Raised in Gilbert, Arizona, when it was still a rural, agricultural town, Ellen spent her childhood riding her horse, Oaty, through the Sonoran Desert. She discovered her passion for photography in high school and has been an avid photographer ever since. In 2018, she swapped horse life for rock climbing, traveling around the world in search of excellent climbing and honing her action photography expertise. 

At Northern Arizona University, a pivotal friendship with a forestry student opened Ellen’s eyes to the wonders of nature, sparking a lifelong commitment to conservation. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies at NAU, a job working at a desert plants nursery in Apache Junction, Arizona, expanded her curiosity about native plants, and a chance encounter with a photographer who became her mentor transformed her photography from a hobby into a calling. 

Since 2021, she has worked as a photography Expedition Leader across the Southwest and as a river guide on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, helping travelers master both technical and creative aspects of photography while deepening their connection to nature.

A dedicated adventurer, Ellen has traveled extensively across the U.S. and internationally, with recent trips to Japan and Big Cypress Bayou in Texas. When she’s not guiding, she enjoys paddleboarding, rock climbing, and mountain biking. She and her dog, Olive, spend as much time outdoors as possible, always seeking the next shot.