Meghan LaHatte

• Title: Contributor
• Email: meghanlahatte@gmail.com
• Location: Carbondale, CO
• Social Media: www.meghanlahattephotography.com, @meg.lahatte, https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-lahatte-photographer-designer-artist/

Expertise

• Topics of Expertise: Climbing, skiing, hiking, camping, backpacking, biking, lifestyle, photography, dog ownership
• Years in This Expertise: 5
• Number Of Products & Number Of Hours Expert Has Tested: 20+ product, 40+ hours

Education & Certifications

• Education: Bachelor’s in Communication Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography, Western Colorado University
• Years of Writing: 6+
• Certifications: Avalanche 1, CPR/First Aid, Federal Emergency Management Institute: Public Information Officer
• Previous Publications: Forecast Ski Magazine (Photography), Freeskier Magazine (Photography), Butter Magazine (Photography), Aspen Daily News (Graphic design)

Experience

Prior to becoming a contributor on the GearJunkie team, Meghan attended Western Colorado University where she received a B.A. in Communication Arts and a B.F.A in Studio Photography. While completing her studies, she worked as a climbing instructor and marketing professional with Wilderness Pursuits. She also led roles as the head marketing photographer for Momentum Ski Camps, a freelance action sports photographer, a sales and marketing representative for Redline Gallery, and as the captain for Western’s flagship collegiate climbing team.

Meghan’s passion for recreation goes all the way back to her childhood spent on Clark’s Hill Lake in South Carolina where she spent summer days water skiing, wakeboarding and exploring the surrounding wilderness with her family. Her infatuation of the outdoors led her to Colorado for college, where she became a tenacious climber, roller skater, and skier.

Following graduation, Meghan joined the Aspen Daily News on the production team in the Roaring Fork Valley. As a contributor for GearJunkie, she aims to provide accurate, inclusive reviews about women’s-specific clothing and gear. During her time with GJ, Meghan hopes to inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts to explore their own passions and abilities no matter their skill level.

Career Highlights

• Competed on Western Colorado University’s collegiate climbing team, where she was the team captain for three years
• Placed 2nd overall for women at the 2020 USA Collegiate Sport Climbing Competition at the Air Force Academy
• Interned with and led the marketing photography squad at Momentum Ski Camps, Canada’s premiere freestyle skiing camp, for two summers in 2018 and 2019
• Worked as a climbing instructor for Wilderness Pursuits, Western Colorado University’s student-led outdoor guiding service
• Photographed prominent freestyle skiing events such as X Games and Dew Tour
• Completed her 2019 senior thesis, Vulnerable Exposure, a photography exhibit in which she printed images of climbers onto sandstone in the darkroom

A Word from Meghan LaHatte

First and foremost, I am a lover of storytelling. Ever since I could remember, I have gravitated towards reading and witnessing captivating stories, especially related to the outdoors and nature. For this reason and others, I belong in the journalism industry whether it be as a writer, photographer or graphic designer.

Every aspect of the outdoors has an impactful story to tell. From the expansive crags of Indian Creek to the rugged mountains of Crested Butte, I have witnessed some truly powerful narratives of wonderful people and moments in the natural world. Those moments inspire me to pursue a lifelong career in this industry. I am thankful for the mentors, peers and coaches who have helped me achieve this dream.