Lucian Manthey: Colorado's Young Landscape Photographer

My name is Lucian Manthey. I am an 18-year-old nature photographer based in Denver, Colorado, a fifth-generation Coloradan, and a citizen of the Osage Nation of Oklahoma. My journey as a photographer began with camping expeditions and backpacking trips with my family and school, which ignited a love for nature and the Rocky Mountains at a young age. At 13, I picked up my mom’s digital camera and started to capture the moments of awe I had come to love.

Whether it’s the vibrant colors of a sunrise, high peaks reflecting in an alpine lake, or the Milky Way stretching across the night sky, my images reflect my love of nature above all else.

To me, photography is more than just creating beautiful images—it’s about connection, conservation, and advocacy. Our landscapes are constantly evolving, and now more than ever, they need protection. Climate change, overuse, and other environmental challenges threaten our public lands and wilderness areas. I aim to use my work to raise awareness, encourage responsible stewardship, and inspire action.

Through my photography, I wish to share the wonder of the natural world and advocate for its protection. My passion for conservation fuels everything I do, from the images I create to the business paths I pursue. I aspire to follow in the footsteps of those who have used their craft to make a difference. I want to become Colorado’s next premier nature photographer, using my camera as a voice for the landscapes that have given me so much.