Elliot Ross: Where Landscape, Justice, and Storytelling Meet

Elliot Ross is a photographer and writer whose work focuses on the intersection of landscape, identity, and justice in the American West. His images have appeared in Time, National Geographic, and The New York Times, and he’s known for deeply researched, long-term projects that combine striking visual storytelling with a journalist’s rigor. Whether he's documenting water access on the Navajo Nation or tracing the contours of Glen Canyon as it reemerges, Elliot brings a rare mix of artistry, empathy, and precision to every assignment. Born in Taiwan and raised on the eastern plains of Colorado, Elliot grew up between cultures and landscapes—an experience that shaped both his worldview and his creative path. He picked up a camera early, inspired by his grandmother’s family albums, and later earned a full-ride to the Savannah College of Art and Design. After college, he cut his teeth in New York City, assisting some of the most high-profile portrait and fashion photographers in the industry. All the while, he was quietly dreaming about building a career on his own terms—one rooted in storytelling, purpose, and the landscapes he still called home. In this episode, we talk about the early experiences that shaped his artistic voice, the evolution of his career, and how he’s learned to navigate the demands of both commercial and documentary work. Elliot shares the backstory of his recent Time magazine cover story on water equity in the West, a project that involved years of reporting, deep community ties, and even a return to the classroom. We also discuss his thoughts on creative endurance, working across political divides, and the role of photography in fostering empathy and connection. I’d encourage you to visit Elliot’s website and dig deeper into all of his work, especially his project A Question of Balance, which became the Time magazine feature. You can find links to everything in the episode notes. Thanks to Elliot for the inspiring and timely conversation, and thank you for listening. --- Elliot Ross Time magazine pieceA Question of BalanceFull episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/elliot-ross/ --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Mighty Arrow Family Foundation. To whom much is given, much is expected. This value guides the philosophy behind the Mighty Arrow Family Foundation today. Committed to its cause and infused with an entrepreneurial spirit, Mighty Arrow aims to invest in solutions that take action on climate change to build a more vibrant future, repair relationships from farm to market to table, heal our connection to the lands and waters we call home, and demand a more just and equitable society. To learn more about Mighty Arrow’s forward-thinking, optimistic, and visionary work here in the American West and beyond, please visit www.mightyarrow.org. --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 3:05 – Elliot growing up in Taipei and how his parents met6:00 – Few but vivid memories of Taipei7:09 – The culture shock of moving to eastern Colorado8:25 – How photography came into Elliot’s life10:29 – Reading influences13:16 – Travel bug16:22 – Savannah College of Art and Design18:07 – Parental pressure19:49 – Credit to high school art teachers20:54 – Figuring out photography27:47 – No wavering29:54 – Moving into independent business33:29 – Pitching Carhartt37:03 – Nat Geo ups and downs42:10 – Near-death experiences45:44 – Approaching long-term projects49:35 – Pulling on threads51:45 – Humans and landscapes56:35 – Curiosity as the most authentic de-escalator58:05 – Writing and shooting and doing it all1:02:45 – Response to the Time story1:07:35 – A tale of two places1:13:45 – Using water in the West1:16:35 – The Desiderata creed1:17:05 – Book recs1:23:05 – Parting words --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All EpisodesMountain & Prairie ShopMountain & Prairie on InstagramUpcoming EventsAbout Ed RobersonSupport Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts