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

Hi Montoya, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?

Like so many others, I responded to the pandemic lockdowns and social distancing by heading outdoors. For me, being out in nature was a way to balance the chaos happening in the world. Since I was unable to interact face-to-face with people, I began exploring new places with my fur-baby, Tazi, in the back seat and my cameras resting in the passenger seat.

Several times per week, we set off on adventures. During this period, I was able to develop a relationship with my camera and focus on photography, and these outings provided a creative outlet that balanced the solitude and uncertainty.

In 2021, I visited the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge close to 100 times. A remarkable haven for wildlife of all sorts, the RMANWR is located just ten miles from downtown Denver and offers fishing, hiking, biking, nature programs — and of course, photography! Through photography, I deepened my appreciation for the abundant wildlife in the RMANWR.

Once lockdowns were lifted, I joined the RMANWR as a volunteer, earning my 100 hours pin in late 2022. Later, I learned that the RMANWR was patronized by an estimated 800,000 visitors in 2021. Now I share my passion for land and wildlife conservation while helping to promote the incredible RMANWR history, nature, and wildlife story.

Once my portfolio was filled with thousands of photographs, building a website and social media presence seemed like the next logical step. There’s a lot to learn about web design and brand marketing, but I am making it work thanks to assistance from professionals and friends.

While the pandemic has brought setbacks and devastating outcomes, it has also created circumstances that have helped us to learn more about ourselves individually and collectively. For me, it brought self-discovery and a passion for photography, and I can’t wait for what’s ahead!

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.
Growing up in a family of Indigenous leaders, teachers, and artists, I was taught to explore the creative process in all the artwork I create. But being an artist is not easy, and striving for perfection in photography is pointless. Some of the most surprising images I’ve captured digitally are by happenstance. The four things I have learned about photography are to practice patience, shirk self-pressure to succeed, keep trying, and accept the outcome. What I would like the world to know about my brand and story is that I work with a dynamic creative team to produce the Winds of Change magazine — an acclaimed print and digital publication with awards from national Native media. Winds of Change is a publication of AISES (the American Indian Science and Engineering Society) and is a channel for partners and organizations to engage with Indigenous STEM talent. I’ve been employed at AISES for six years, and I love my job.

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.

I have a pretty good idea of what my friends like to do while in Colorado. Metro Denver has a wide variety of interesting places to visit and delicious cuisine. Definite eateries are Tacos Tequila Whiskey in west Denver (the bubbling queso is to die for). Another west Denver favorite is Tocabe, an American Indian eatery. Their Indian taco, posu bowl, and buffalo ribs (Fred Flintstone size) with their signature huckleberry BBQ sauce have received high marks from Guy Fieri of the Food Network “Diners Drive-Ins and Dives.” The best breakfast in Brighton is the affordable Main Street Café, with large portions and bottomless cups of coffee.

Fun places to check out while exploring Denver are the Blue Bear at the Convention Center and the murals along Colfax Avenue. The Denver Art Museum, home to multiple floors of world-class art, is a daylong activity.

Colorado offers limitless beauty to destinations like Rocky Mountain National Park, the RMANWR, Barr Lake State Park, St. Vrain State Park, and Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I recognize the talent and sacrifices of my Indigenous ancestors whose resilience, brilliance, and teachings help me to live in peace and gratitude. They connect me to the life values I hold dear and rely on for guidance each day.

Artists rely on a community of friends, family, and followers to support their work. At the top of my list is my sister, Jackie Whiteman, an accomplished photographer. She has played an essential role in championing the development of my skills and taught me the nuts and bolts of photography from A to Z. Her critical insights and reliable advice have helped me grow as a professional.

Art director and designer Kristen Goodfriend. has been a valuable resource in improving my web presence. Kristen’s background in graphic design and photography is top-notch, and she continually boosts my confidence as an artist.

The RMANWR and Friends of the Front Range have expanded the reach of my photography. My photos help their audiences see the beauty and diversity of plants and wildlife at the refuge. It is an honor to pursue my passion for photography and share images of wildlife, plants, and people.

Another shoutout goes to ver5design who custom-designed my watermarks. They have helped me understand how to protect my online brand along with the printing process and merchandise development.

Last, I thank all my friends and followers who leave comments and like my photographic content.

Website: www.chynwoman.com

Instagram: Montoya_Whiteman_Photography

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/montoya-whiteman-5a838a1a6/

Twitter: @Toya80601

Facebook: Montoya Whiteman Photography

Image Credits
Jackie Whiteman. Montoya Whiteman

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.