Off the Trail is back in 2016. A casual interview series with awesome people living their passion through the great outdoors.

Let's start out the new year with a fantastic guest. Amber Sovorsky is an outdoor lifestyle photographer based in Allenspark, Colorado. A humble mountain community within a stone's throw of Longs Peak & Rocky Mountain National Park. When she's not behind the camera (which is rare), Amber enjoys getting outside and going on new adventures.

That's the key to living your best life. Find the things in life that make you whole, and do those things.

Cheers to that, and onward with our chat:

Let’s start out with the basics. Who are you and where do you live?

I'm Amber, I'm a lover of the outdoors and photographer of good times. I live in a cabin in the woods in Allenspark, Colorado.

Who does where you live impact you?

We are super lucky to be surrounded by National Forest. I can wake up, walk out my back door, and hike for miles. It's a small community up here in Allenspark, most people live in cabins (over half the population only in the summer) and everyone shares the same love for the mountains, wildlife, and living simply. It's been a dream of mine to live on a dirt road, surrounded by wilderness where everyone waves when you drive past. I've found that here.

Do you have a favorite outdoor activity? Or is it ridiculous to just pick one?

Ha! Maybe a little ridiculous. I love walking through the wilderness for days and living with only what I can carry on my back, so I must say that hiking and backpacking takes the cake.

Were the outdoors a part of your childhood? Has that impacted who you are today?

Sure! I grew up in Pennsylvania with a group of neighbors who are still my most dear friends. We spent our days making mudslides in the creek, building snow forts, sleeping under the stars, floating down rivers, and catching (and releasing) animals in the pond. When we could drive, we often took trips to state parks and hiked our hearts out. It didn't matter the weather, we found a way to enjoy the outdoors and my love for being outside grows with each new adventure. I would not trade those memories for the world.

What do the outdoors means to you? Why are you drawn to the natural world?

Being outdoors is healing. The sun and fresh air will keep your spirits high and being surrounded by epic mountains and valleys will make you feel small.. in a good way. I'm drawn to the outdoors because there is beauty everywhere and it's exciting to recognize it.

THROUGH THE LENS

What excites you about photography? What keeps you motivated?

The study of light! My eyes never stop noticing the light and photography is a way for me to acknowledge and appreciate it. There is nothing that makes me feel more like myself than when I'm taking photos. It doesn't get boring for me because I dabble in so many different types. Most of all, I love photographing people doing what they love and those people are what keep me especially excited about the art. We all need to do more of what we love.

What is a major challenge of shooting outdoors? How do you overcome it?

The weather can be the biggest challenge. I've found it's best if you can embrace it. Rain, wind, snow, hail - I've been through it all. My best advice is to always be prepared, treat it like a challenge and get creative.. oh, and bundle up.

Lifestyle photography is best portrayed when people are in their natural spaces and being themselves. What is your go-to approach for making people feel comfortable during photo shoots and getting those authentic moments?

Being in front of the lens can be a little awkward at first (I feel it too), but everyone loosens up when they're in their element doing what they love, therefore they mostly forget about the camera. I'm known to get a little giddy when I'm shooting - squealing when I see good light or cheering people on, and that excitement definitely rubs off on others. I've also found that people immediately feel more comfortable after they take a peek at the back of my camera. They're reminded to trust me as a photographer and can see that they're doing an awesome job.

Best advice: Just focus on what you're doing, who you're with, and most importantly have fun. If you're enjoying yourself, it will shine through to the photographs.

What are you most excited about in 2016?

Traveling to Iceland in May to learn from 4 of my favorite photographers!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Your first camera? Nikon D80. I still have it and shoot with it often.

Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise!

Shoot a ton of photos or be super selective? Ouu.. happy medium.

Your spirit animal? Deer

Favorite travel destination that you've been to? Yosemite, and the entire John Muir Trail. Took my breath away for 3 weeks straight.. literally.

Favorite travel destination that you haven't been to yet? Greece

Three things you're loving right now?

1. Jalapeno / avocado / cheddar sandwiches

2. Ice skating on our secret pond

3. Slippers

To see more of Amber's work, we highly recommend her website and social feeds. Here's the links to take you there:

Website: amberl.com

Facebook: Amber L Photography

Instagram: @amberlphotography

These are a lot of fun. There are so many awesome people doing awesome things from sea to shining sea. Thanks Amber for sharing your time and talent with Off the Trail.

- Christopher

Interview completed on January 14, 2016 via email.

Off the Trail with Amber Sovorsky