished image is one of perfect harmony. The subject is clear, the photograph is visually brilliant in color and tone, the sharpness impeccable throughout, and the picture sings perfection to a point where I am just as impressed as the moment I felt the image and captured it on camera. The image must demand the viewers’ attention and hold them long enough to indulge the mind.

What’s one of your favorite photographs?

What will make you feel successful?

To reach the success worthy of my college tuition, and the level of education I have received, and satisfy my ambitions, I feel my photography needs to hit at least a national audience. I would like to achieve a few covers of important periodicals that I respect as well as achieve some notoriety for the amount of time and travel and effort it has taken to achieve the goals I have strived for.

What advice do you wish you could have given yourself ten years ago?

Ten years ago I wish I had advised myself to use my photography in a more effective and clever way. Taking my experience, skills, and imagery, and grabbing the attention of young evolving artists who use the digital world of smartphones and tablets. Connecting with a new enthusiastic, young audience early in the transition would have been brilliant thinking, to able to beat a world of unschooled tech-savvy entrepreneurs looking to cut the line of success by ushering in a new era of social media expertise.

In all honesty, what were the last 5 songs you listened to?

“Given to Fly” by Pearl Jam

“Thunder” by Imagine Dragons

“It’s Late” by Queen

“Midnight Oil” by Beds Are Burning

“In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins

What would you be if you weren’t an artist?

I would be a teacher and an educator.

What’s an image of yourself that makes you feel old?

What is your favorite book, song, and movie of all time, and why?

My favorite book is “The Old Man and the Sea.” I read this as a young man and it has always had an impression on me. I always relate to the reality of working hard for something important and coming so close to achieving a goal and the obstacles that will always get in the way. It’s lesson is to persevere with strength and commitment and always remember that when all is lost, the sun will rise again tomorrow.

My favorite song is “Walk” by the Foo Fighters. Music has always been about the melody and rhythms for me. Even more than the words of the song. Somehow Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters connected with me on this tune. It touches my inner thoughts, gives me the shakes and makes me feel electric and happy to be alive. It fuels my creative juices and tickles my passions to be outdoors. It makes me feel the urge to keep living on the edge, with little funds and no real security with what the future will bring. Alive!

My favorite Movie is “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” “To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel, that is the purpose of life.” The quote from the movie is the motto of Life Magazine, which is reinventing its goals to become a digital magazine. The character shows true commitment to his job despite it being in jeopardy. Conquering fears and living in the moment while being reliable and accountable for something is something I associate well with. The movie has a lot of comparisons to the world I live in and the ways I’ve needed to adapt as I continue forward with my career.