In the world of film photography, few artists capture the serene beauty of landscapes quite like Alex Kittoe. His work spans diverse styles and locations, each image infused with dynamic, thematic elements that speak to both his technical skill and artistic vision. From snow-covered mountain peaks to intimate portraits set against natural backdrops, Kittoe's photography reveals a deep connection to the world around him and a unique perspective shaped by his journey from digital to film.
Kittoe's approach to photography is refreshingly organic. Sometimes he sets out with a specific idea to execute, but more often, he finds himself wandering aimlessly with his camera, letting his surroundings dictate his creative choices. "Shooting landscapes is very relaxing to me," he explains, "so a lot of the time I just set out with a backpack, multiple cameras, and a lot of film and just see what catches my eye."
Having moved to Colorado specifically for its mountain landscapes, Kittoe has developed a particular affinity for winter photography. "My favorite season to shoot is winter though, because snow looks so soft and dreamy – it's very fun to shoot winter landscapes after a snowstorm." The mountains provide not just stunning backdrops but also a sense of peace that permeates his work. "There is just a very serene feeling when up in the mountains that I really enjoy capturing through photography."
While Kittoe works across multiple photographic genres – from landscapes to portraits to street photography – he finds his greatest comfort in landscape work. "When I am alone with a camera in a beautiful spot, it feels like the world just stops for a second. It's a great way for me to unwind and reset," he reflects. This therapeutic quality of landscape photography allows him to tell stories about places, capturing scenes in a cinematic way that gives viewers glimpses into locations they may never visit themselves.
Interestingly, Kittoe's creative spark remains constant across different genres. Many of his portraits are essentially landscapes with people as subjects rather than objects, maintaining the same style and seeking the same elements he pursues in pure landscape work. Rather than working in controlled studio environments, he prefers capturing people in natural settings where they're comfortable and the light is already beautiful.
Kittoe's photography journey began in college with a digital camera purchased for a study abroad trip to Spain. What started as a way to document memories quickly evolved into a passion that led him to shoot for brands, musicians, and magazines. He was making significant strides in concert photography, working with notable acts like Two Friends and Big Gigantic, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought everything to a halt.
The cancellation of what would have been his biggest show yet – featuring Action Bronson and Method Man – left Kittoe feeling disconnected from his passion. "I found my passion for photography dwindling and thought that I would take it back to the basics and purchase a manual film camera," he recalls. That decision to buy a Pentax K1000 on eBay for $75, along with a few rolls of Kodak Gold 200, marked a turning point in his artistic journey.
Living in Steamboat Springs at the time provided endless opportunities for landscape photography, and the switch to film offered something his digital work had been missing. "I wasn't shooting for money, for Instagram, or for anyone's liking, I was just shooting and it was such a nice change of pace."
What truly captivated Kittoe about film photography was the process itself. The medium forced him to slow down dramatically compared to digital shooting. "I love the manual process of film and setting out on an adventure knowing I have limited shots," he explains. Where digital photography had led to hundreds or thousands of shots in a single outing, film made him more conscious of each frame before pressing the shutter.
This slower approach has resulted in better images overall. "I really take my time with compositions and exposures rather than snapping away and hoping for the best." The ability to manipulate colors with different film stocks adds another creative dimension to his work, and he's found that clients trust him to deliver quality results even when they won't see the images for a week after the shoot.
Since embracing film, Kittoe has noticed significant evolution in his work. His overall vision has improved, and he's learned to rely more on his own skills rather than depending on expensive equipment. "I now feel comfortable to capture a scene how I want, whether I am using a $4,000 camera or a $100 camera," he says.
The fact that people now pay for his work and buy his prints serves as powerful motivation to continue improving. Looking ahead, Kittoe is particularly interested in expanding his skills in nighttime photography and studio portraits, areas where he sees room for growth and creative exploration.
For Kittoe, photography serves multiple purposes beyond mere documentation. It's a form of self-expression that allows him to show others how he sees the world. "I think everyone sees things differently, and it is super fun for me to show others how I see the world," he notes. This personal perspective is what makes viewing others' work so compelling – it offers a glimpse into someone's life and worldview.
The therapeutic aspect of photography cannot be overstated in Kittoe's practice. During difficult weeks, he'll walk aimlessly around Denver with his cameras, finding that time seems to slow down when he's looking for scenes to capture. "Things that don't ordinarily stand out as beautiful start to seem a little bit more extraordinary, and I kind of forget about everything else going on in life for those couple of hours."
Perhaps most uniquely, film photography allows Kittoe to live vicariously through the past. Since he typically doesn't see his scans until a week after shooting, the delayed gratification creates an opportunity to reminisce about trips and adventures. "Sometimes, I don't fully appreciate the beauty of something I captured until I see the scans and really sit there taking it all in, re imagining myself in the scene."
Kittoe's creative process is intentionally flexible. He's learned that too much planning can lead to disappointment, so he prefers to go with the flow when shooting. While he may have ideas he wants to execute, the unpredictable nature of landscape photography – especially when traveling to new locations – means staying open to unexpected inspiration.
"I'll sometimes plan on capturing a scene from somewhere I have seen on the internet or read about and I get there and I'm inspired by something completely different," he explains. This adaptive approach has led to some of his favorite photographs, created in moments of spontaneous inspiration.
Having traveled to 31 countries and explored extensively throughout the United States, Kittoe finds that naturally beautiful, outdoorsy settings consistently bring out his best creative efforts. While each trip offers new discoveries about his work, one location holds special significance: Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
"There's definitely one location that really brings out my creative efforts and that is Steamboat Springs, Colorado," Kittoe reflects. "It's such a special place to me and it's somewhere I am always very inspired, relaxed, and happy." The area's beauty transforms with each season, making it feel like a new place with every visit. His best landscape work has emerged from his time wandering and exploring in Steamboat, where inspiration strikes naturally and frequently.
As Kittoe continues to evolve as an artist, his commitment to film photography remains strong. His work stands as a testament to the power of slowing down, of finding beauty in unexpected places, and of allowing the medium itself to guide the creative process. In a world increasingly dominated by digital immediacy, Kittoe's approach offers a refreshing reminder of the value of patience, deliberation, and the simple joy of discovering something beautiful through the viewfinder.
Whether capturing the soft, dreamy quality of fresh snow in the Colorado mountains or the intimate emotion of a portrait subject in natural light, Alex Kittoe's photography invites viewers to see the world through his eyes – and perhaps to slow down long enough to appreciate the extraordinary beauty that surrounds us all.
Explore more from Alex here: https://linktr.ee/AlexKittoe