Holladay photographer Andrew McLellan captures unique moments in nature through the lens of a camera, from the Onaqui mustangs who roam the west desert to the waves crashing against the rocky shores of Thunder Hole in Maine's Acadia National Park. Each frame reveals the exquisite beauty of the natural world, inviting viewers to pause and reflect.

“Hopefully, my photographs instill an appreciation and understanding of the wonder of nature,” McLellan said. “Through my photos, I want to show people how to enjoy and access nature while protecting and caring for it. It’s a fine line to walk and something I work toward.”

McLellan, known for his captivating landscape and portrait photography, has been appointed to the Holladay Arts Council. In recognition of his exceptional artistic talent and innovative approach to photography, the council has also selected him for the Holladay Artist of the Month for January 2026.

McLellan discovered his passion for photography by chance. While he was just a few credits short of graduating in English Literature and a minor in Sociology from the University of Redlands, he decided to enroll in a black-and-white film class—and he ended up loving it.

“After I graduated from college, photography became a hobby for a couple of years and then fell off,” McLellan said. "I then began working in marketing and spent about 15 years at a marketing agency. After that, I transitioned into management, where I managed teams, which eventually led me to start my own consulting business over the past few years."

About three years ago, McLellan’s life changed dramatically, rekindling his passion for photography.

“When my son was born, I thought it would be nice to get a camera and begin documenting this little guy’s life,” said McLellan. “My wife and I do a ton of hiking in national parks and really enjoy the outdoors. I bought a camera and ended up taking it on hikes and having a lot of fun. Soon, several people began telling me they would like to buy my photos.”

McLellan and his wife have an exciting goal: they plan to visit every national park in the United States. So far, they have ventured into 38 parks, while their 3-year-old son has already visited 12. Most of McLellan's photo shoots take place in Utah, particularly in iconic locations such as Little Cottonwood Canyon, Antelope Island, the west desert and the five national parks in southern Utah, collectively known as the Mighty Five.

Great Basin National Park, centered around Wheeler Peak—Nevada's second-tallest mountain—is one of McLellan’s favorite destinations. The park is known for the Lehman Caves, which contain unique caverns filled with stalactites, stalagmites, helictites and flowstone.

McLellan remarked, “The wooded areas in the Great Basin were a beautiful surprise, and the caves just blew my mind. Glacier, Bryce, Grand Teton, and Joshua Tree National Parks are also among our favorite destinations, offering numerous opportunities to capture unique photos.”

Utah is home to one of America's most famous herds of wild horses the Onaqui, named after the Onaqui Mountains. This herd is located near Dugway, Utah, which is about 90 minutes from Salt Lake City. 

“One of my favorite photos that I’ve taken is of wild mustangs near Simpson Springs,” McLellan said. “The horses are easy to observe and exciting to photograph.”

McLellan is also a portrait photographer and enjoys photographing people, whether it’s in his home studio or a local rental space.

How does McLellan define success as an artist?

“I was participating in an art fair down in southern Utah when I witnessed a woman tear up while admiring the exquisite beauty of a photograph. There is nothing more rewarding for an artist than evoking such an emotional response—one filled with surprise and wonder.”

Figuring out more ways to bring art to the Holladay community is a goal of McLellan’s as a new Holladay Arts Council board member. 

“I hope to do some teaching while on the Arts Council, whether it’s in the community or in the aging learning community,” said McLellan. “I love teaching, although I have never taught photography before. I’m hoping to teach basic photography skills, including composition and proper camera use. Many photography classes focus on important technical aspects, but photography is also an art form. Learning to combine the technical and creative elements is essential—the photo then has meaning.”

His works will be on view at Holladay City Hall through January. For more information about McLellan's photography, visit his website: www.admphoto.co/.