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My Life Behind the Lens

  • Writer: Ella Peters
    Ella Peters
  • Feb 19
  • 3 min read

Updated: Feb 24

I grew up deep in the mountains of Southern Colorado, skiing, hiking, biking, and spending every second I could outside. My parents put me on skis when I was two, and I haven’t been off since. The mountains have always been my playground, and my love for nature has shaped every aspect of my life. Whether it’s skinning up for a sunrise shoot or chasing golden hour light on a ridge, the outdoors is where I feel most at home.


As a kid, I discovered my passion for filming by making silly videos of family trips and adventures with friends. What started as a fun hobby soon turned into something more. I began working with clients and companies, refining my skills and developing a deeper appreciation for storytelling through film.



In 2020, I earned my EMT certification from Colorado Adventure College. Spending so much time in the backcountry, I knew the importance of being prepared for emergencies. This knowledge has not only helped me stay safe on shoots but has also saved lives along the way. Whether I’m filming in remote alpine terrain or deep in the desert, my EMT background ensures I can travel safely and help others when needed.


I will graduate from Colorado State University with a degree in Natural Resource Tourism and a minor in Music, Stage, and Sports Production in May 2025. During my time at CSU, I had the incredible opportunity to help produce three documentaries with Emmy Award-winning producer John Barnhardt. I learned more than I could have ever expected while making these films, but my favorite project was An Open Door, a film on Temple Grandin. Spending time with her during the production was both inspiring and eye-opening, reinforcing my love for documentary filmmaking. While at CSU, I also had the honor of serving as President of CSU Snowriders, the largest club at the university. Leading this organization allowed me to bring together a diverse community of skiers and snowboarders, plan epic trips to some of the best mountains in the region, and foster a shared love for the outdoors. Organizing events, securing sponsorships, and ensuring smooth operations taught me invaluable leadership and teamwork skills that continue to benefit me in my career today.




My career took a major step forward when I interned with Teton Gravity Research (TGR), a dream come true for someone who has always admired Teton Gravity's work in outdoor adventure filmmaking. At TGR, I worked on stock footage, location edits, and social media content, immersing myself in the fast-paced world of action sports cinematography. I also had the opportunity to work with Weston Backcountry, capturing the essence of splitboarding and human-powered adventure. These experiences pushed my technical skills to new heights and deepened my passion for storytelling through the lens.







Now, I’ve fully embraced the freelance lifestyle, and it’s been the most rewarding journey yet. Working for myself allows me to chase the stories that truly inspire me, whether it’s documenting a backcountry ski expedition or capturing the raw emotions of a wedding day. Filming ski engagements and weddings has been a dream come true, I get to combine my love for the mountains with storytelling, creating memories that last a lifetime.


My passion for filmmaking goes beyond just capturing beautiful shots. It’s about telling authentic stories, sharing the spirit of adventure, and connecting people to the wild places I hold so close to my heart. Whether I’m following skiers down a steep couloir, filming a couple exchanging vows on a snowy peak, or producing a documentary that sheds light on important issues, my goal remains the same: to create meaningful, impactful visuals that resonate with others.


Every day, I’m grateful for the path I’ve taken, and I can’t wait to see where my camera leads me next. Here’s to more powder days, epic sunsets, and stories waiting to be told.



 
 
 

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