Seth Hamel - Owner, guide, instructor and explorer

Potter Hamel - My fantastic English Shepherd, Enlighten Photography mascot

Hello, My name is Seth Hamel and I'm a professional landscape photographer, but my journey into photography started in the world of rock climbing. Capturing climbers in motion, suspended high above the ground, ignited my passion for photography. Over time, my lens began to widen, and I started capturing other outdoor adventure sports. But as I spent more and more time in nature, I began to feel a deeper connection to the landscapes themselves—the mountains, the deserts, the forests—and it wasn't long before my focus shifted toward nature photography.

For me, photography is more than just a passion and an activity that brings me joy; it's a way to connect with the world around me. Being outdoors, immersing myself in the beauty and solitude of nature, reminds me of our shared human existence and our place in this vast, interconnected world. Through my work, I strive to help people connect with the natural world in a way that is both profound and personal.

In addition to my own photography, I’m passionate about teaching nature photography. I’ve been teaching and guiding photography full-time for over a decade, and I love helping others discover the joys of capturing the beauty of the world through their own eyes. Watching students grow in their skills and confidence, and seeing their excitement when they capture an image that they feel proud of, is the most deeply rewarding part of the job. To me, it's not just about the photos—it's about helping others engage with nature, and in doing so, better understand themselves and their place in the world.

Learning about others and their stories is a big part of what drives me. Whether it's through teaching or simply meeting new people on a trail, every encounter deepens my appreciation for the diversity of the human experience. Nature, after all, connects us all—no matter where we come from or where we're going.

Here are a few other things that you may find interesting:

• I moved to Utah from my home state of New Hampshire 15 years ago to pursue Utah’s world class rock climbing opportunities

• My first line of work in photography was in ski photography

• I’ve been living off-grid for the past 5 years. I live in a yurt near Zion National Park in the winter then move up into the mountains in a geodome during the warmer months of the year.

• Southern Utah is my favorite place in the world

• Photography is only one of many passions. Here are a few of the other ones:

  
  

  • Gardening

  • Exploring

  • Fishing

  • Rock climbing

  • Music

  • Motorcycle riding

  • Snowboarding

  • Packrafting