Meet Amanda Lelo | Landscape + Adventure Photographer

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

Hi Amanda, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’m currently a full-time teacher, specializing in K-6 Physical Education, and I absolutely love my job. I relocated to Denver from Chicago in the summer of 2017 and quickly immersed myself in the hiking community. I began capturing photos of my adventures, sharing them with friends and family back home. When the pandemic hit in 2020, I turned to hiking as my form of escape and purchased my first camera—a Sony Alpha 6000. That’s when I decided to create a separate Instagram account solely dedicated to my landscape photography. As I followed and connected with others in the Colorado hiking and photography community, my account grew far beyond my expectations. Photography started as a hobby and a creative outlet, with the simple goal of sharing the incredible views I have the privilege of experiencing with those who can’t hike or travel to see them. Through my photography journey, I’ve met and collaborated with amazing people who have become friends, and I’ve joined photography groups that allow me to support fellow photographers. In January of this year, I took a leap and began selling prints on my website. After years of battling self-doubt and imposter syndrome, I decided to finally take the plunge. Encouraged by my friends and family—who’ve been urging me to sell my work for years—I found the confidence to start this new chapter as a side gig.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m incredibly proud that I’ve built an organic following on Instagram based purely on my photography—no gimmicks involved. For me, hiking and photography are inseparable. Whenever I’m out on a hike, my camera is always within reach. I’m drawn to capturing the layers, reflections in alpine lakes, and the play of light and shadows on the mountains. Ridges and peaks are my favorite subjects to shoot. I love incorporating elements that create depth and dimension, like nature’s natural framing, textures, and colors. All of these factors come together to help me capture the perfect shot. My goal is always to freeze a moment in time that evokes a sense of awe and allows the viewer to truly feel the beauty of nature. I’m continuously learning from the inspiring photographers I follow, always striving to elevate my work. Ultimately, I want to inspire others to explore and appreciate the outdoors as much as I do.

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.
Oh, that’s a tough one! It really depends on whether my friend wants to hike or explore the city. If they’re up for the mountains, I’d take them to downtown Fraser, maybe catch a concert at the Dillon Amphitheatre—such an incredible venue! There are also plenty of accessible trails with stunning views of Lake Dillon. If we’re staying in the city, we’d hit some great local breweries. A few of my favorites are Our Mutual Friend, Zuni Brewing, and although it’s a bit of a drive, New Terrain in Golden is definitely worth the trip! We’d wrap up the night with a concert at Mission Ballroom, a great spot to see a show!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my parents, who have always encouraged me to embrace independence and take bold steps, like moving to a new state without knowing anyone. Their unwavering support to take risks and dream big is the reason I discovered photography. Moving to Colorado opened the door to both hiking and photography, and I’m incredibly passionate about both. It’s hard to imagine my life without them now.

Website: https://amandalelo.my.canva.site/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZQQun9FN2q5UOadUakfuSyWrjNzjt6_PL39Zs7i5QLgs_6fmnnJbCrQEQ_aem_gMo9PbL8MvqcN0rVR_VSsA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outdoorencore/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ amanda-lelo-067aa930

Other: Wall art for sale: https://amanda-lelo.pixels.com/art