EXCLUSIVE: A special series exploring the unique hobbies and artistic passions of Hollywood’s insiders, starting with producer Denise DiNovi’s entry into painting during the pandemic following her husband’s unexpected death.
Taylor Kitsch, initially known for his role as the rebellious fullback Tim Riggins in Friday Night Lights, quickly sought fame with high-budget films like John Carter and Battleship, both of which failed to meet expectations. Shifting gears, Kitsch took on roles that resonated with his early portrayal of a gritty, golden-hearted Texan, through nuanced characters in both films and TV.
Among these roles, often in collaboration with FNL director and executive producer Peter Berg, Kitsch has portrayed real-life figures like Navy SEAL Michael Murphy in Lone Survivor, a tragically flawed man struggling with opioid addiction in Painkiller, and the infamous cult leader David Koresh in Waco. His latest project, American Primeval, is a top-rated Netflix series set in the Old West, where Kitsch plays Isaac, a guide with a troubled past helping a woman and her son navigate through dangerous territory. The series, penned by The Revenant‘s Mark L. Smith, draws on the dark, unyielding nature of frontier tales similar to Lonesome Dove and 1883, with Kitsch’s character at its ethical core.
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Kitsch’s interest in photography was sparked during his role in The Bang Bang Club, a film about four photojournalists during the last days of apartheid in South Africa. Unlike his character Kevin Carter, who documented severe injustices and eventually took his life at age 33, Kitsch’s focus shifted to capturing serene wildlife and landscapes, a hobby that has grown into a profound passion.
Four years after moving from Texas to Montana, Kitsch embraced the solitude of nature photography, saying, “I’m Canadian. I miss skating on outdoor ponds and just being surrounded by wilderness. I love the snow, and right now, I’m in heaven.”
“During The Bang Bang Club, I learned to shoot on film,” Kitsch recalled. “I shadowed a professional photographer who introduced me to it. I still use a vintage Leica for film photography. Then I started taking my camera on motorcycle trips around the world—from Europe to Africa. That’s where I developed a knack for street photography. Eventually, I ventured into nature photography, which has become about capturing wolves and grizzlies, a true test of patience and skill.”
The thrill of photographing dangerous predators with nothing but a camera is an adrenaline rush for Kitsch. “I’ve taken it to extremes now. I have an adventure van, and I dive deep into the wilderness. It’s all about capturing that perfect shot,” he explained.
This pursuit not only satisfies his creative spirit between acting gigs but also grounds him. “Being out in nature, in the quiet, it’s tremendously beneficial for my mental health. It’s a challenge, a personal creative endeavor where I make all the decisions. That’s the beauty of it. You see the world through your lens, capture what you envision and stay present in the moment,” he said.
Despite the risks involved in wildlife photography, Kitsch prioritizes safety. “I always maintain a safe distance, especially when photographing bears or wolves. It’s not just about the adrenaline. It’s about respecting the wild and ensuring my safety,” he noted.
Kitsch plans to leverage his photography to support charitable causes in Montana through a foundation he’s establishing named Howler Ridge, aimed at assisting veterans, individuals recovering from addiction, and survivors of domestic violence.
“Photography allows me to tell my story, unedited and pure. It’s a powerful, personal expression, and I’m excited to use it to make a difference,” Kitsch concluded.
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Taylor Monroe takes readers behind the scenes of the entertainment industry, from Hollywood trends to rising stars. With a passion for storytelling, Taylor brings engaging and fresh perspectives.