Meet Elleya Mccombs | Photographer

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

Hi Elleya, what are you inspired by?
The short answer to this question is that I am inspired by the beauty of the world. Taking photos of beautiful people, places, and things has always been my mission and my motto. I am always that friend that is trailing behind on excursions, not focusing about the technicality of photography, but just capturing whatever what is in front of me. Through thousands of photos, so many memorable experiences, and risking my camera too many times I developed my own style and process. Originally, it was always capturing animals that I loved most, and through my time interning at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, traveling to Africa, and horse showing I produced my best photos.
While I am inspired by historical photographers like Ansel Adams and Vivian Maier, I am often most inspired by photographers I found on social media and followed through out their careers. Some of these people include Kyle Wolfe (@kylewolfe_), JJ Sillman (@skipperdoodlefritz), Kenneth Redding (@kenneth.redding), and William Drum (@williamdrumm). I was also lucky enough to meet so many incredible photographers of different styles and levels in person through my travels and work within the equine industry.
People often say that it “never looks the same in the photos” when encountering something so vast, so wild, so emotional, but I have discovered that is it *sometimes* possible to not only capture the view, but also express the feeling of really being there. Sharing that feeling and inspiring others to experience it for themselves is the beauty of photography and what inspires me most.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
For me photography has always been a hobby, not a job, and I have let myself pick it up and put it down when I was not enjoying it or life just got busy. This laid back mentality has lead to so many different photography side gigs, professional opportunities, favors, or just fun photo shoots that has given my photos a wide variety of styles. However, over the years my photos have developed a detailed, vibrant, and bold style that focuses on composition and connecting with my subjects. My favorite things to take photos of is animals, equine sports, destinations, and people.
At first, I never saw myself as an artist, my identity was wrapped up in my studies, specifically science, and love for horses. However, my ability to talk to anyone and bravery in my adventures proved to be very valuable as my hobby grew. I often will put myself in crazy positions to get the shot, and am a huge fan of candid and action shots. There is nothing quite like a wild animal looking right at you or the smile of a person after seeing themselves in a different light through your photos.
It has taken time for me to become comfortable posing human subjects but with practice and thousands of photos taken of people at my back country guiding job, I got there. With my bubbly personality and casual approach I feel that I am able to capture candid and personal shots during every session.
I have struggled with finding the time to edit, affording equipment, and finding the confidence to shoot larger events and moments, but I have found the simple act of “saying yes” and just shooting what is in front of you is often the trick to being successful. With every person that compliments a photo or asks me to come shoot for them, I am growing as an artist. Recently, I have been branching out and capturing performers, specifically local drag and burlesque performances here in Denver. It has been so rewarding to be a part of the community and a great opportunity to learn how to shoot indoors.
I am proud of myself for continually learning new techniques through trail & error, and embracing my creative eye for media. I look forward to any opportunity to grow my portfolio and get excited to work with other adventurous souls. It is an honor to be included in memorable moments and share my love for nature with the world.

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.
Well, if anyone is visiting Colorado for the first time it is a must to explore the mountains and all of the beautiful outdoor experiences I have been lucky to partake in growing up here. I love playing tourist in my home state and have always said my happy place is above 7,000 feet. My first stop would be my previous work place of 4 years; Bearcat Stables in Edwards Colorado for a back country horseback trail ride that includes stunning views of quaking aspens and multiple rocky mountain ranges. As a professional horsewoman and clumsy hiker, I cannot recommend experiencing Colorado’s most rugged trails from a trusted horse’s back enough. With summer activities being my bread and butter, I would be sure to include a thrilling river trip down the Colorado or Arkansas river and a long paddle board on one of the stunning lakes. Just driving through our vast state is proven to impress any visitor and there are so many easily accessible outdoor experiences for any one intimidated by the physical challenges of the state.
After a long day exploring the trails, mountain passes, forests, lakes, and rivers of the Centennial state it is important to refuel with Colorado brewed beer. Breweries such as Vail Brewing Company, Breckenridge Brewing, 4 Noses Brewing Co, New Belgium Brewing, and New Image Brewing are just a few places to get a craft cold one. Breweries often have outdoor concerts, craft fairs, and local markets available year round which are always a blast and a great way to support local vendors. As a Colorado State University Alumni, I also would be sure to take my friend on a bike tour of the countless breweries and locally owned restaurants in Fort Collins, Colorado.
While I could go on forever about specific hikes, restaurants, museums, and other unique experiences in Colorado, any time spent relaxing in the outdoors is time well spent and there is no lack of opportunities to do so here. I continue to be impressed with my home state after 27 years and am always exploring new terrain!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A classic answer, but my biggest supporter of my photography has always been my parents: Russ McCombs and Angela Smith. It was them who gifted me my first and second cameras, as well as provided so many breath taking experiences to capture as I grew up. They encouraged me to keep going with photography, and always will take the time to look at the galleries of photos I want to share with them.
Additionally I want to thank my close friends and models Ailya, Kate, Sarah, Cassie, Maddy, Isabelle, and so many others who have posed for me time and time again and supported my work over the years. I think all of my human and animal subjects deserve a shout out as they are the true stars of my work and it is not always easy being on the other side of the lens.
Lastly, I want to thank my high school photography teacher Mr. Jared Neal, as he taught me all of my technical skills and took the time to develop my talent as a young photographer.

Instagram: @elleyarosephoto

Other: All photo inquires can be sent to elleyarosephoto@gmail.com

Image Credits
Personal Photo is taken by Isabelle Behnke
All other photos taken by Elleya Rose Photo