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

Hi Samantha, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think taking risks in life is both daunting and essential. Without risk in any aspect of your life, there is no reward, challenge or lessons to learn. Risks are presented throughout our lives in some form or another. The decision to take action on those risks can be some of the most pivotal moments in our lives, careers, relationships, etc. In my younger days I was very risk adverse. But, as I’ve gotten older and been willing to take more chances, I’ve found that not only did taking risks present me with opportunities that might not have otherwise happened, I’ve also grown immensely in those times. My husband and I took a huge risk when chose to move to a new town and start over with our businesses and careers. While it was not easy at first, we have grown so much as individuals and in our marriage. Our businesses are now thriving and we have got to experience some really amazing opportunities that would not have happened otherwise. While not all risks are worth taking, some are worth every minute of doubt and adversity.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been taking photos for as long as I can remember. Starting with a couple cheap disposable cameras to my first point and shoot digital camera that I begged my mom for to and on to my first “big girl,” full-frame, DSLR camera, I have tried to capture the world around me. I grew up a large family farm in western Colorado so most of my early “work” was of random things around the farm; tractors, abandoned rust parts in a pile, fields of dancing wheat. As I got older I have continued to be drawn to capturing agricultural life and landscapes. Many of the first prints I sold were of landscapes around my family farm or of a branding at a local ranch. I love the variety that focusing on agricultural work and having agricultural connections brings.

My love of agriculture and photography led me to pursue a degree in journalism so I could be an agricultural journalist. I did that for several years before moving to photography full-time. It has not always been easy being a photographer.

Sometimes I have had to take jobs photographing events I did not enjoy and I have had to wait months to sell any prints. But, anytime somebody buys my work or books me for a gig because they saw some of my work somewhere else and loved it, I am honored and revitalized to keep doing what I’m doing.

Throughout the years I’ve photographed countless landscapes, amazing portraits, some of the most beautiful weddings on a ranch, rodeos, baby animals being born and more. Most of my art is focused on some aspect of farm or ranch life. There are some really beautiful images that only life on a farm or ranch can provide and I try to capture those moments any chance I can.

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?
My husband has always been a huge supporter of my dreams and passions. He always encourages me to put myself out there and take a chance on me.

Together we have helped each other through starting businesses, running them, raising our kids and helping each other grow and succeed.

My parents have also both been huge on supporting me to pursue my passions throughout my life. My dad always humored me when I had a photo idea growing up; a photo I took when I was 13 of his large, calloused hand gently touching the tender, newly sprouted alfalfa in the spring is still one of my favorites to this day. My mom started buying me photo albums to put my prints in when I first got the notion to be a photographer as a kid. To this day she still helps me as a photo assistant from time to time and helps come up with ideas for my prop portrait sessions. I will be forever grateful to them both for encouraging me to pursue an artistic life.

Website: www.samanthadecostaphotography.com

Instagram: @samdecostaphotography

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

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.