Hi, I’m Carlee.
I am a storyteller working to get people in touch with nature and recognize their place in the web of life. I’m a Nebraska girl through and through, yet I value exploring deep into this state, throughout the United States, and even abroad so I can build stronger connections between the people, wildlife and places that I experience. I understand that research and conservation work in natural resources is important to coexist on the planet, and I believe that the power of photography and storytelling is paramount to reach people and share the glory of what we have and why we couldn’t stand to lose it.
I’m trained in wildlife biology and journalism: I earned duel degrees in fisheries & wildlife conservation biology and journalism, with additional minors in mathematics, biology and environmental studies. I also recently earned my Master of Applied Science degree in May of 2023.
Science was what I first pursued in school, but I couldn’t shake the artistic influence I’ve carried since childhood. My parents met playing in a band in the 80s and today are a kindergarten teacher and landscape designer/ artist. The generations before them were ranchers and farmers. And I’m a big bundle of all of it.
Photography was a hobby started as a child growing up around colorful wildlife and a farm full of ducks, goats, horses, rabbits, barn cats and dogs. That hobby manifested into a small self-started client photography business in 2015, and today I work with universities, landowners and private contractors as a professional media producer with photography, video and writing. I’ve been unbelievably lucky to have worked with some accomplished and inspirational photography mentors over the years and know I’ve found my path. Conservation photography is where I find my purposeful work.
I have also had the great pleasure to document life of incredible people. I have a photojournalistic approach to family sessions, senior shoots and wedding days alike– seeking and capturing moments, candid feelings and multiple perspectives of what I am witnessing.
I love carrots, I love Creedence Clearwater Revival, and I love the tiny shadows leaves make on each other on sunny days.
*Based in the Midwest and Front Range.
