About Nature Photographer Sydney Smolla
I am Sydney, a documentary storyteller blending photography, writing, video and passion driven work. My focus is on environmental stories, women’s empowerment and human connection to nature.
I work with brands and publications, educate online and in person, and sell art both online and at local markets. I also create deeply researched artistic projects that explore meaning and impact through story.
With over ten years of experience, I’m building a body of work that uses photography, video and storytelling to inspire awareness, empathy and change.
Feature with Adorama
Welcome to Durango, Colorado, where the mountains whisper stories and the scent of pine lingers in the air. In this episode of the Picture America Series (2025), we walk beside Sydney Smolla, a landscape documentary photographer whose work is a visual ode to the land she calls home. Through her eyes, we see Durango not just as a place, but as a living canvas: raw, poetic, and endlessly inspiring.
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Documentary Work
Sydney first learned documentary work photographing the Sandhill Crane Migration in Nebraska. Since then she has done creative work for Natural Resource districts in Nebraska and documentary work in Gallup, New Mexico around Navajo Nation. Sydney has a heart for nature and humanity and it shows in her work.
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Photography Education
Sydney has a passion for inspiring young women to pursue their passions. Sydney offers mentorships/lessons to female identifying students 16+ and has also taught workshops about finding your creative voice and creative storytelling to college students and community members. You can also learn from Sydney on her Youtube Channel.
More About Education Opportunities coming soon!
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Brand Photography
Sydney has worked with a range of brands, everywhere from a corporate chocolate company, to motorcycles, cars, adventure clothing, a famous folk band and Native artisans. Sydney loves working with western, outdoor, creative and unique brands.
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Creative Portraiture
Interested in a creative portrait session? Sydney’ s portrait sessions are a full experience—styled, location-scouted, and designed to capture your unique story. Sydney specializes in solo portraits, couples photography, and working with clients of all ages and backgrounds. She focuses on authentic, thoughtful compositions to create raw, natural images that feel real and intentional.
Hire Nature Photographer Sydney Smolla
Looking for photography, video or content for your brand, socials or website? Have a conservation or advocacy project you need visual storytelling for? Lets connect! Hit the contact button below.
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Sydney only works with couples and women. Prices starting at $500.00 Locally. Sydney picks location and styles sessions. Hit the contact button and lets connect!
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Have a story you want told? Prices starting at $1,500.00
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Photo prints are for sale! Check out the shop link in the menu.
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Interested in a speaker, workshop or lessons? Hit the contact button and lets connect!
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Interested in purchasing some stickers, cards or prints to sell at your shop? I would be happy to get in touch. Please view the wholesale link on my site to see what type of products I sell!
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I work with brands and companies to License my work, if you are interested, hit the contact button and let’s connect!