Meet Amy Johnson | Veterinary Technician and Photographer

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

Hi Amy, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
The outdoors. I thrive on being outside whether it be hiking, camping, 4wheeling, paddle boarding, it really doesn’t matter. I always have my camera on me and spend my time outdoors documenting everything I see. I have always been replenished by the outdoors and know that is where I am going to find my happiness, and work through my problems and stress.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always been creative in one way or the other. I am a person who doesn’t always focus and doesn’t sit still well. So, I have tried out many things throughout the years. Photography is the one thing that has stuck. I love being outdoors and, in many instances, enjoying the quite time to myself. Some of my best moments have been sitting with an animal and documenting the time I was graced with having with them. I have had a family member say that all photographers have a style, and mine is “hunting”. I think this is the best representation of what I do. I set out at sunrise and spend the day exploring and hunting my subjects whether it be animal or landscape. I go out with something in mind, and some days are better than others at finding those subjects. I never go anywhere without my camera, because I know if I do something amazing will happen and I wil miss out on capturing it.

Landscape and wildlife photography are my passion, but I always want a challenge and the ability to grow as a photographer. It used to be when someone asked me if I “did people”, I would always say no. But in looking for growth, I have taken some opportunities to do headshot, wedding, high school senior, and family photography. I have learned so much about light, equipment, and angles that will translate to making all my photography better. I am able to look back at my old photos and really see the growth. My next challenge is to take on some classic car photography.

As I have grown my skills and have had inquiries about purchasing my photography, I have been able to build a business around it. It has been exciting to have people willing to trust me enough to pay me to capture their special moments. I started by doing craft/vendor fairs and farmers markets. The fact that people were willing to pay for my work and hang it up in their homes has been thrilling and validating. It took some time and confidence, but I have now began selling my work in several local book and gift stores. I love seeing my photographs as peoples profile pictures, Christmas cards, and in their homes.

Probably one of the most validating moments for me and my photography is being accepted as a Denver Zoo Volunteer Photographer (I start in April after my official training).

I am also looking forward to a 3-day backpacking trip to Havasu Falls this summer as well as a horseback riding trip in the Tetons. Both of these locations offer so many photography opportunities. Havasu Falls is on the Havasupai Indian Reservation and requires coveted permits to enter their land. I feel like I will be able to photograph a place that not many people see, let alone know it exists. I enjoy sharing my photography of all of my adventures as it allows people to see places that they may not have been able to see otherwise.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am not a big city girl, so my favorite places are all be outside where we can take in nature, the landscape, and the wildlife. In the Denver area my favorites are the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Chatfield Reservoir, Barr Lake, and Waterton Canyon. It is amazing to me that you can find so much nature in urban areas. The Arsenal is great as it feels so remote, yet in the middle of town. I don’t know anywhere else where you can photograph a bison with the downtown Denver skyline in the background. When you enter Waterton Canyon, it is like you are leaving the city behind and headed deep into the mountains despite only being a couple of miles into the canyon.

My other favorite places require driving out of town a bit, but are so well worth it:

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of my favorite places on earth. I try to get to the park at least once a month. The hiking and animal watching are some of the best I think you will find in the state. I also love the feel of both Grand Lake and Estes Park, there is so much you can do in these quaint little mountain towns. The Grand Lake and Granby areas are also great for boating and paddle boarding.

The hike through the Brainard Lake Recreation Area to Lake Isabelle is one of the most scenic hikes you will find within a few hours of Denver, and the animals are abundant. It is truly like nothing you have ever seen before.

Evergreen Lake is another one of my favorites and is a bit closer to town. I love the lake anytime of the year, but the spring is always my favorite due to elk calving season. It is so much fun to sit there and watch the elk cows and their calves – at a safe and respectful distance of course.

The town of Marble is a bit more of a drive, but is so worth it. It is such a quirky small town with a ton of history (and a lot of marble as the name would suggest). Beaver lake offers some great sunsets, and a trip to the Crystal Mill is a must.

The state is full of ghost towns, and one of my favorites is St. Elmo outside of Nathrop. There is access to a lot of hiking and 4wheeling and a stop at the Mount Princeston Hot Springs is a must when in the area.

I live in outside of Denver in Bailey and a tour of my local area would include a hiking all of the great local trails and eating at both the Aspen Peak Cellars in Bailey, and the Shaggy Sheep in Grant. Both local restaurants have great food, atmosphere, and Aspen Peak Cellars have their own wines that you can enjoy while sitting on the bank of the Platte River.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family and friends!

My mom always encouraged my love of animals and the outdoors. She was also the only person I know that took as many photos as I do. When she died, I decided to honor her I would buy a “real” camera and upgrade from my cell phone. That is really where my hobby became something I wanted to turn into a money-making side gig.

My husband and kid who always humor me when I need to stop and photograph everything I see, including them.

My brothers, sisters, dad, and step-mom who have always encouraged me.

And my good friends who know when they go on an adventure with me it means strange hours and a lot of photos.

I also want to thank my family and friends who have trusted me to capture their special occasions, despite the fact that I am not sure I always trusted myself.

Website: https://co-mountain-girl.picfair.com/

Instagram: @comountaingirlphotography

Facebook: @Colorado Mountain Girl Photography

Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/COMGPhotography

Image Credits
All images (including my headshot) are taken by me.