About the photographer

Photographer Jenny Casad in Joshua Tree National Park during sunset standing on jumbo rocks

Hi, I’m Jenny Casad — landscape photographer, desert wanderer, and the storyteller behind Wilderness Wanderer Captures.


I grew up in the flatlands of the Midwest, where the only mountains I saw were in books or on postcards. That early sense of wonder never left me. Years later, I found myself drawn west—landing in Fruita, Colorado, where I now live surrounded by red rocks, winding trails, and dark skies that beg to be photographed.


I’ve been photographing for over 20 years, often just for fun while out on hikes or road trips. I never thought much of it until a few persistent voices in my life convinced me to take it more seriously. In 2024, I began capturing the Milky Way—and everything changed. That first successful shot of the stars over the Colorado National Monument felt like magic. It turns out others agreed: that very image is set to be the cover of the 2026 CNMA calendar. My journey has only just begun, but I’m fueled by curiosity, creative freedom, and a deep love for the landscapes that have shaped me.

 

Photographer Jenny Casad at The Wave in southwestern Utah/Page Arizona

I’m an explorer at heart — and my camera always comes along for the ride.


If I had to sum up my life in a few words, it would be this: always exploring. Whether I’m winding through desert canyons, gazing at alpine peaks, or riding a motorcycle into the sunset, I feel most alive when I’m out in nature—with a camera slung over my shoulder and dust on my boots.


Living on the western slope of Colorado, in the vibrant town of Fruita, has been a dream I didn’t even know I had. Here, the trails are endless, the scenery never stops, and adventure is part of daily life. My wife, Kali, and I take full advantage of it all—whether it's rappelling through new canyons or packing up our camper van, Ophelia, to disappear into the desert for a few days. On our 90-day honeymoon through the Pacific Northwest, I fell head-over-heels for Glacier National Park. That trip sparked a deeper desire to not just explore, but to capture these places and moments in a way that lets others feel them too.


My photography is centered on landscapes and quiet details—those moments where wild beauty takes your breath away. I’m not in it for fame or profit. I’m in it for the love of art, and for the hope that maybe my images will stir something in others. Canyoneering has become a new chapter for us, and I can’t wait to bring my camera into places few people ever get to see—tucked-away slots, glowing sandstone, and the kind of silence that settles deep in your chest.


Wilderness Wanderer Captures is more than just a name—it’s how I live my life. I hope every photo reflects not just where I’ve been, but the deep connection I feel to these wild, wondrous places.