Focusing primarily on a life of mountain adventure and exploration, Gabriel Mange regularly finds himself immersed in wild and scenic places. Gabriel uses photography as a venue to share some of his most intimate encounters with The Sierra Nevada. 

Raised amidst the natural wonders of the Great Lakes and vast Northern Michigan forests, Gabriel Mange grew up surrounded by a family of artists. In his youth, Gabe was encouraged to explore the wilderness and to reflect upon what he experienced through different artistic mediums. His parents provided him with many opportunities in drawing, painting, woodworking, music and other forms of self-expression. Inspired by the beauty of the natural world, he spent much of his time studying the details and recording wild splendors.

In 2004, while Mange was setting his roots into traditional-photography, his father gave him a view camera and he was hooked. After finishing his studies in the visual arts, Mange hit the ground running. Longing for the majesty of the mountains to further challenge his photographic sensitivities, he set his sights on California’s rugged wilderness John Muir called “The Range of Light.” For years he explored the peaks, passes and trails of the Sierra Nevada, enjoying the sublime beauty the range has to offer. In 2010 he backpacked and photographed for six months and covered over 1700 miles, hiking the entire length of California along The Pacific Crest Trail.

Gabriel’s career as an educator and guide began in 2008 while working as a staff photographer in Yosemite National Park. For the next four years an experienced and gifted staff of educators and guides helped him to grasp the important historical and social aspects of photography in The Sierra Nevada. As a photography guide, Mange has been able to share with park visitors brilliant moments of light at many stunning locations. Gabriel shares his knowledge and passion for nature and photography in a style that is easy to enjoy and understand for large audiences and individuals.