Meet Shanda
wife, Mother,
veteran,
adventurer,
explorer
…
LIFE IS ABOUT THE JOURNEY
And what an epic journey it is…
Shanda Akin 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 is a multi-genre photographer who specializes in nature, fine art, commercial, and real estate photography. She exhibits her work online, in galleries, and at art fairs. She teaches classes, makes presentations, and judges photography competitions all over the US. She published her first photography book, The Beauty of Durango in 2023 and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in photography through the Academy of Art University.
Appearances
I’ve been honored to make several appearances the past few months. Thank you for attending, joining in, reading, and listening along. If you missed any, you may check them out below:
Landscape Photography World Podcast: Episode 179: Empowering Outdoor Photographers through the Outdoor Photo Alliance
Pixels: Exploring the Heart and Art of Photography: What Makes Someone a Photographer?
F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Podcast: Episode 388: Empowering Women Photographers Through the Outdoor Photo Alliance
Voyage Denver, Local Stories: Meet Shanda Akin of Durango - VoyageDenver - Denver
On Landscape Magazine, Portrait of a Photographer: https://www.onlandscape.co.uk/2023/06/shanda-akin/
Wild Women in Photography Podcast, Episode 3: https://www.wildwomanphotography.com/wild-women-in-photography-podcast/
Self-Publishing a Photography Book: https://youtu.be/8QW59eY3U_M
Global Photography, Tips, Travel, and Gear: https://youtu.be/Rqcmrk82D8Q
Interview with Local First on KDUR Radio Station:
Current Gear
I do get asked a lot about what I gear I use, however I do not place a high level of importance on gear. This is my current lineup:
Camera
Lenses
Filters
Tripod
Backpack
Photography Gloves
Proud member of Nature First Photography Alliance.
We aim to preserve these places by building an alliance of responsible photographers and cultivate a community of advocates and partners to help spread the word.
Help conserve the places we love and photograph through wise use, education, outreach, community, and research.
Member of the International Dark-Sky Association
Our plan to slow the growth of light pollution and begin to reverse it.
The International Dark-Sky Association promotes win-win solutions that allow people to appreciate dark, star-filled skies while enjoying the benefits of responsible outdoor lighting.