We’d like to introduce you to Dan Francis, an award-winning, fine-art photographer based out of Fargo, North Dakota.

Can you tell us a little bit about your “Space Traveler 2079” image? 

I wanted to create an astronaut sitting by a crashed ship on a unknown planet with him looking upon his hologram of maybe his family or suit. It morphed into him arriving on a unknown planet looking over the readings of his new homeworld. I brought in a friend to wear the astronaut uniform and had just gotten back from Arizona, I believe these are the superstition mountains or close by.

What gear or software did you use to create this image? 

Canon 6D / 70-200 L / software was Adobe Photoshop…. It was close to 100 layers at its completion.

Location: Astronaut was in the studio with a 3 light setup. One camera right and two kickers. The unknown planet background was photographed in Arizona at a PPA event. The spaceship toy was photographed with a macro lens for the background. His helmet was 100% put together in photoshop by using parts of a motorcycle helmet, textures and parts of mechanical parts. Hologram and planets in space were used with photoshop brushes.

How long have you been a KelbyOne member and what made you decide to become a member?

Off and on since 2014, was also a NAPP member since 2004(ish?)

Dan also thought it’d be cool for you all to see a before and after image of his creation—check it out!

To see more work by Dan Francis, visit his website, Dan Francis Photography, but don’t forget to connect with him on social too. He’s on Facebook and Twitter.