Kaitlyn Sturgill

I’ve always dreamed of visiting Yellowstone, something I never thought would be possible for me. To go in the snowy winter and photograph the animals in their natural state and to be able to take a snowcoach out into the wilderness would be a dream come true. The best part about that time of the year is the pristine natural beauty of the park and not many visitors; that way you can truly experience it. Nature is as close to god as you can get in this life.

I went on a beautiful road trip to Monument Valley in April ‘24 to pursue my love for native culture and photography. This trip changed my life, and honestly its trajectory. I camped/drove for 3 days out to Navajo Nation in AZ and back to CA, met inspiring new friends, photographed Diné elders, and saw the most beautiful natural monuments. We camped on top of Hunts Mesa, and spent the sunset and sunrise on cliff sides photographing the landscape. It was once in a lifetime trip I’ll never forget.

This funding would enable my dream to backpack, camp, hike, and photograph this beautiful country, and eventually a trip abroad to deepen my connection to nature and myself. I’d invest in better photography gear to enhance my ability to document and share the beauty of the outdoors with others and with people who aren’t able to experience it themselves. It’s truly my passion in life, and I would love to be able to pursue my dream of being a wildlife, landscape, and outdoor brand photographer.