About Us

Horizons is brought to you by the

The Outdoor Photo Alliance

Logo with five overlapping trees in orange, yellow, and purple hues above the words 'Outdoor Photo Alliance' in purple text.

Now, more than ever people are seeking out genuine connection within our craft. We realize that need, the desire for more opportunities to connect, collaborate, and grow in photography. That realization sparked the creation of Horizons Photography.

At Horizons, we create unforgettable in-person photography experiences that bring together world-reknown photographers to help you elevate your skills and ignite your creative spark.

Created by passionate photographers who understand the photography community, our events are designed to inspire, connect, and transform your photography. Our conference offers a unique, learning experience in some of the most breathtaking locations on Earth.

Whether you’re looking to master your craft, build lasting connections, or simply be inspired, Horizons delivers the creative boost your photography deserves. This is your chance to learn from the best, gain valuable feedback, and become part of a global photography community.

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Meet the Team

  • A woman standing outdoors on a cloudy day, holding a camera over her shoulder, wearing a gray shirt with a colorful circular pattern, and a green backpack.

    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 48 countries and counting.

    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 is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in photography through the Academy of Art University.

    Website
  • A woman with brown hair smiling while resting her chin on her hand outdoors with a rocky background and green trees.

    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 started at a young age. As an adult, it grew as a way to show others the beauty of our natural world. Her background and university classes were focused in art and graphic design but her love of photography was solidified after participating in a black and white photography class where she learned to develop her own film.

    Photography has continued to fuel her love of the outdoors, her sense of adventure, her love of connecting with others and a desire to inspire others to conserve and protect our planet.

    Website

"I wasn't sure what to expect with the photography conference. I went into it feeling a little overwhelmed and hesitant as an amateur and hobbyist, but I immediately felt welcomed and part of the community. I came away with so many inspiring ideas for how to improve my creative processes that I began putting into practice right away. I am already looking forward to the next one!"

Jenna

What People are Saying

“The Outdoor Photo Alliance Conference was everything I hoped it would be and more. It was inspiring and encouraging. It gave me great connections for networking, and new friends to shoot with and encourage each other on. I left with so many great ideas of how to grow as an artist, photographer, and business-woman. I am so grateful for the hard work they put in to create this conference. It was well worth the money, and time.”

Kayla

“The Outdoor Photo Alliance did a knockout job with their first conference. The vibes were wonderful; the learning inspirational; the comradery delightful. I left feeling inspired and empowered.”

Kathryn