Wake Up to Adventure™
Where Wild Places and Purpose Meet
Through his company Wake Up to Adventure, Lee Andelson leads immersive wildlife photography tours that go far beyond taking beautiful pictures—they’re about slowing down, paying attention, and rediscovering what it means to connect with the natural world.
Each tour is rooted in Lee’s deep belief that the wilderness still has the power to inspire, teach, and heal—if we’re willing to be present. In an age where speed and distraction dominate our lives, Lee invites his guests to pause, to read the light, to embrace the stillness between frames, and to experience what it’s like to wait—sometimes for hours—for one perfect moment. A moment where patience, intuition, and technology come together to capture something truly unforgettable.
These adventures aren’t just for seasoned photographers. Lee is deeply committed to making nature and photography accessible to younger generations, especially in a world where both are too often out of reach. Through charitable contributions and outreach, Wake Up to Adventure supports programs that help get youth outdoors—teaching them the fundamentals of photography, storytelling, and how to see the world with fresh, curious eyes.
For Lee, building Wake Up to Adventure is about more than just growing a brand—it’s about building a movement. One that empowers people to reconnect with nature, sharpen their artistic vision, and carry those values home with them. Because in a world that's changing fast, learning to slow down and truly see has never been more important.
““Wake Up to Adventure is more than a brand. It’s a call to be present, to explore deeply, and to take the time to truly see the world around us.””
About Lee Andelson
Wildlife Photographer. Wedding Artist. Visual Storyteller. Nature Guide.
Lee Andelson is a published wildlife and fine art wedding photographer based between Bend, Oregon, and the San Juan Islands of Washington. His award-winning work is displayed throughout the Pacific Northwest—in boutique hotels, restaurants, storefronts, and private homes—and reflects a lifelong dedication to capturing wild beauty and meaningful moments.
With over a decade behind the lens, Lee began his career in Southern California, founding Your Moment In Lights to document weddings and portraits. But it was during long solo trips into remote wilderness—often hiking for days, camping off-grid, and photographing places few people ever reach—that his vision as a fine art photographer was truly forged.
Today, Lee leads wildlife photography tours and workshops throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. These immersive experiences are designed not just to get you close to nature’s most incredible animals—like orcas, eagles, and foxes—but to teach you how to capture those moments with intention, skill, and story. His tours go far beyond technique; they’re about developing your ability to see and connect with the wild in a deeper way.
As a photography educator and guide, Lee is known for his thoughtful, hands-on approach. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, he meets you where you are, helping you grow through practical insight and artistic mentorship. His goal is to empower others not only to create stunning images—but to build a lasting relationship with the natural world.
While Lee’s photography has taken him to rugged coastlines and backcountry peaks, his most important adventure is raising a family. He and his wife Jamie are raising their two young sons with a deep reverence for nature, and getting them outside is one of his highest priorities. Whether it’s snowshoeing through Oregon’s forests or watching whales breach off the bow in the Salish Sea, Lee believes that wild spaces are essential to family life, and strives to instill that same wonder in his children.
Back home in Bend, Lee continues to work as a full-time wedding photographer, crafting heartfelt, personalized galleries for adventurous couples. The beauty of Central Oregon’s high desert—its dramatic skies, rocky ridgelines, and golden light—offers a stunning canvas for love stories that deserve something more than ordinary.
When he’s not behind the camera, you’ll find Lee camping, snowboarding, and exploring the wilderness with Jamie, their sons and two Shiba Inu pups—always searching for new light, fresh trails, and moments that deserve to be remembered.
Featured Work
Recognized. Published. Broadcast.
Lee Andelson’s photography and videography have been featured across a wide range of respected platforms, from regional publications to national broadcast outlets. His unique ability to capture authentic, emotionally resonant moments—whether in the wild or at a wedding—has earned him recognition throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Magazines & Editorials:
Lee’s wildlife and landscape images have appeared in several Seattle-based magazines and outdoor lifestyle publications, celebrating the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the stories of those who explore it. His work often accompanies feature articles on conservation, travel, and adventure.Galleries & Fine Art Spaces:
Lee’s fine art prints have been showcased in galleries across Washington and Oregon, where his limited-edition pieces offer viewers a window into the remote, untamed corners of the natural world. His gallery work is known for its rich storytelling, meticulous composition, and emotional depth.Broadcast & TV:
His cinematic wildlife video work has been used in television segments, promotional campaigns, and conservation-focused documentaries, helping to bring the magic of the Pacific Northwest’s marine and forest ecosystems to a broader audience. Lee’s footage has contributed to educational and environmental storytelling on regional broadcast networks.Commercial & Brand Use:
Lee’s imagery has also been featured in commercial campaigns, websites, and print ads for businesses and organizations that align with his values of adventure, sustainability, and authenticity. His clients value his eye for composition and his ability to capture both human connection and wild landscapes with impact.
From the glossy pages of magazines to gallery walls, from local tourism campaigns to national TV spots, Lee’s visual work continues to inspire, inform, and connect people to the places and stories that matter most.
