Michael DeYoung is a Taos, New Mexico based adventure, lifestyle and landscape photographer, wilderness traveller and workshop leader shooting professionally for 25 years.

In his own words:

In a nutshell this is my evolution: hyperactive kid stuck in the Florida swamp, Eagle Scout, Air Force meteorologist, self-taught pro photographer living the mountain lifestyle.

I like clean, graphic and colorful imagery with lots of soothing space. Melding meteorology with photography allows me to fully understand how and when to capture the best light.

Here is what other creative pros I’ve worked with say.

“Understands how to make a scenic shot inspirational.”
“Michael shoots like he’s part of this adventure club.”
“Connects well with models.”
“Every subject looks like they live for whatever they’re doing in the picture.”
“I was immediately drawn to the high energy, bright + personable nature of Michael's work.”

Most importantly, I love collaboration and teamwork with other creatives, talent and clients alike. I also enjoy sharing my passion and knowledge with like minded evolving photographers.

Alaska was home for 18 years and we continue to go every year since 1988. We’ve traveled state wide and year round on assignment and our own backcountry adventures where all of our bear encounters have been positive. Not so with insects. Damn them! I’ve endured thousands of mosquito bites and a dozen or so bee and wasp stings. Bugs and all, Alaska is still the most awesome place ever.

Headquarters is now a sustainable home/office in Northern New Mexico that generates all of its own power, water and most of its heat in winter. It all works great. Guess you can say we’ve gone green with no real sacrifices of modern life and technology. We are not special and wish more people would do this.

Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, the Annapurna Circuit and Rafting the Grand Canyon (again) are on the bucket list. Laying on the beach “relaxing” is not. I grew up with that. We humans were designed to move and that’s what we will keep trying to do.

I never liked coffee. I haven’t worked for peanuts. I will, however, work for dark chocolate, 90% preferably.

Our world is the outdoors and we like it all: desert, mountain, forest and water. Not all of our pursuits are helmet sports or extended remote expeditions. We like the mellow day trips too. As long as it involves adventure then it’s all good.

Bottom line is: if it’s outside, we’re in!