Whether he is photographing a whitewater adventure or leading a group hike, Alex Kim’s work is all about uplifting individuals and fostering community empowerment outdoors.
As a photographer, Alex is always on the lookout for moments of connection between his subjects and the natural world. In his role as the founder and director of Here Montana, Alex creates those opportunities for the BIPOC community in western Montana to connect with each other and the world around them through climbing, skiing, fly fishing, backpacking, and more.
When did your love for the outdoors begin?
My love for the outdoors began with some of my earliest memories in life. I can remember playing in the dirt was so much more fun than being inside.
How did you get into photography?
When I was younger my uncle saw that I had an interest in taking photos (I think I was using an old flip phone for photos!). He was a photographer, so he passed down his old camera and launched me into a life passion. I really got into photography during college where I studied photojournalism.
Here Montana outing on the Yeehaw River. Photo by Alex Kim
How do you pick your subjects?
For me, it is about connecting to people and their experiences through the lens. I especially enjoy photographing individuals recreating on rivers or mountains because I can capture genuine moments of reconnection to the natural world.
It’s an honor to be with people who invite me to photograph them in these settings, as I see it not just as taking a picture, but as documenting someone’s relationship with a place. The process feels incredibly intimate for everyone involved.
Because of this closeness and the importance of building these connections, I believe it’s essential to represent all people. As humans, we learn from each other, and photography is a powerful way to share and grow together.
What inspired you to start Here Montana?
I was inspired to start Here Montana from a personal need I experienced: as a person of color who moved to western Montana with a sense of adventure and a desire to connect with nature, I faced more challenges than I expected. Finding community, learning new skills, and building confidence, along with a sense of morals and ethics, wasn’t easy. I realized that there was an opportunity to create a program that could offer those things, and that's how Here Montana was born—to help other people in the BIPOC community find themselves in nature.
Hikers enjoying the Great Burn Proposed Wilderness, which encompasses nearly 250,000 acres of the Lolo and Clearwater National Forests in western Montana. Photo by Alex Kim
What National Forests has Here Montana visited?
At Here Montana, we’re fortunate to spend time in the beautiful Bitterroot, Flathead, and Lolo National Forests. What makes these forests so special for the communities we serve is how easily accessible they are—some are just a half-hour drive away. I believe that connecting people with these incredible places close to home helps foster a strong sense of community, identity, and adventure.
"We believe that connecting people with these incredible places close to home helps foster a strong sense of community, identity, and adventure."
What is a favorite memory from a Here Montana trip?
My favorite memory from a Here Montana trip is one that I am grateful repeats itself with new people every year – it is seeing people's faces light up when we get to our campsites. For some, it’s their first campsite; for others, it’s one of many. But the shared joy we all feel when we arrive safely at our temporary home—one we collectively create after a long day of hard work—is something truly special. It’s a moment that brings a smile to everyone’s face on every adventure.
What advice would you give to someone new to the outdoors?
Don’t let what you don’t know stop you! Be curious, learn, and get after it!
Follow Alex Kim on Instagram @atkpics and learn more about Here Montana at heremontana.org.
Cover photo by Alex Kim
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