Conservation Photographer & Filmmaker
Stories rooted in the Great Plains and American West
About Mariah
Mariah Lundgren is a conservation photographer and filmmaker who has spent the past decade telling stories across the Great Plains and American West. She is the project manager and a producer for Platte Basin Timelapse, where she works with scientists to turn research into impactful stories about wildlife, water, and working landscapes. Her films have aired on PBS and screened at film festivals across North America. She is a graduate of the University of Nebraska’s School of Natural Resources, an Associate Fellow with the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP), and on faculty with Summit Workshops.
Born and raised in Nebraska, she now calls Colorado home and spends her free time snowboarding, prairie running, mountain scrambling, and backyard farming with her husband, two cats, and five chickens.
“Conservation photography is defined less by the style of photography and more by how you use it. In short, conservation photography uses compelling images to tell a story, spark empathy, and drive action to protect our planet.” –iLCP
Jack of all Trades
Over the years, I’ve worn many hats, from photographer and filmmaker to producer, project manager, writer, drone pilot, and more. I’ve always believed in building a diverse toolbox because the more skills someone has to draw from, the better equipped they are to tell an impactful story.
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Photography was my first love and always will be. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been drawn to the art of photography. Today I use my camera and the images I make to inspire others to care for our natural world.
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I started my cinematography journey shortly after college and found it to be another form of artistic expression and storytelling that I love deeply. Over the years, I’ve become skilled with Sony and Nikon camera systems, wildlife blind work, interviews, and filming in remote and challenging environments. As a wise person once told me, “Bad weather makes good pictures.”
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For over 8 years I have been the project manager for Platte Basin Timelapse. In this role, I keep many pieces moving, from managing projects, budgets, schedules, and partnerships to coordinating our team and field logistics. It’s a role I have grown to love and one that feels natural to me.
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Over the years, I’ve become a seasoned producer, working on everything from small projects to larger, more complex films. I enjoy being part of the entire storytelling process, from an early idea through production to post… working with a team to shape the narrative and to bring the story to life.
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I’ve been a licensed drone pilot since 2018 and LOVE the unique perspective it brings to storytelling. I’m especially skilled at filming wildlife and always make sure the animal's well-being is the top priority.
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I’ve edited over a dozen short films, and it’s one of my favorite roles because I personally believe that’s where the creative magic happens. I love bringing all the pieces together, shaping the narrative and pacing, and watching a story come to life.
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Teaching and mentoring have become an important part of my work. I love sharing what I’ve learned over the years to help train the next generation of conservation storytellers.
Films
Mariah’s award-winning conservation films have been featured on PBS, at film festivals across North America, at public and private screenings, and in the classroom.
Featured Projects
Photography
Get in Touch
Mariah is available for freelance collaborations, licensing images and videos, and general inquiries. Let’s work together!