instagram favorites

FRIDAY FEATURES, PHOTOGRAPHY
Friday Feature: Brynja Sigurdardottir
- September 13, 2019
Happy Friday! Time for another Friday Feature, showcasing a beloved member of our Instagram community. Today, we’re featuring the amazing Brynja Sigurdardottir (@alwaysfourlove), mother of four in Colorado. Brynja’s feed is filled with the dreamiest photos of her children interacting with nature and each other. You can immediately tell from her feed how strong the bond in this family is and how much fun they have and love they share. I love that she refers to her kids as “kind and incredible souls.” Her photos show simple intimate moments with such beautiful tones and textures. Here are a few of our favorite images from her feed (although it was impossible to choose) and a bit more about Brynja in her own words.

How would you describe your Instagram feed and style of photography?

I would describe my photography style and Instagram feed both as full of love. I like to keep my feed positive and loving because that’s just what our family is all about. My images show my kids in their most genuine and authentic way, with love and respect.

What is your favorite quote?

I have a lot of favorite quotes, but I truly love this one “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change” by Wayne Dyer. It’s a reminder to think positive and know that a grateful heart is a magnet for miracles.

What is your favorite outdoor memory from your childhood?

I grew up in Iceland and my favorite outdoor memory is making ” food” with whatever we found in nature and playing with my friends in the yard. We didn’t need much to keep us entertained. Plus, we didn’t get very warm summers, so we took full advantage and played outside from dusk till dawn.

Why is it important to you to raise children to love nature?

It’s so important for me to have my kids out in nature as much as possible because we are one with nature. Nature is healing for the body and spirit. I also like them to experience any weather, not just what we consider “good” weather. Being outside in nature in any weather is good for the soul.

Any upcoming trips you’re excited about?

We are planning on going to Iceland either this year or next. I’m really excited for my children to finally see my home country and experience the beautiful nature there. And to drink the fresh Iceland water! I plan on taking lots of pictures and I can’t wait to share them!

What’s in your camera bag?

Currently, I shoot with Nikon D810, I use a 50mm, 85 mm and a 105 mm. Next, I would love to get 35 mm lens. I use my 50 mm the most since it’s lightweight and easy to carry around on our adventures.

For more from Brynja,
find her online in the following locations:

Instagram: @alwaysfourlove

For more inspiration behind our favorite Instagram accounts, check out all our Friday Features.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Friday Feature: Murielle Cascone
- July 26, 2019
Every other Friday we feature a favorite member of the @runwild.mychild Instagram community and give you a little sneak peek of the inspiration and motivation behind the pretty pictures. Today, we’re featuring the absolutely amazing Murielle Cascone (@muriellecascone), a New York mom and family photographer. I’ve fallen in love with the beautiful simplicity of Murielle’s gorgeous photos. The incredible light, the pops of color, the creative focus, and all the dreamy bokeh make me swoon. Here’s a little bit more about Murielle in her own words…

Favorite place to photograph your kids?

I love water and light! Some of my favorite places to take photos are at the beach and in the pool. I also love parks with beautiful trees, a body of water and a playground for my daughter to have fun in the end.

Describe your photography style & Instagram feed

Gosh, I often think I’m all over the place. I love to shoot portraits, document my daughter’s different activities and also nature. I can have moody shots as well as happy ones, colors and black and whites. It really depends for me. I also shoot when I can, due to my very limited schedule. When I have time, I go for full-sun and golden hour. Golden hour is definitely my favorite type of light to shoot in.

What would people not realize about you from only seeing your Instagram photos?

I’m not just a photographer; I also have a full-time job that I commute to for a total of four hours a day. Mainly, I shoot for fun on weekends and post different photos from that series. I also moderate a hub, the Unraveled Academy FB group, and have a part-time photography business. And if that wasn’t enough, I’m also currently writing a photography course for Unraveled Academy and taking a federal tax class online! My life is crazy!

List three bucket list destinations you’re dying to see?
- Africa
- Hawaii
- Australia
What’s in your camera bag and what do you use most often?

My 24-70mm L f2.8, 85mm L f1.4 and Lensbaby Sol 45 lenses. I try to use all three at different points in my adventure if I can, but the 24-70mm is the most versatile lens, which allows me to also capture the sky.

How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

I think now more than ever, there’s so much information out there about anything on the internet, photography included. That is how I start with photography; googling and YouTubing things. In addition, I love taking online photography courses. I just love to learn; there’s always something new to learn in my opinion.

Lessons learned from outdoor adventures?

When adventuring with kids, always bring snacks, a potty, and take breaks. Don’t try to do too much in one day!

For more from Murielle Cascone,
find her online in the following locations:

Instagram: @muriellecascone
Website: http://www.muriellecascone.com

For more inspiration behind our favorite Instagram accounts, check out all our Friday Features.
FRIDAY FAVORITES, FRIDAY FEATURES, PHOTOGRAPHY
Friday Feature: Desirée Macke
- July 12, 2019
Every other Friday we feature a member of our Instagram community and give you an inside peek into the inspiration and motivation behind the photos. Today, we’re featuring Desirée Macke (@desireemacke), mom of 2 in Southern California. Desirée and I have been friends (online and in real life) for years and I can attest that she’s one of the most generous, hilarious, fun, encouraging and down-to-earth people I know. I’m absolutely honored to have here on our team – she’s a contributor and Instagram moderator – because she has a true passion for the outdoors and a wonderful sense of adventure. But don’t just take my word for it, here’s a little bit more about Desirée in her own words.

Favorite outdoor experience from this past year?

Recently, my husband and I took our kids (ages 7 and 3) to Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Tropic Reservoir. We hiked, played in streams complete with waterfalls, experienced the splendor of hoodoos and arches. We saw wildlife we’d never seen before, as well as wildlife that was once endangered but making a come-back. There were even deer that came within feet of our campfire while we were making s’mores. It was relaxing and thrilling and rejuvenating, all balled into one. The kids were completely in their element, never once were the words, “we’re bored” uttered. Neither kids nor parents wanted to leave when it was time to go home. It was a really fantastic trip.

Favorite outdoor activity to do with the kids?

My favorite thing to do outside with the kids is exploring the tide pools. No matter how many times we visit, or how many anemones, urchins, crabs, and sea stars we find, it’s always exciting. From marine life discoveries to digging in the sand, to tossing rocks, to simply splashing in the water, the kids love it.

Be sure to read Desirée’s post on Exploring Tide Pools with Kids. It’s fantastic!

What would people not realize about you from only seeing your Instagram photos?

Most of my feed feels very urban. I love finding art – particularly street art – and bright, vibrant colors. So, my feed mostly highlights and reflects that. However, those photos are in the minority of how we spend most of our time… outside doing outdoorsy things (like riding bikes, going swimming, hitting the hiking trails, visiting the local beaches, playing at the park). Instagram really is just the most micro snippet of our lives.

Top 3 bucket list destinations:

1) Yellowstone National Park: the geyser eruption of Old Faithful, seeing wildlife such as bison and bears in their natural habitat, the waterfalls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, the colors of Grand Prismatic Spring – oh my gosh, take me there!

2) Banff, Alberta, Canada: the hiking trails, the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, the vista point in The Valley of Ten Peaks for a view of Moraine Lake – it all looks beyond magnificent.

3) The Netherlands (can I include an entire country??). I have a lot of Dutch in me, and I would love to see from where my ancestors came. From the tulip fields to the canals to the baked goods the Dutch are known for, I would love nothing more than to experience it all.

Why is it important to you to raise your children to love nature?

It’s incredibly important to me that my kids grow up loving and respecting nature. I want my kids to want to go outside and get dirty, explore, and learn. I want them to reach for seashells and sticks instead of an electronic device. Kids should see that what we do (and what we don’t do) can greatly impact our world. I want my kids to love this planet enough to take care of it. There’s only one Earth and it’s important to me to raise kids to love it, appreciate it, and respect it.

Any upcoming travel adventures planned for this year that you’re excited about?

This summer our family is headed to Lake Ozark, MO to spend some time with family. I can’t wait to get our family out on the lake, hike some trails, and explore some caves. I foresee sun-kissed skin and very tired kids at the end of each day. Also, I’m excited about real Midwest sweet corn (that stuff is really hard to come by in California). This fall my just oldest and I are headed to Washington D.C. for a few days to check out the monuments, memorials, museums, and tour the White House. And, finally, our family is really hoping to get to Great Basin National Park before winter.

For more from Desirée Macke,
find her online in the following locations:

Instagram: @desireemacke
Her fun new side gig: @coolingrackconfections
Blog: Macke Monologues
Run Wild My Child: Posts by Desirée Macke

For more inspiration behind our favorite Instagram accounts, check out all our Friday Features.
FRIDAY FEATURES, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PHOTOGRAPHY
Friday Feature: Brandi Rondinelli
- June 21, 2019
Happy Friday! Time for another edition of our Friday Features, where we feature a member of our incredibly inspiring Instagram community. Today, we are featuring the amazing Brandi Rondinelli (@soulshinephotographer), professional photographer, adventurer and mom of 2 from Southeastern Wisconsin.

Meet Brandi Rondinelli

Brandi’s Instagram feed is filled with gorgeous images of her children exploring nature in the most beautiful and innocent ways. Her images capture the simplicity and wonder of childhood, with a touch of fantasy and whimsy.

Brandi is also the personality behind the Run My Child Facebook feed, so if you follow us there, you’ll pick up on her love of homesteading, gardening, photography, homeschooling, foraging, and animals. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her (and her adorable daughter) in person and can attest to her warm, genuine spirit, her curiosity, compassion and huge heart. Here’s a little more about the inspiration behind her images in her own words.

Favorite outdoor experience from this past year?

We visited one of our favorite places to explore, Retzer Nature Center. Of course, I brought my camera along, but had no visions or expectations. We were just there for fun. I let the kids go wherever they wanted and allowed them to be the leaders. They took us to some very pretty spots and we just ran around having fun. We raced up a big hill, rolled around in the long grass, tickled each other and made funny noises! We laughed so hard that day! And, in the midst of it all, I caught some pretty photos that captured our time exploring perfectly. It was just the all-around the perfect hike.

Favorite outdoor activity to do with your children?

This is so simple and easy, but my favorite outdoor activity to do with the kids is to look up at the clouds and see if we can make animals out of them. Such a classic childhood activity and I always learn so much about my children’s imaginations and personalities.

What do you love/like the most about Instagram?

I love connecting with like-minded mamas and supporting everyone in their journey while also being able to share my work and hopefully inspire others. Instagram is an amazing place filled with so much inspiration and wonderful people. I’ve made some great “real life” connections through social media and I absolutely love my online friends!!

List three bucket list destinations you’re dying to see?
- Banff & Alberta, Canada
- Bali, Indonesia
- Italy
What is your favorite quote?

That is a tough one. I love quotes!! I actually have a Pinterest board with just quotes that touch my soul. So I have lots of favorites. However, if I had to choose just one, I’ll go with “Troubles, they may come and go but good times, they’re the gold.” -Dave Matthews Band (also, my favorite band)

What is your favorite outdoor memory from childhood?

Climbing trees and building forts in the woods with my brother. We would go outside first thing in the morning and wouldn’t come in until the street lights came on.

Why is it important to you to raise your children to love nature?

We know that contact with nature is a source of wonder and inspiration for children. Nature is essential to their healthy development and sense of spirituality. With that being said I love teaching my kids about the natural world. Nature was always a huge part of my life growing up, it was more than just a place to play for me. It was a place to escape from my house, it was my safe place. I want my kids to feel in touch with nature as I did. I don’t want it to be their escape, per se, but I want them to think of nature as their second home. It’s safe to say, these past 4+ years with my kids have been making nature a priority and it shows.

What is your favorite local/state/national park and why?

My all-time favorite place that I’ve hiked thus far is Olympic National Forest, specifically, Hoh Rainforest! My husband and I traveled there last year and it was just absolutely amazing! Those big mossy trees were incredible. Washington has my heart!

For more from Brandi Rondinelli,
find her online in the following locations:

Personal Instagram: @soulshinephotographer
Client work: @motherhenshomestead
Website: http://www.soulshinephotographer.com

For more inspiration behind our favorite Instagram accounts, check out all our Friday Features.
FRIDAY FEATURES, PHOTOGRAPHY
Friday Feature: Sarah Robinson
- June 7, 2019
Happy Friday! Today’s featured member of our Instagram community is Sarah Robinson (@sunshyne.diaries). Sarah’s a professional photographer, model, adventurer and mom of two in Arizona. Her Instagram feed is filled with gorgeous light, fun adventures and lots of sunshine and smiles. She has a huge heart and a genuine love of adventure and the outdoors that shines through her images. There’s something about her photos that always make me feel warm and happy! Here’s a bit more about her and the inspiration behind the pretty pictures.

Favorite outdoor activity to do with your children?

The kids and I love to go paddle boarding and our whole family loves going to the sand dunes in Glamis, California. Read more about our sand dune adventures with kids.

How would you describe your photography style and Instagram feed?

My style is documenting our real-life moments. I try to edit to reality. Clean the images up and enhance them for color and beauty but not overly photoshop or fantasy. I want to remember our adventures exactly how they are.

What do you like the most about Instagram?

I obviously love looking at beautiful photos, but I also love learning about things and places I would not otherwise know of or discover.

Have you made any “real life” connections through social media?

Yes, getting to be part of the Run Wild My Child family! This is such a special connection that I adore.

List three bucket list destinations you’re dying to see?

(1) Lake Powell, which I’m planning a trip to this summer for my birthday. (2) I would love to explore Ireland since I’m Irish. (3) The Blue Lagoon!

Why is it important to you to raise your children to love nature?

Nature is where the good life is. Being outside in nature is where the best memories are made. It’s where you have the most amazing experiences that you will never forget. Nature is where you can learn so much and not even know you were learning. Nature awakes the soul.

What’s in your camera bag and what do you use most often?

I have 2 Canon cameras: Rebel T6 and 80D. I actually use the Rebel more often because it’s my spare. If I drown it (which I have done!) it’s not the end of the world. I save the 80D for clients. Someone once asked me why I take a DSLR paddle boarding with me and I said, “If I don’t take it, it doesn’t do me any good!” My favorite lenses are the “nifty 50” and 35L.

For more of Sarah Robinson’s beautiful images, find her online in the following locations:
Personal Instagram: @sunshyne.diaries
Client work: @sunshynepix
Website: Sunshyne Pix
FRIDAY FAVORITES, PHOTOGRAPHY
Friday Favorites: Favorite Outdoorsy Instagrammers, Part 2
- January 25, 2019
For this week’s Friday Favorites, I’m sharing another installment of my favorite outdoor Instagram photographers. Two of my biggest passions are getting kids outdoors and photography, so I get so excited when I find other parents that share those loves. I’ve selected 8 gorgeous accounts from some of the most talented and inspiring photographers from our little online community. Each of these feeds is chock-full of gorgeous photos, beautiful words and lots of fun outdoor adventures, big and small.

If you follow us on Instagram, you probably recognize these photographers from our feed and you will certainly see them again (and soon…hint, hint). I have found Instagram to be a wonderful place to not only find an incredible outdoor community, but also to scout locations and get ideas for planning your own outdoor adventures with your kids. I’ve included some fun info on each of the accounts below with links to their feed, their websites and their answers to a few questions about getting their kids outside. I hope you’ll go check them all out and follow along on their adventures!

@angie_mahlke

Angie Mahlke
Minnesota
http://www.angiemahlkephotography.com
- Favorite outdoor family activity: We really enjoy camping together as a family. As soon as the snow melts in the spring, we pack up the camper and go! We go as often as we can until the campgrounds close in the fall.
- Biggest struggle/obstacle to getting kids outdoors: In the winter it’s hard because of the cold temps in Minnesota and all the layers involved. Sometimes it takes us thousands of hours just to get out the door, but it’s always worth it once we’re outside and having fun.
- Advice for other parents about getting their kids outdoors: Getting outside with your kids doesn’t have to be a grand adventure. It doesn’t take hours of planning or preparation. Just going for a walk to look at the nature right outside your door. Or scribble on the driveway with chalk. Kids like the simplicity of being outside and you can often follow their lead on what to do.
- Tips for taking outdoor adventure photos of kids: The easiest thing to do is take photos of them in the action. Candid shots versus posed ones. That way you aren’t interrupting the moment or bothering them with a camera in their face. You’re just on the edge of the action simply documenting them having fun.
- Best lesson your kids have taught you about adventuring: Let go!! Don’t control and plan every minute of your outings or adventures. Just go with it and let the moments unfold before you.
@life_of_glow

Robyn Chubey
Western Canada
http://www.lifeofglow.com
- Favorite outdoor family activity: The kiddos and I love to go hiking and exploring to collect outdoorsy treasures and learn about wildlife and plants!
- Most anticipated outdoor activity with your kids this winter/spring: Winter is all about tobogganing, skating, and playing in the snow. Spring is all about gardening and hiking!
- Advice for other parents about getting their kids outdoors: The more you do something the easier it gets. I try to be sure to get outside with my kiddos (with or without my camera) every day for at least an hour. It’s so good for them to get that fresh air and be wild!
- Tips for taking outdoor adventure photos of kids: My best tip is to go out with a task in mind for them, building sandcastles, hunting for snails, picking a bouquet of wildflowers, puddle jumping. Buckets are always a fave accessory of mine because it gives them a chance to collect and hunt for things to carry back with them. Having a task makes for engaged images that keep them looking busy and entertained!
- Best lesson your kids have taught you about adventuring: Never EVER leave home without snacks!
@hollynicoletimekeeper

Holly Awwad
Michigan
- Favorite outdoor family activity: We love the great outdoors. We are blessed to live in the woods, and we love to hike and hunt for treasures all year round. We also love to camp and own a travel trailer that allows us to get out and explore areas outside of our own backyard.
- Biggest struggle/obstacle to getting kids outdoors: With my older kids, the biggest struggle is technology. The older they get, the more they are glued to devices. However, we keep a daily limit on screen time and encourage them to get outside when the weather/schedule permits. I rarely have to struggle with my youngest to get her outside. She would play outside 24/7 if I let her!
- Most anticipated outdoor activity with your kids this winter/spring: In the winter we love to build snowmen and go sledding. Although I will admit, I am already counting down the days (hours!) until spring. I love watching nature bloom all around us and it seems like there is something new to discover almost daily.
- Tips for taking outdoor adventure photos of your kids: I tend to take a more candid approach. I want to be in the moment, so I sit back and observe and when I see something that inspires me I’ll snap an image. If you force photography on your kids when you are out with them, they will hate it. So make sure you put the camera down and be present as well.
- Best lesson your kids have taught you about adventuring: Don’t be afraid to get dirty! The best times and the best memories often result in needing a full body hose down before you go back in the house!
@in_thislight

Shelby Zavala
Longmont, Colorado
http://www.inthislightphotography.com
- Favorite outdoor family activity: My favorite outdoor activity do with the kids or as a family would include anything that allows us to enjoy the beautiful scenery Colorado has to offer! Everything from exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, to our local nature areas or even the open space behind our home. We really enjoy anything that gets us away from the street noise and to where we can fully immerse ourselves into nature!
- Most anticipated outdoor activity with your kids this winter/spring: Warmer weather always brings an increased level of excitement to explore. After the feeling of being cooped up all winter, the warm weather is greatly welcomed and our real adventuring begins! We love to revisit our favorite spots and it is always refreshing to view the scenery through a new lens when the landscape starts to turn green!
- Advice for other parents about getting their kids outdoors: Just go! The hardest part is usually just getting out the door! Once you’re outside, it’s like a wonderful refresh! Let the kids run and just enjoy the scenery for yourself. My favorite times to go play outside is either an hour or two before naptime, or that golden hour before bedtime. Plus, kids nap better after coming in from playing hard outside!
- Tips for taking outdoor adventure photos of your kids: My biggest tip would be to just let kids be kids and capture that! Toddlers (especially) do not take direction very well and you will both end up frustrated if you try to make them do something that they are not willing to do (talking from experience here!).
- Best lesson your kids have taught you about adventuring: The biggest lesson my daughter has taught me about adventuring is to slow down and notice the little things. There are so many little things to see when you take the time to zoom in on the details. The sparkle of a rock, a trail of ants, a leaf in the shape of a heart. It’s amazing what kids will notice. Let them lead your adventure!
@jessie.b.photo

Jess Buttermore
Seattle, WA
http://www.JessieBPhotography.com
- Favorite outdoor family activity: Our family is happiest when our feet touch the sand, specifically Pacific Coast sand. We love climbing rock formations, searching for sea creatures, exploring caves, drawing in the sand, creating zen gardens, and collecting stones and shells. These are family experiences that never grow old and are fun for every age. Since relocating to Seattle, we’ve completely fallen in love with all the beautiful parks and beaches that line both the Washington or Oregon coasts. We pack up the car and venture to the water’s edge every chance we get.
- Biggest struggle/obstacle to getting kids outdoors: Rain. We are in the midst of rainy season here in Seattle, and it can really put a damper on adventuring. To make matters worse, adventuring along the coastlines can also mean high winds, especially during the colder months, and let me tell you, the sideways windy rain is just no fun for anyone. We keep an eye on the forecast and make the very most of the rain-free and light-rain days. Moreover, we’ve learned to embrace overcast and even come to love it as preferred adventure weather.
- Advice for other parents about getting their kids outdoors: I encourage you to embrace both old and new adventures. For example, if you have a particular location that is meaningful to your family, try visiting it during all four seasons. It’s amazing how different your local lake, beach, park or hiking trail can look and feel in different weather conditions. Alternatively, exploring locations that are new to your family can be some of the most memorable. There’s nothing like watching their excitement as they approach a new bend in the path. It’s one of my favorite parts of visiting new locations.
- Tips for taking outdoor adventure photos of kids: When I photograph my kids on adventures, I have a few goals in mind. First and most importantly, I hope to capture their personalities and their special sibling bond. Second, I love capturing them as they explore and discover. Much of the time, they don’t even know I’m photographing them, which is when I get the most genuine candid captures. Third, I make sure to always pull back to capture the bigger picture and beautiful scenic views of all of our adventure locations. Sweeping views help me tell my story. And finally, I love to capture the details. Adventuring with my children gives me endless opportunities to capture and freeze those precious details forever. Like their little hands showing you the stones they collected, the stone tower they are so proud of, or their favorite adventure sticks.
- Best lesson your kids have taught you about adventuring: They’ve taught me to stop and breathe the salt air. To look up, look down, and admire and appreciate all the little details nature leaves in our path. And that the woods and the beach are better playgrounds than a jungle gym could ever be.
@susan.grimes

Susan Grimes
North Carolina
- Favorite outdoor family activity: I love playing anywhere there is a little bit of water. Creeks, lakes, and oceans all seem to excite and entertain my kids more than anything else. I think it is partly because they can interact with the environment more. I love just watching them explore and pretend in a new place.
- Biggest struggle/obstacle to getting kids outdoors: I feel like our schedule is our biggest obstacle. As my kids have gotten older, after-school activities have reduced our free time to just get out and play.
- Most anticipated outdoor activity with your kids this winter/spring: I always look forward to those few scattered warmer days where we can get out and feel refreshed by the sunshine. We just created some natural play spaces in our woods and I can’t wait to see them put to good use.
- Advice for other parents about getting their kids outdoors: My advice would be to choose adventures where the kids can take the lead. As we are out exploring, I find my kids have a lot more patience when we go slow and I let them decide our path, stop to search for treasures, or just give them time to sit and play for a while.
- Tips for taking outdoor adventure photos of kids: I try to be a quiet observer first and watch how they are exploring, then think of creative ways to take the scene. I will look for ways to add depth with foreground or framing with the natural elements.
@susanbrooksby

Susan Brooksby
Colorado
susanbphotography.com
- Favorite outdoor family activity: hiking, taking our pup out for a walk
- Biggest struggle/obstacle to getting kids outdoors: winter months in the cold
- Most anticipated outdoor activity with your kids this winter/spring: we love to go snowboarding!
- Advice for other parents about getting their kids outdoors: find new places to explore together
- Tips for taking outdoor adventure photos of your kids: let the kids run around and explore while you stay back and observe
@nataliegildersleeve

Natalie Gildersleeve
Portland, OR
nataliegildersleeve.com
- Favorite outdoor family activity: We love pretty much anything outdoors. Anywhere there is space to experience a deeper sense of freedom and wild fills our souls. Hiking, biking, climbing and days at the river are some of our favorite activities. We live pretty close to the coast so we spend time there whenever we can. We love the dunes, tide pools, crabbing and making driftwood forts. Also, we love camping and sleeping under the stars.
- Most anticipated outdoor activity with your kids this winter/spring: Skiing is one of our favorite winter activities so we look forward to more of that this winter. The kids love Spring skiing when they can wear tank tops and cruise around comfortably in the sun. We also love to road trip every Spring. It is so nice to have a trip to look forward to after the gray winters we often experience here.
- Advice for other parents about getting their kids outdoors: My kids love an exciting adventure. Tell stories, teach them about the area, make it exciting. When they are little, start slow, but get outside as often as possible so it is just part of what you do. Encourage them by reminding them of how strong they are. Be a team. Also, plenty of snacks and comfortable clothing are essential.
- Tips for taking outdoor adventure photos of your kids: I love to get candid moments of my kids. Often, I just follow them, moving around to get different angles and perspectives as we adventure. I find myself running a lot! I will ask them how fast they can run to something or to check out something cool … any prompts to create action and genuine interest. It is also important to have time to settle in, whenever they have space to just be the most magical moments happen. Forcing them to pose never works for us.
- Best lesson your kids have taught you about adventuring: It definitely not about the destination. Remember to pause and take in the beauty. Let go of rigid agenda.
A huge thanks to all these amazing outdoor photographers for sharing their tips, photos, and worlds with us. Make sure to follow them on Instagram and let them know we sent you their way! We’ll be featuring more of their inspiring images on our feed over the next few weeks.

For more outdoor photographic gorgeousness, check out Part 1 of our Favorite Outdoorsy Instagrammers.