Meet the Team

More than ever, people are craving real, meaningful connections. We felt that too, the longing for more chances to come together, create alongside others, and grow as photographers. That feeling is exactly what led us to start the Outdoor Photo Alliance. We create unforgettable in-person photography experiences alongside world-renowned photographers, designed to sharpen your skills and reignite your passion for the craft.

Our events, created by photographers who love their craft, are designed to inspire you, help you connect with a worldwide community, transform your photography, and find new inspiration. Our events offer unique, learning experiences in some of the most breathtaking locations on Earth.

Whether you’re chasing a technical breakthrough, looking for your next creative spark, or simply wanting to shoot alongside people who get it, OPA is where it all comes together. Come learn from photographers at the top of their game, get feedback that actually moves the needle, and find your place in a community that shares your passion.

We can’t wait to meet you at one of our upcoming events!

Together we have more than 30 years combined photography experience in a variety of genres and techniques. We have been featured in F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Podcast, Pixels: Exploring the Heart & Art of Photography, On Landscape Magazine, Wild Women in Photography Podcast, Shout Out Colorado, Landscape Photography World Podcast and more.

We have repeatedly heard others in the field express the desire to connect so we founded a company to address just that. We aspire to bring you together and provide opportunities to connect so you may have the chance to create endearing relationships as we have found…

CONNECT ~ IMAGINE ~ CREATE

  • A woman in outdoor gear holding a camera on her shoulder, standing on a beach with the ocean and sky in the background.

    Shanda Akin

    Shanda is a freelance photographer based in Durango, Colorado. Her photography and art are the result of the need to explore remarkable and depleting natural places, narrate a vision through imagery, and to share her unique and personal point of view. She is an adventure-seeker with an insatiably nomadic soul and experienced world traveler who has ventured into far reaches of the earth seizing exceptional moments.

    In 2019, Shanda transitioned from a successful 25-year career in the United States Air Force into entrepreneurship to fulfill her passion for photography. She published her first photography book, The Beauty of Durango and holds a Master of Arts degree in photography through the Academy of Art University.

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  • A woman with brown hair wearing a pink shirt, smiling, outdoors with trees in the background.

    Martha Montiel

    Martha is a nature and landscape photographer born and raised in Mexico City and now based in Colorado.

    Martha’s fascination with photography began at an early age. As an adult, it became a way to share the beauty and wonder of the natural world. With a background in art and graphic design, her passion for photography deepened during a formative black and white film course, where she learned to develop her own images and discovered the creative process behind the lens.

    Photography continues to fuel her love of the outdoors, her sense of adventure, and her desire to connect with both people and with the natural world. Through her work, she hopes to inspire people to appreciate, conserve, and protect our planet.

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