Madison Montero grew up on Leonard Creek Ranch, located about 90 miles north of Winnemucca, NV. The ranch recently celebrated its 103rd anniversary. As a fourth-generation rancher, she is deeply rooted in the beautiful high desert landscape of Nevada. From a young age, Madison developed a love for capturing the hardworking men, women, and horses around her, as well as the wild animals and breathtaking landscapes that made her home so unique.

After completing her studies, she discovered a passion for travel, volunteering around the world. She worked with animals, guided horseback safaris, and documented every experience through the lens of her camera. A few of her favorite destinations are New Zealand, Tanzania, Scotland, and Vietnam.

In 2020, Madison became a wildland firefighter, dedicating her summers to defending the public lands she holds dear. She made history as the first female sawyer on her crew, the "Black Mountain Hotshots," and spent six months each year fighting some of the largest and most devastating wildfires in U.S. history. Her early 20s were spent sleeping under the stars, cutting miles of fireline, hiking through rough terrain, sucking smoke, and going weeks without showers. Through it all, she continued to travel and hone her photography skills during the off-season.

In 2024, Madison married the love of her life at the family ranch. Her husband, Wilem, is a professional big wave surfer, so began a new adventure into surf photography. As a team, they travel the world, documenting their journey along the way. Now retired from firefighting, Madison works as an outdoor guide for Backcountry Journeys. In her free time, Madison is an avid reader, a Lord of the Rings super fan, a gardener, hiker, and runner. Most of all she cherishes spending time at the ranch with her sisters and cousins.