Meet Samantha Ferrone

We were lucky to catch up with Samantha Ferrone recently and have shared our conversation below.

Samantha, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience has been a defining thread throughout my life, woven from a series of challenges that have shaped me into the person I am today. From the very start, I wasn’t expected to survive past the age of two due to a congenital heart condition—but I defied the odds. I didn’t merely survive; I thrived, embracing life with unwavering determination and a drive to overcome every obstacle in my path.

At 18, I took the bold step of moving out on my own, determined to forge a life that reflected my values and ambitions. The experience was both exhilarating and daunting, yet it instilled in me a profound sense of independence and resilience. These qualities would prove invaluable when I later encountered two corporate layoffs, one occurring just after I had purchased my first home. The emotional and financial uncertainty that followed was overwhelming, but instead of letting it defeat me, I used it as an opportunity to reevaluate my future and take charge of my own destiny.

Earning my bachelor’s degree took over 10 years—a journey marked by health challenges and the evolution of my professional path—but I did it. The road was long, and at times, it felt insurmountable, yet I emerged victorious. It taught me that success isn’t always linear, and the most meaningful accomplishments often require time and perseverance.

As I continued to grow, I exceeded expectations. By the age of 23, and while I was pursuing my bachelor’s as I have mentioned, I had ascended to the position of corporate human resources manager, a role that many would have considered improbable for me. This chapter reinforced the importance of hard work, adaptability, and self-belief. It instilled in me the understanding that success is not defined by immediate results but by the ability to stay the course.

Later, I transitioned into entrepreneurship with my own copy editing business, which further evolved into my true passion: photography. From an early age, I was captivated by the power of storytelling through images, something that resonated with me more deeply than words ever could. While copy editing allowed me to revise and edit narratives through text, it was photography that gave me the ability to convey stories visually, capturing emotions and moments in a way that words alone simply couldn’t. Though it seemed like a distant dream as I originally pursued traditional paths in the corporate realm, I never relinquished that vision. Even when others expressed doubt, I followed my instincts and transformed photography into a thriving profession. That leap was a testament to the transformative power of self-belief and the courage to pursue one’s true calling.

Rather than letting life’s setbacks define me, I used them as stepping stones to build something meaningful: my own photography business. The journey was neither swift nor easy, requiring countless hours, introspection, and a willingness to grow. What sustained me through it all was the conviction that my story was not shaped by hardship but by how I overcame it.

The resilience of nature continues to inspire me in my work today. Whether it’s the fortitude of landscapes shaped by time or the strength of wildlife, nature teaches me that beauty often emerges from struggle. This connection to the natural world mirrors my own journey, reinforcing the belief that growth, transformation, and purpose can arise from the most challenging of circumstances.

At the heart of my resilience lies the unwavering support of my family and friends. Their belief in me has been a constant source of strength, proving that resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about growing, thriving, and finding meaning through adversity. Their love and support have propelled me forward, reminding me that resilience is not only about enduring; it is the quiet, persistent force that pushes us to new heights, even when the road is uncertain.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

What excites me most about my work as a wildlife and landscape photographer is the opportunity to share nature’s most fleeting, unforgettable moments with the world. Based currently in beautiful Colorado, I’ve been fortunate to witness extraordinary sights—from an elk bugling in the crisp morning air, to an owl ruffling its feathers on a quiet perch, to spinner dolphins leaping above the waves during my travels. Each sunrise over the Rocky Mountains, painted in golden light, fills me with awe.

Photography is more than just a profession for me—it’s a passion and a true joy. It’s about capturing the emotion I feel in the wild and sharing that with others. When someone smiles or feels a connection to one of my photos, it warms my heart. Knowing they’ve tapped into the same sense of wonder I experienced in that moment makes every effort worthwhile.

I’m also deeply committed to wildlife conservation, and I use my work to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the natural world. Supporting conservation efforts through photography is an honor and a responsibility I hold close to my heart.

My work is a reflection of my deep resonance with nature, where each image serves as a testament to the incredible moments I’ve been fortunate to witness. It’s my hope that these photographs ignite a sense of adventure, curiosity, and a fierce love for the wild in everyone who sees them.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, these three qualities have had the most impact along my journey:

First, grit. It’s been the driving force behind so many of my achievements, from earning my degree over a decade despite health and career challenges to building my photography business. Grit has taught me to persevere through tough times, handle constructive criticism with grace, and face rejection head-on. Rejection isn’t easy, but it’s often where the most growth happens—it’s a chance to learn, refine, and try again. Grit is about staying focused on what matters and not letting doubts—whether they’re from others or yourself—derail your path.

Second, curiosity. My love for wildlife and nature stems from an insatiable need to explore, learn, and experience the world around me. Whether I’m behind the lens or diving into a new adventure, curiosity keeps me engaged and constantly seeking new ways to grow. It’s also about remaining open—open to new perspectives, experiences, and even challenges that push you out of your comfort zone. Curiosity has taught me that accepting help from others isn’t a sign of weakness but a powerful way to learn and evolve. Some of my most valuable lessons have come from being willing to listen, collaborate, and embrace the wisdom others have shared with me.

Lastly, humor. I can’t overstate how important it is to stay grounded and not take everything so seriously. Humor has been my anchor, helping me navigate challenges with perspective and reminding me to enjoy the journey, no matter how messy life may get. It’s about being able to laugh at yourself when things don’t go as planned and finding joy, even in the small, imperfect moments. Humor has a way of lightening the load and helping you connect with others. No matter how tough a day might be, there’s always a reason to laugh if you’re open to looking for it—and that laughter can make all the difference.

For anyone just starting out, I’d encourage you to give yourself grace and focus on developing these qualities one step at a time.

For grit, remind yourself that progress doesn’t have to be fast—it just has to be steady. Set small, meaningful goals, and celebrate each step forward. Learn to see constructive criticism as a gift rather than something to fear; it can guide you toward growth. Rejection and challenges are inevitable, but they’re not the end of the story—they’re opportunities to learn, adjust, and come back stronger. And while it’s important to stay focused, don’t let the doubts of others—or even your own inner critic—distract you from what you’re capable of.

For curiosity, stay open to new opportunities, even ones that might seem a little scary or unfamiliar. Ask questions, try new things, and don’t be afraid to lean on others. Accepting help isn’t a weakness; it’s one of the best ways to learn and progress. The world is full of amazing people and experiences that can teach you more than you ever imagined, as long as you remain open to them.

When it comes to humor, give yourself permission to find lightness, even in tough situations. A sense of humor can be a powerful tool for staying grounded and connected to the joy in life. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh and help you keep things in perspective.

You don’t have to have everything figured out right away. Every step you take is part of your unique journey. Be patient with yourself and know that the effort you put in now will make the path ahead so much richer.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

In my field, I’m always looking to connect with others who share a deep passion for capturing the beauty of the natural world. Collaborating with talented photographers, filmmakers, and storytellers—whether they’re part of renowned organizations like National Geographic or the BBC, or pursuing their own unique journeys—energizes and inspires me.

If you share this passion and are interested in exploring opportunities to collaborate, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me through my website, www.wildbeyondphotos.com, or via social media. It would be wonderful to work with you!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wildbeyondphotos.com
• Instagram: wildbeyondphotography
• Facebook: Wild & Beyond Photography
• Linkedin: samantharferrone
• Twitter: wildbeyondphoto