For a long time, publications like Life and National Geographic were the best way for curious couch travellers to explore the globe from their sofas. Then came David Attenborough and Planet Earth (or Snoop and Plizzanet Earth, if that’s your vibe). Then came social media.
With the rise of the internet, striking images of far out places are more accessible than ever. Instagram is brimming with incredible athletes, photographers, and explorers who share their most extreme experiences with eager followers around the world. When mid-week malaise hits, and we’d rather be anywhere than stuck in the office, theirs are the feeds we turn to for a dose of excitement and inspiration.
“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list,” said Susan Sontag. The folks behind these amazing adventure Instagrams may have actually been everywhere, and we’re thrilled they’re taking us along for the ride.
Miles Holden
Based in the infamous adventure capital of Queenstown, New Zealand, Miles Holden has been an outdoor adventure photographer for 20 years. His action-oriented photography features a range of adrenaline-fueled individuals running, biking, skiing, and hiking their way through stunning natural landscapes.
Tim Kemple
Tim Kemple is an action-sport and lifestyle photographer who traces his love of the medium to a post-high school road trip. He describes his images as “authentic and raw and hopefully beautiful,” with a focus on capturing the “world’s most passionate athletes in the most epic landscapes on Earth.” Kemple has also ventured into filmmaking and is one of the forces behind production company Camp4 Collective.
Lucas Gilman
Lucas Gilman’s photographic adventures have taken him kayaking in India, surfing in Brazil, and skiing in Alaska, as well as to major events like the Tour de France, Kentucky Derby, X-Games, and Ironman. He has been featured by National Geographic, Red Bull, CNN, and Apple. Gilman’s claims to fame include documenting the second largest waterfall ever successfully descended in a kayak and, more recently, documenting the largest waterfall ever run.
Alex Honnold
Alex Honnold lives life on the edge – literally. The professional rock climber’s audacious free-solo ascents have made him one of the most recognised and followed climbers in the world. Though he has been featured in The New York Times and National Geographic, and is sponsored by the likes of Black Diamond and The North Face, he maintains his simple “dirtbag-climber” existence, living out of his van and travelling the world in search of his next great vertical adventure.
Renan Ozturk
Renan Ozturk – expedition climber, landscape artist, and filmmaker – has travelled the world from the high Himalayas, to the jungles of Borneo, to the deserts of Africa in search of the perfect shot. Along with photographs and films, Ozturk produces video ‘dispatches’ during expeditions to share the adventure with a global online audience in near real-time. His visual storytelling style has made him a leader in the outdoor industry, with clients including The North Face, National Geographic, and Outside Magazine
Kalen Thorien
How many things can Kalen Thorien squeeze on a single resume? She’s a professional skier and adventurer, a wildland firefighter, a writer, a photographer, and a nomad who spends her days roaming the globe in her camper. Or to put it more simply, “a certified badass you should follow on Instagram, stat.”
Aaron Brimhall
If you’re into motorbikes and photography, Aaron Brimhall is the man for you. Brimhall was inspired by his then-girlfriend (now wife) to pick up a camera in his senior year of high school. Since then, he’s built a name for himself with breath-taking action shots, often featuring a motorcycle and always featuring a spectacular location. He has worked with countless brands and magazines, from Urban Outfitters and Toyota to Maxim and Skullcandy, to name a few.
Dan Patitucci
Dan Patitucci is one half of PatitucciPhoto, a husband and wife duo of professional photographers and mountain sport athletes producing content for the global outdoor industry. As an athlete himself, Dan blends a high level of technical skill with passionate enthusiasm for the subjects he photographs. National Geographic, Patagonia, The North Face, REI, Mammut, Gore-Tex, Sports Illustrated, Outside, Osprey Packs, Runner’s World and many more agree: Patitucci is one of the best in the game.
Jacob Moon
Jacob Moon is a self-taught freelance photographer who discovered an insatiable curiosity for the natural world at an early age. This inherent inquisitiveness has driven Moon to experiment with a variety of adventure sports and experience many of the world’s wildest and most remote places. He regularly shares his exploits and expertise via social media, blogging, video, and workshops (or over a cup of coffee, if you’re bold enough to ask).
Theron Humphrey
There are few stronger bonds than the one between a man and his dog. Together with his faithful pooch, Theron Humphrey travels the world to swim, drive, boat, canoe, camp, and fetch sticks in a range of dreamy landscapes. His beautiful, sometimes humorous images will leave you feeling extremely jealous you’re not part of their pack.