Meet Lucian Manthey

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

Hi Lucian, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Balancing my photography business, high school, and my part-time job is definitely a challenge. Most of my day is spent in school, and after that I often take shifts at work, which leaves limited time for creating new photographs and growing my business and brand. However, my dreams of someday becoming a full time nature photographer always push me forward. Oftentimes there’s a drive in me that refuses to settle, and that’s what keeps me waking up at crazy hours for early sunrise hikes or staying up late editing after a long day at work or school. I’ve learned to be very intentional with my time, prioritizing the things that matter most while still making space for creativity. It’s not always easy and I definitely could be better, but the challenge of having to squeeze in time for my passion has made me even more dedicated to what I do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My photography is deeply rooted in my connection to nature and my desire to honor its beauty through my images. Growing up exploring Colorado, I was always surrounded by breathtaking vistas of the Rocky Mountains, but I didn’t feel like the photos I took with my phone or point-and-shoot truly did them justice. That realization pushed me to capture the land in a way that appreciates the miracle of four billion years of the evolution of life on Earth. My work is about telling a story, preserving a moment in time, and inspiring others to appreciate and protect our natural places.

What sets my photography apart is my commitment to capturing landscapes in a way that is both truthful and natural. In an era where digital manipulation blurs the line between reality and make-believe, it’s becoming harder to distinguish what’s real from what’s exaggerated or even artificially generated. I believe nature’s beauty doesn’t need enhancement. My approach is rooted in honesty, avoiding deceptive editing techniques and prioritizing authenticity in every image I create.

Lately, I’ve also been drawn away from the heavily photographed, overexposed locations that dominate social media. Rather than chasing the same “bangers” that flood people’s feeds, I seek out the remote, the overlooked, and the places that require real effort to reach. Whether it’s enduring the harshest conditions, hiking deep into the backcountry, or waiting patiently for the perfect moment, I’m committed to capturing landscapes and their natural beauty.

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. Balancing school, life as a teenager, and running my own business has been a challenge, especially when time is limited. There have been plenty of late nights editing photos, early mornings chasing sunrises, and long hours spent building my online print store and marketing my work. But my passion for photography keeps me going. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success doesn’t come overnight. That it takes persistence, patience, and a willingness to keep going.

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.
If my best friend was visiting Colorado, I’d take them on an overnight trip into the backcountry. There’s no better way to experience Colorado’s wilderness than hiking into one of the many remote areas where no motorized vehicles, or even bicycles, are allowed. For three nights we’d explore both on and off the trail, venturing to places without another soul in sight, finding some of the best solitude the state has to offer.

We’d camp near alpine lakes, filter drinking water from mountain streams, and wake up to the sounds of marmots chirping and hummingbirds singing in the meadows. As the sun sets, we’d cook dinner over a fire and watch the peaks glow in shades of orange, red, and magenta. At night, with no light pollution to drown out the stars, we’d watch the Milky Way rise effortlessly glide the mountains, catching meteors streaking across the sky.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If there’s one person who deserves a huge shoutout for where I’ve come as a photographer, it’s my mom. Ever since I can remember she brought me out into nature, fostering the deep appreciation for the wilderness that inspires my photography today. She gave me my first real camera (her old DSLR) which sparked my journey into photography, and she has never stopped supporting me since. Whether it was investing in new lenses and tripods, waking up before dawn to drive and hike with me for sunrise shoots, or letting me venture out around Colorado on my own, she has always believed in me and my passion. Her encouragement has been the foundation of my growth as a photographer, and I couldn’t be more grateful for everything she’s done to help me chase this dream.

Website: https://www.lucianmanthey.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucianmantheyphoto

Image Credits
© Lucian Manthey Photography