Dive behind the scenes with us as we talk about the Liberty Skis Origin Stories photo shoot. We’ll share the story and answer your questions about backcountry skiing in Colorado. We filmed in late spring but with these two we could have filmed almost any day of the year because one of the things Gary is known for is year-round skiing.

Mayflower Gulch trail was selected as our destination for the photo shoot. If you haven’t been, it’s a great destination to hike or ski in any season complete with some history and beautiful towering peaks. I hope you’re inspired by the photos, the video, and the stories of skiers who call these mountains home.

Liberty Skis Origin Story in the Colorado Backcountry

Gary and Sohpia ski for Liberty Skis, a Colorado-based ski brand with 20 years of experience helping skiers do what they love. We had the honor of capturing their father-daughter story of a shared passion for the mountains.

Gary and Sophia are a father-daughter team that inspired us with their passion, joy, and approach to life. When we weren’t skiing, we were laughing and hearing incredible stories of their times in the mountains.

Backcountry skiing requires climbing before you can descend. It’s those moments of hard work surrendering to the mountain that I remember best. And if you do it right at the end of the run you’re like Gary saying, “One more lap!”

Backcountry Skiing Colorado Year-Round

Colorado is a great place for year-round backcountry skiing. The ski resorts are often open from November through April but avid skiers can find a way to ski year round. Backcountry touring opens up possibilities for skiing low angle early season snow or high-altitude late-season chutes.

Few skiers have as much experience in the backcountry as Gary Fondl and experience is crucial to avalanche safety. When you are familiar with an area you are aware of possible avalanche danger per the season and location. That experience helps you make wise decisions about your skiing tour.

Based in Summit County, Colorado, Gary and his fellow ski bums skip the lift lines in favor of open bowls that most visitors never see. When it’s just you and the terrain, you don’t need a resort or a season pass. It doesn’t even need to be winter.

What Makes a Good Ski Day?

Take this shoot that took place in May. It wasn’t fluffy powder but it was a beautiful day in the centennial state. We didn’t even have to hike that far to get to the snow, though some skiers do put in a lot of effort for a few backcountry runs. Hanging out with Gary taught me that it’s your mindset that makes for a good backcountry ski day.

Ski touring isn’t about perfect powder or bluebird backcountry weather. It’s about being outside on the mountain with your team and having an adventure. As I look towards the coming winter I’m focused more on what there is to explore rather than only accepting the best conditions.

Gary has a contagious enthusiasm for skiing that inspires his daughter and spreads out from there.

Ski Bum Life

Gary Fondl is a self-proclaimed Ski Bum. During our interview, we dove into what exactly it means to be a ski bum these days. Gary and his friends work hard to be able to choose how to spend their time.

The impression of a ski bum simply couch surfing and skiing with no responsibilities isn’t quite accurate, the lifestyle has gotten more expensive. Instead, Gary works as a drywall contractor to be able to live in close proximity to where he loves to ski. To him, being a ski bum is really simply being someone who loves skiing and is passionate about it.

“It’s a freedom… It’s a lifestyle.”

As Sophia adds, “It’s a slower way of living.”

They value being out on the mountain together and enjoying the day. Eight days a week. Gary is the type of guy that’s known for that mountain stoke. There’s always “one more lap” to make the day on the mountain a better adventure.

Backcountry Skiing FAQ

Inspired by Gary and his daughter? Interested in backcountry skiing? Below are some answers to some frequently asked questions about skiing in the backcountry.

What is considered backcountry skiing?

Backcountry skiing is when you ski outside of the ski resort boundaries. You typically both ascend and descend by the power of your own two legs. Backcountry skiing is also sometimes called alpine touring, ski mountaineering, or human-powered skiing.

Is alpine touring the same as backcountry skiing? Is ski mountaineering the same as backcountry skiing?

Backcountry skiing, ski mountaineering, and alpine touring are all different terms to describe human-powered skiing where the skier skis uphill in order to go down. Ski touring is typically done outside of the resort without the use of a ski lift. You’ll need specialized ski gear such as Liberty Skis backcountry series which are skis “light enough to haul to the summit and strong enough to rip the descent.”

The different terms might be used slightly differently based on the goals of the skier. For example, ski mountaineers often have a goal of summiting mountain peaks and then skiing back down. Alpine touring might mean a multi-day trip where someone skis from one backcountry hut to another.

Why is backcountry skiing better?

People like backcountry skiing because it allows them to escape the crowd and explore a variety of terrain. Backcountry skiers can make fresh tracks in the solitude of nature and create their own adventure based on their skill level. A lot of people also enjoy the exercise that comes with the uphill component of human-powered skiing.

Can you use downhill skis for the backcountry?

You can technically use downhill skis for backcountry skiing as long as you have backcountry ski bindings and boots. You have to be able to release your heel so that you can skin uphill and then lock your hill down for skiing down. You’ll also need skins fitted to your skis for climbing traction on the uphill.

A lot of backcountry skiers prefer a backcountry-specific ski that is lighter weight because you don’t want to be pushing a heavy ski uphill when you’re climbing. Depending on the type of skiing you plan you do you’ll want to find the right balance of a ski that’s lightweight for uphill and one that’s strong enough for downhill when choosing your alpine touring gear.

Is backcountry skiing an extreme sport?

Backcountry skiing is likely considered an extreme sport because of the experience and skill required as well as the potential risks of adventure. Like with many sports there are ways to make them more or less extreme. Some skiers are descending steep chutes while others are playing it safe on the low-angle slopes in the trees.

There’s no ski patrol in the backcountry like there is in a ski area and you might be a long ways from town. So if you’re interested in backcountry skiing there are professional guides with knowledge of both the avalanche terrain, avalanche conditions, and avalanche safety gear. There are even backcountry ski areas where they do avalanche control. Hope you have a great trip this winter!

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We’ve been photographing people in nature professionally for over a decade. Our love of the outdoors and human-powered sports has led us to pursue adventure photography. We get to make a career out of our desire to explore.

But the passion for the outdoors requires a skill set broader than just photography. We have to be able to shoot under crazy weather conditions, variable light, and sometimes while hanging from a rope or off the side of a snowmobile. Your equipment should both complement and enhance your skills so that you can create epic photos of all your adventures.

Adventure Photography Gear I Never Leave the House Without

1. A solid adventure photography backpack

If you’re going to be on the go, as most adventure photographers are, you’re going to need to have an adventure backpack that will fit all your gear while also protecting it. I’ve tried a ton of different packs and found there to be a lot of variety. But some things are consistent must-haves.

Best Adventure Photography Bag

Look for enough space for all of your camera gear plus jackets, snacks, water bottles etc. You need the pack to be comfortable when fully loaded. It also helps if it’s durable and waterproof so that you can set it down anywhere you get what you need.

If you’re on the hunt for a good bag, check out this review I did of all the best bags I’ve found in my search. It will help if you have a solid idea of what your adventure photography kit looks like so keep reading to see what you’ll need to pack in the bag.

One important thing to consider is how adventurous you are. Some people fall into the category of travel photography more than adventure photography. The bags we choose are meant to mimic the features of a true adventure backpack while adding some camera-specific features. If you’re into travel photography, you may be looking for features that help you navigate the airport smoothly or feel at home in a more urban environment. It’s really up to you to visualize the scenes you’re moving through to see what bag features make sense.

You can view my top picks below:

Shimoda Action X30

Shimoda Explore V2 30L

These are, in my opinion, the best bags on the market for adventure photographers or travel photographers who carry their gear to remote locations.

2. Lightweight high-quality camera body

Adventure photography requires that your camera can focus quickly under crazy conditions but also capture beautiful long exposures. You might even want to be able to capture some video as more and more adventure photographers are doing videography as well. You’ll need to look for a camera that can accomplish everything you want but that doesn’t slow you down.

Over the years we’ve used a variety of camera systems but at this time, I think Sony is the leading brand. Their feature-packed, budget-friendly, and very compact/lightweight cameras make an excellent choice for anyone trying to keep up with athletes in the mountains. Many photographers will choose different brands but what it comes down to is the camera that you feel most comfortable with. If it’s super lightweight but takes forever to adjust the settings, it will slow you down.

There are so many features to consider but I’ve found that the Sony A7IV has a great combination of features that make it a solid choice for many people. You could look at the Sony A6600 if you’re on a tighter budget or if you want the highest resolution, the Sony A7RV. The Sony system can be a little confusing if you’re not familiar with the lingo but leave a comment below if you’re unsure what camera to look at and I’d be happy to help out.

3. Versatile lenses to help you get the shot

Once you’ve selected your ideal camera body, it’s time to choose your glass. Since adventure sports are fast-paced you might not be able to carry or juggle a ton of lenses. Focus on quality over quantity.

I almost always have a 16-35mm with me to capture landscapes but I also love the 70-200mm for the magic of compression. I like to be able to produce a variety of focal lengths which means choosing lenses that help me tell the story I’m looking to tell.

Prime lenses are great for their ability to focus the viewer’s attention with a sharp subject and beautiful bokeh in the background but they are often a little too restrictive for the fast-paced environment of outdoor sports. In specific settings, I might bring a prime lens but most adventure photographers swear by the trifecta of zoom lenses, aka the holy trinity:

Wide Angle Zoom – Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM

Mid Range Zoom – Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II

Telephoto Zoom – Sony 70-200mm f/4 G

The standard holy trinity of zoom lenses is a set of 3 lenses, all f/2.8 aperture covering a focal range from 16mm – 200mm. You may notice that I chose the f/4 version for the 70-200mm. I love this lens because it is lighter and more compact than its f/2.8 counterpart. Additionally, it’s cheaper and I don’t often need the extra stop of light. You can learn more in my review here:

If you’re still unsure about which will work better for you, I did a comparison here:

You might also enjoy this review of my favorite lens, the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8:

Although these lenses are top-of-the-line and my most used tools, it’s important to realize that it’s not realistic to buy the latest holy trinity of lenses when you’re just starting out. Maybe you start with a broader range zoom lens or even a few inexpensive prime lenses. When I was first starting out, I used whatever was available and affordable. Shop used, borrow gear, rent gear. Whatever it takes to get out and make some photos.

I will say that having nice lenses is often more important than having a nice camera body. Camera bodies only last a few years before they are replaced with a new version while lenses last much longer and retain their value. Now that you’ve got a thorough sense of my feelings about lenses, let’s move on to some of the other important tools.

4. Gear that helps you run your business such as client management software, accounting software, software to help you sell photos etc.

Being a professional adventure photographer means that you’re not just taking photos of adventure but that you’re running a business too. While I do think the best way to build your career is to start practicing and start taking photos, eventually you’ll have to build your business alongside your portfolio.

Luckily, there are a lot of great business tools that will help you get your adventure photography business off the ground. You will want to consider how you’re going to handle your client management, billing/money, contracts, marketing, and accounting. People envision that it’s all about taking photos in pretty places but the reality is a lot of time at a computer doing a wide variety of tasks.

First up, I would recommend you find some kind of client management software that can help automate and manage the day-to-day of booking clients, billing, and contracts. We have used Tave for years and swear by it as a time-saving tool. The initial setup can be overwhelming but it will save you so much time and keep things so much more organized. The main functions we love are digital contracts, billing, and keeping our job workflows in one place.

Additionally, I recommend you get set up with a tool like QuickBooks so you are ready for tax season and you can handle payroll if you decide to set up an LLC. We tried spreadsheets which were free but having dedicated software is essential once you start paying yourself through a payroll system which can save money once you have over $100k in profit (including the amount you pay yourself). For example, if you paid yourself $50k and had another $50k in profit, its definitely time to set up an LLC filing as an S-Corp that can do payroll. Depending on the situation, it can save 10-15% on taxes.

There are so many tools and systems out there to set up your business but I would encourage you to find the ones that are going to save you time. Don’t immediately jump on every tool available, keep your overhead low and your business lean until you need a tool to save time.

I will say that having a tool to provide exceptional guest service is a value add and will make the experience of working with you appealing. This can be as simple as a clean and easy-to-navigate portfolio site or a smooth online booking link for a client. We just switched to a new image delivery gallery service because it provides tools that will make our client experience much more friendly.

Another thing to keep in mind is to stay on top of your tools. Keep things updated and keep an eye on the market for newer/cheaper tools so that you stay ahead of other photographers in the market.

5. Apps: Photographers Ephemeris, GPS, and maps

Apps can solve all your problems right? Well probably not but they can make things easier and faster. A good app will save time and give you more information to make better decisions. I listed some of my favorites below.

• The Photographers Ephemeris 3d – Great for visualizing light on Mountains/Valleys etc
• PhotoPills – Great for planning shoots, especially astrophotography
• Gaia GPS – powerful mapping tool with a ton of data (can be used offline)
• Google Voice – get a business line and set up hours (also keeps your personal cell private)
• Peakfinder – fun app for seeing what peaks are on the skyline
• QuickBooks – great for keeping track of expenses on the go

I’m sure there are a ton more apps that you might be interested in but this list is my most commonly used tools specifically for my adventure photography business. I find that having a great idea for photos is a good starting point but getting to the right place at the right time requires planning and preparation. That process can be made so much easier if you have the right tools.

6. Adventure essentials like a headlamp, first aid kit, food, and water

Packing for adventure photography is like packing for any other adventure. You need to be prepared with all of the essentials. This means equipment like a headlamp, first aid kit, food, water, and other items you might need if you’re away from civilization for a long period of time. Having the experience to know what to pack for what type of trip is really about getting out there and experiencing things for yourself. The more you know the less you need, but having snacks and water will certainly make your life more comfortable.

Another element to consider here is getting some training. If you’re new to a sport, you might consider a guided course. Two courses I’ve found tremendous value in are an Avalanche Rescue Course and a Wilderness First Responder course. Both of these gave me the knowledge and insight I’ve relied on to keep myself and others safe in the backcountry. Years ago I also took some courses around alpine climbing (glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and ice climbing skills). These have all been super helpful in safely accessing the outdoors. Don’t be afraid to hire a guide and refresh your skills from time to time, you never know when that knowledge or experience will pay off.

7. Lightweight tripod

This is a relatively easy one but something that took me years to embrace. For many years, I was too cheap to get a good tripod. I had funky plastic or heavy metal tripods that worked but I never knew what I was missing until I finally got my hands on a high-quality set of sticks.

Having a lightweight and easy-to-use tripod is super helpful. They certainly aren’t cheap but they last a long time. Especially if you plan on shooting video, having solid (yet lightweight) support for your camera will allow you to capture images that stand out. Here is my recommendation for a solid all around tripod. Additionally, I sometimes use this super lightweight/compact tripod option if I’m going to a remote destination.

8. Spare batteries and backups of anything essential

Don’t forget your backups. Make sure you have enough memory cards and batteries, to exceed what you think you’ll need. It also can’t hurt to have a backup of anything essential for a particular shoot. You might leave some backups in the car or at base camp, whatever that looks like for your shoot, but it’s better to not leave it completely behind.

All it takes is one fatal drone crash to wish you packed a second drone. This comes from someone who crashed the drone without a backup. If something is essential to accomplishing your client’s goals, make sure you have two of them. Read more on drone photography and accessories.

I dropped my most important lens walking across the parking lot but everything worked out because I had a backup. Backups don’t have to be high quality, just a basic tool to get the job done. Get a cheap, used lens to cover yourself in the event of a failure.

9. Charging Station and Power Source

Sometimes you’ll return to a base camp during a photoshoot and have access to electricity, but regardless you want to make sure you have all your chargers and a source of power. If you’re working out of a vehicle, make sure you’ve got access to enough outlets to keep everything running. If you’re going days through the backcountry, make sure you’ve got a solar charger or power bank to keep the tools you need to be powered up.

I’ve become familiar with the tools from Goal Zero because they are rugged and reliable but this has become a crowded market so find one that works for you. Nothing is worse than a dead battery during an epic sunset!

10. Data Backup and Communications Tools

When you’re out on an important shoot, being able to back up your files is essential. At a minimum, we always work with camera bodies that utilize two memory cards. This is an instant backup of our media but if you have a long shoot, you’ll likely need to swap cards at some point. This is when things get a bit more complicated. On a multi-day photo and video shoot, we might be capturing hundreds of gigabytes of media which can be a problem if you only have a few sets of memory cards. This is when having several backup drives and a computer is important. The most important rule is three copies with at least one copy in a separate location. Plan out a system but make sure it’s rugged so that you never lose any data!

Communication tools are also critical for adventure photography. Whether it’s just a simple set of radios to talk in areas without cell service or a GPS Locator for an SOS call, having tools that will keep you safe is essential. Photography is just a small part of your job, getting to the location and back safely is a huge portion of the work to create a photo.

Remember that Gear Doesn’t Replace Good Business Skills

You may have noticed that many of the tips weren’t about cameras but rather business tools. Sometimes photographers focus so much on camera gear that they forget they have other job responsibilities. Sure, you have to get the shot, but you also have to be able to run a business.

When you’re setting your budget, don’t forget to make sure you can run a great business in addition to getting the shot. That includes utilizing tools that help you know the perfect time to show up for that early morning light or when the milky way will be in position.

It’s About the Right Equipment Not Just Expensive Gear

Adventure photography requires that you have the right equipment rather than just a lot of expensive gear. It would help if you had tools that you can use to produce epic photos of an adventure. You don’t need a whole bunch of equipment that is going to bog you down, you need the right equipment to help you get the job done.

It’s also important to have equipment that can hold up outdoors. You don’t want it to be too fragile that you can’t use it. Adventure photographers need gear that they don’t have to be gentle with. Photographs from far-off places in the world are made by taking your equipment into harsh environments. Don’t be afraid to view cameras as a tool instead of something to be idolized.

Additional Gear Resources and Photography Tips

If you’re looking to dive deeper into gear that will help you take great photos, the links below might help. You can also check out gear reviews on YouTube.

• Adventure photography blog
• Tips for photographers
• Mountain Landscape Guide
• Travel Photography Gear
• Wedding Settings Guide
• 35mm vs 55mm Lenses
• Minimalist Wedding Photography Gear
• What is the Rule of Thirds
• How to Price Wedding Photography
• ND Filter Guide

We also have wedding tips on a variety of topics including wedding first looks.

About the author

I am Marc Bergreen, one half of a husband and wife photography team specializing in Colorado wedding photography and videography and adventure photography. If you need advice on the best gear for your goals, reach out.

Download our free guide on how to build a creative business and a life you love. Don’t hesitate to contact us and let us know how we can help!

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Below are some tips to give you that extra motivation to run. Then some tips (the same ones actually) for motivation to get outside. And you might just want to watch this little video to remind yourself to get outside and run.

Self-care is hard but if we value it and prioritize it our whole life benefits.

motivation to run

1. Remember how you feel after the fact

When was the last time you went for a run? Did you regret it after? Motivating to run is all about getting past the feeling that it’s going to be hard and remembering how it feels when the endorphins kick it.

Maybe it’s also beneficial to remember how it feels when you get your mileage up. I know I struggle to run when I’m starting up again after being sick or injured or whatever reason I haven’t been running. But if I remember how it feels when 3 miles is easy and what I can do when I’m at that level of fitness, that helps me put on my shoes.

2. Remember your why

Why do you run? Is it to stay healthy or run races or because you love it? Do you want to be able to do all the things you love to do?

Remembering your why will help you stay motivated.

3. Set a goal you care about

Goals help. Say I’m going to run 8 miles a week, that’s an attainable goal because I can just do two 3 mile days and one 2 mile days. It’s also a great goal because that means I’m getting 30 minutes of exercise 3 days a week which will help keep me healthy for whatever my why is.

4. Put your oxygen mask on first

If you’re a parent or super dedicated to your job, self-care disappears. It’s easy to say we don’t have time. However, it’s important to remember that taking care of ourselves actually makes us better at our jobs.

5. Pay attention to how it benefits you

Finally, track how you feel on the days you run, chances are you feel pretty good. You can use that memory to fuel yourself to get out there again.

motivation to get outside

Need motivation to get outside? There is a lot of date regarding why time is nature is good for us mentally and physically. Essentially, the tips are the same as above so let’s review.

1. Remember how you feel after the fact

2. Remember your why

3. Set a goal you care about

4. Put your oxygen mask on first

5. Pay attention to how it benefits you

are you feeling more motivation to get outside and run?

What are your running goals now that the weather is warmer?

Next, are you looking for more running inspiration or adventurous photography?

• Running on Mountaintops (Ten Mile Traverse)
• Kelso Ridge Torreys Peak
• Outdoor Adventure Kids will Love
• Children’s Adventure Picture Books
• Adventurous Kids

I am Brenda Bergreen. I’m a writer, photographer, and storyteller alongside my husband and adventure parter Marc. We specialize in mountain lifestyle photography and adventurous wedding photography. Above all our philosophy, love. adventurously. is the guidepost for everything we do.

Finally, be sure to follow us and/or like us  to stay tuned.

• weddings instagram (brenda)
•  adventures instagram (marc)
• facebook

In the meantime, remember to…

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I’ll tell you this: it wasn’t pretty. Well, the views were breathtaking and life changing. The sunrise was the kind of light-play that heals the ache in your heart.

But yeah, I only barely made it to the top of each peak without quitting, cursing, or telling my “running” partners what I really thought of them. I mean, I had a lot of time to think about it while I huffed and puffed my way to one false summit after another. Like I said, it wasn’t pretty.

When you climb ten summits you have to prepare for there to be a heck of a lot of false summits.

Why isn’t everyone a mountain runner!?

Wait, who put that question mark there? I’m pretty sure it should be a statement. It should be the beginning of a thesis.

10 Reasons Why Everyone isn’t a Mountain Runner.

I’m not sure how many mountains you have to stumble down before your ankles and knees get strong enough to actually take it. There’s some supernatural kind of stubborness involved in the process.

At one point in the morning, which was mostly steep scrambling up and down over 3rd and 4th class terrain, Ian mentioned that we were trail running without the trails and without the running.

By mid-morning, because we started at 3am, even my running partners who have been doing this for years were, “feeling the hurt.” But if that’s true then what I was feeling was way beyond hurt. It was next level.

But in a weird way you can’t be mad because you chose this.

you chose this

Write that again… you chose this. You chose to wake up at 2:45am, wake-up being inaccurate working seeing as though I’m pretty sure you never actually fell asleep. You shoes to hike, climb, nay “run” up 3000+ vertical feet before even the sun deemed it late enough to rise.

And you chose to keep going even after everything was starting to hurt.

Why? Because something about it feels so good. Maybe it’s the power, the strength, and the proving that you can.

Not that you have to prove it to anyone. No one really cares actually. They all just think we’re a little stupid because that is what we do for fun, on our one precious day off in what feels like months.

I exaggerate. But hey, that’s what it’s all about right? Extreme ups and downs: literally, emotionally, spiritually.

ten mile range traverse

The objective was the 10 Mile Traverse from Frisco to Breckenridge, Colorado. We wanted to run across the Ten Mile Mountain Range, but first we had to get up there. The first half of the day was more climbing than running including some technical 4th class route finding.

As an experienced rock climber, I felt at home on the rock minus a few key points.

1. The rock was wet and slippery from the rain that had been pouring all night which mandated that we move slowly and methodically.
2. I knew that the technical sections were likely not going to be the hardest aspect of the day, I was more concerned about endurance.
3. We had a fairly hard time window because the rain was going to come around noon or 1pm and there was a long way to go so speed was important.

I mean, look at that ominous sky!

9 outta 10 ain’t bad

I think that when an objective is so intense, it’s fairly easy to keep expectations in check. It’s hard to be on the ridge between peaks 9 and 10 and make the choice to head back down. At the same time, it’s an easy choice when it’s dumping rain, you’re exhausted, and you still have to get back down.

running on mountain tops

If the main goal was running on mountain tops, we succeeded. It felt pretty otherworldly to prance across a ridge bagging peak after peak after peak.

Typically, as a climber and photographer I don’t move at such an aggressive pace. I always thought that it was a waste, why not slow down and enjoy the views. Now, I’m not sure how I feel because I also recognize the advantages of being able to cover more ground in less time.

Running on mountain tops makes you feel like a bird. There’s a sense of freedom and release. You’re traveling across the top of the world by the power of your own two feet.

But first you have to get up there.

And have enough energy to run.

Then you’re reminded you only have two feet with skinny ankles.

Lastly, you realize you still have to get back down.

But yeah, I guess it was fun.

check out more adventurous content:.

• Kelso Ridge Torreys Peak
• Adventurous Kids | Immersed in Beauty and Safe on the Edge
• How to Adventure with Kids: A Parent Survival Guide
• What is it about the desert?
• Pictures of Yosemite National Park California
• Blue Lake Colorado Hiking Adventure and Photography: one of our favorite first hiking experiences with our daughter

I am Brenda Bergreen. I’m a writer, photographer, and storyteller alongside my husband and adventure parter Marc. We specialize in mountain lifestyle photography and adventurous wedding photography. Above all our philosophy, love. adventurously. is the guidepost for everything we do.

Finally, be sure to follow us and/or like us  to stay tuned.

• weddings instagram (brenda)
•  adventures instagram (marc)
• facebook

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Climbing mountains I have found there are two worst sections. The first is the middle, when you’re going up and the summit still feels really far off. You’re starting to get tired and thoughts start to go through your head that make you doubt if you can do it, or worse, why you’d even want to.

the last mile

The second challenge is the last mile, the last mile always feels like 50 miles. Somehow, no matter how fast you walk, you’re never making good time. Your car never seems like it’s getting closer and the trees at the bottom never seem to be getting any bigger.

The interesting thing was that after running Greys and Torreys Peak via Kelso Ridge, I was actually feeling pretty good. I saw the car, knew we were close, and a simple elation came over me.

elation at elevation

Joy. Play. I was so happy to be in that moment.

“I love you,” I shouted to Marc, feeling grateful for spending the morning together doing something we love without kids.

And in that instant, that split second that I took my focus off the trail in order to express an emotion, I rolled my ankle. I felt the rubber band of my tendons over-stretch to the point that they should have snapped.

Emotions have no place on a mountain.

And yet every time I touch a summit and see the sea of peaks surrounding me enveloping me in their majesty, I tear up. I taste joy ad smell happiness. I hear angels and I touch strength.

I am both proud and humble, powerful and incredibly insignificant.

the definition of pain

Pain isn’t weakness leaving the body.

It’s muscles tearing, dehydration settling in, and fatigue signaling to your brain to find a freakin couch and lay down.

kelso ridge torreys peak

Despite spraining my ankle on the last half mile and threatening all the effort I had put into my training, Kelso Ridge to Torreys Peak was  phenomenal. It’s a fun scramble for experienced rock climbers with a few airy and incredibly picturesque sections.

We started early and had the less traveled ridge to ourselves which was a stark contrast to the crowds we experienced on our descent of the main trail.

The day was also a lesson in the wide range of people climbing 14ers in Colorado. While we live and are able to train at elevation, it was evident that some people were coming from much lower down and thus suffering more for it.

And yet, we nearly got lapped by a mountain runner who we saw at the top and then again on his way back up while we were still making our way to the car.

Check out some more photos below.

check out more adventurous content:

• Adventurous Kids | Immersed in Beauty and Safe on the Edge
• How to Adventure with Kids: A Parent Survival Guide
• What is it about the desert?
• Pictures of Yosemite National Park California
• Blue Lake Colorado Hiking Adventure and Photography

I am Brenda Bergreen. I’m a writer, photographer, and storyteller alongside my husband and adventure parter Marc. We specialize in mountain lifestyle photography and adventurous wedding photography. Above all our philosophy, love. adventurously. is the guidepost for everything we do.

Finally, be sure to follow us and/or like us  to stay tuned.

• weddings instagram (brenda)
•  adventures instagram (marc)
• facebook

In the meantime, remember to…

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The post Kelso Ridge Torreys Peak (Examining the Definition of Pain) appeared first on .

Below I’ve made a list of some of our kids favorite activities!

outdoor adventure kids will love

1. Kids love just being outside

Our kids love just being outside. Keep it simple and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Eat outside, read outside, or color outside. Take any activity your kid loves to do inside and try it outside.

2. Playing with water (and other messy things)

One of the benefits of being outside is that messy things aren’t as big of a deal. Playing with water, paint, or even eating can be fun outside because no one is worried about a mess. Our kids love playing at a water table, like really love it.

3. Hunting for leaves, animals, sticks, rocks, bones, or anything else.

Our kids love to explore and hunt for things. They love picking up rocks or sticks and they get really excited about seeing animals. While their toys seem to get old after awhile, nature seems to constantly provide new discoveries.

4. Hiking: Carry them around

We are extremely grateful that our kids like being carried around in backpacks,. I get the impression a lot of kids are the same way. This means that we can go hiking which is a win-win as long as we remember the snacks.

5. Hiking: Let them lead

If you’re feeling really patient, kids also love to lead the hike. It’s important not to have a destination or a time limit. Don’t expect to get your exercise in, think of it more as aimless wondering and use the time to disconnect from your to-do list.

6. Watching the sunset or the stars come out.

Sometimes the stars come out after our kids are in bed, especially on long summer days. But once in awhile it’s pretty special to let them watch the sunset or the stars come out. Things that we take for granted are really exciting for them which happens to renew our excitement too.

7. Climbing on things

Our kids love climbing on hills, rocks, statues, the deck, anything they can climb on. It can be helpful to have safe things for them to climb on so that you don’t have to worry the whole time.

check out more content for outdoor adventure kids

I’ve been cranking out content for adventurous parents in honor of our adventure kids book launch. Be sure to sign-up for our newsletter or check back in at the blog and Pre-order today on Kickstarter! 

Thanks for stopping by to hear some thoughts on raising adventurous kids! Don’t miss some of our other resources for adventurous families.

• Adventurous Kids | Immersed in Beauty and Safe on the Edge
• How to Adventure with Kids: A Parent Survival Guide
• Our 8 Favorite Children’s Adventure Picture Books
• Adventure Kid’s Book Launch – ABCs of Adventure
• How to photograph your kids – online course: another result of our Covid quarantine!
• Blue Lake Colorado Hiking Adventure and Photography: one of our favorite first hiking experiences with our daughter
• Family Skiing Colorado: The ups and downs of adventuring with kids.
• Backyard Ski Hill: Skiing with kids is easier when we get enough snow to ski out our backdoor!
• Lessons learned camping with a baby

We are Marc and Brenda Bergreen. We’re a photography team specializing in adventure lifestyle. Based in Evergreen, CO we travel throughout the state as Colorado adventure wedding photographers and videographers.  Above all our philosophy, love. adventurously. is the guidepost for everything we do.

Finally, be sure to follow us and/or like us  to stay tuned.

• weddings instagram (brenda)
•  adventures instagram (marc)
• facebook

In the meantime, remember to…

[mailmunch-form id=”412278″]

The post Outdoor Adventure Kids Will Love appeared first on .

It’s not about a specific passion for rock-climbing or backpacking, it’s more about what nature has to teach us. Many of the experiences that have helped form me as a person have been outside exploring and experiencing the world.

immersed in beauty

We have a list of parenting goals on our fridge.

Most of them have to do with how we want to try to handle tantrums or pickiness around food. For example, we want to attempt to prevent hunger and fatigue thus reducing preventable tantrums. Most of our goals resulted from lessons we learned the hard way.

However, the first goal on the list is one that we came to by simply thinking about what is important to us in life. We want to help our kids experience the beauty of the world.

As easily as to-do lists and stress can consume us, nature can heal us. Both Marc and I have found solace on a hike or sitting by the ocean. If a positive outlook on life is important, one of the simplest ways we’ve found to cultivate it is time outdoors.

safe on the edge

Adventure isn’t always about taking risks, but it can be. And risk-taking can certainly teach us about bravery and confidence. I’m not suggesting risks with any sort of consequences, I’m just encouraging the character building that comes with pushing ourselves.

We wrote a pledge as part of our Kickstarter campaign for our kids book, ABCs of Adventure. It’s a pledge to raise Adventurous, Brave, and Creative children. Here’s how the section on bravery reads:

“I commit to exposing my children to adventure and risk-taking. I will teach them that fear is a good thing. And I will keep them safe so that they can be comfortable on the edge.”

What I am saying is that as parents we have the opportunity to both protect our kids from harm while encouraging them to face their fears. We can show them that often the reward of overcoming a fear is well worth it. Perhaps most importantly, we can teach them that failure is a part of the process and a necessary step on the path to success.

comfortable with fear and failure

This sort of mindset is something I am extremely grateful to my own parents for. They supported me and encouraged me every time I wanted to try something new. They never showed disappointment when I failed but always used it as a teachable moment.

It’s that aspect of parenting that made me an adult that isn’t afraid to quit my stead job to try to start a business. That quality gave me the confidence to try things like writing a kids book. For every success there are countless failures but the adventure and lessons learned along the way have been invaluable.

I’ve climbed literal and metaphorical mountains that I didn’t think I was capable. And certainly, I’ve discovered that my body and mind are capable of a lot more than I would have imagined.

I’m am far from fearless, but I like to think that I am pretty brave. I want that for my kids.

adventurous kids become creative adults

Creativity is an illusive thing. It’s something we all have as kids but some of us lose as adults. Actually, some adults just think that they lose it.

I am fascinated by and reliant upon the force of creativity so I read about it, study it, and practice it. I have even taught a few Yoga and Creativity workshops. I’ve learned that we are all capable of creativity but that we compare ourselves to someone like J.K. Rowling and thus determine that we must not be creative.

Once I had a surgeon tell me she didn’t think she was creative. Is not putting someone together the definition of creation? But it seems we think that we can be either artist or scientist, not both.

I argue that the best scientists are the ones that embrace their creativity and the best artist are the ones that take the time to understand science. My aunt is an incredible painter and sculptor. I’m pretty sure she has to think about science when figuring out how to balance her sculptures.

But I digress, I’ll save that argument for another day. Today I want to impress upon you that I believe adventurous kids will become creative adults.

our good friends fear and failure

Creativity often requires accepting failure and overcoming fear. As I just talked about in the last section, adventure helps us do just that. Adventure gives us confidence in the strength of our bodies and our minds.

Fear is both the enemy and the instigator of creativity. Many of my best ideas have come from a deep fear but that same fear almost preventing me from acting. Fear still prevents me from doing things I feel I was born to do but the more practice I have facing my fears the better I get at it.

Often I think about climbing this way. I used to be afraid to walk standing up on a steep slope, now it’s second nature to me. I trust my feet because at some point I took a chance and learned that I could.

The last thing I want to mention might be the most obvious one. Nature has a lot to teach us about creativity. Nature shows us that a caterpillar can become a butterfly and a trees change colors.

Breathing fresh air and seeing beauty is inspiring. Such inspiration helps us cultivate our own creativity. I could talk about this for hours so feel free to reach out!

stay tuned for more content for adventurous kids

I’ve been cranking out content for adventurous parents in honor of our adventure kids book launch. Be sure to sign-up for our newsletter or check back in at the blog and Pre-order today on Kickstarter!   (Update: our ABCs picture book is here, check it out!)

Thanks for stopping by to hear some thoughts on raising adventurous kids! Don’t miss some of our other resources for adventurous families.

• How to Adventure with Kids: A Parent Survival Guide
• Our 8 Favorite Children’s Adventure Picture Books
• Adventure Kid’s Book Launch – ABCs of Adventure
• How to photograph your kids – online course: another result of our Covid quarantine!
• Blue Lake Colorado Hiking Adventure and Photography: one of our favorite first hiking experiences with our daughter
• Family Skiing Colorado: The ups and downs of adventuring with kids.
• Backyard Ski Hill: Skiing with kids is easier when we get enough snow to ski out our backdoor!
• Lessons learned camping with a baby

We are Marc and Brenda Bergreen. We’re a photography team specializing in adventure lifestyle and adventurous wedding photography. Above all our philosophy, love. adventurously. is the guidepost for everything we do.

Finally, be sure to follow us and/or like us  to stay tuned.

• weddings instagram (brenda)
•  adventures instagram (marc)
• facebook

In the meantime, remember to…

[mailmunch-form id=”412278″]

The post Adventurous Kids | Immersed in Beauty and Safe on the Edge appeared first on .

If you’re not a parent yet but you’re pretty sure your life won’t change thus you don’t need any tips, bookmark this page for another day. That was me, I was in denial about how life-changing it would be. Becoming a parent didn’t mean I had to stop adventuring just that I had to relearn how.

And along with the new challenges came a new world of wonder, awe, and crazy love.

It’s not easy, it’s not for everyone, but if you’re like us it’s almost always worth it to adventure with kids.

how to adventure with kids | a survival guide

1. Success is easier with good adventure partners.

If you know anything about us, you might know that we met on an ice-climbing trip on the East side of the Sierras. We’ve been adventure partners ever since. We’ve even built our lives and our business around our shared passion for adventure.

The reason I am able to stay motivated to adventure with kids is that I have a husband who shares my motivation. Beyond that, we have met other parents who are committed to raising adventurous kids.

Community is the answer to everything, not just adventure. Lean on your people, your partner, and your support.

When I’m stressed about losing sleep on a camping trip, I see other families going backpacking and that inspires me to try. Camping with another family makes things easier too because you can share things like cooking responsibilities. And an extra hand never hurts.

It’s not about comparison, please don’t compare. Know that what you see is not reality. That super cute photo of a baby in the tent was likely followed by little to no sleep. Keep your perception in check.

2. WHEN you fail, get back on the trail.

I say “when” you fail because it will happen. You can plan, prepare, and hedge your bets but at some point an adventure with kids is going to be a wake up call.

It might call you at 3am and tell you you’re done sleeping for the day. I remember rolling out of a campsite at precisely that time because our daughter wouldn’t stop screaming and I was afraid  she was going to wake up the whole campground. She and Marc both ended up falling asleep in the car so I parked at a trailhead and photographed sunrise as they caught up on sleep.

Or, it might call you at 7pm when you thought she would sleep in the car and you could drive a few hours at night. After an hour of screaming you’ll desperately find somewhere to camp and admit defeat. That’s what happen to us on a road trip to Utah for a friends wedding.

Turns out when you plan on them sleeping in the car, they won’t. And when you want then to sleep anywhere else, all they’ll want is the car. The battle continues with food, clothes, and what color spoon they want.

You have two choices after a terrible trip. Give up, admit defeat, redefine yourself as someone who doesn’t need adventure. Or, you can recommit. You can persuasively convince yourself that the next time will go smoothly and be totally worth it.

In our experience, it probably will. So don’t give up.

3. Don’t forget why you love adventure.

Marc and I have actually found adventuring a lot harder with two kids than one. In fact, everything is a lot harder. We can’t get over how adorable the sibling relationship is but we can’t deny that having a 2 v 2 ratio is harder than 2 v 1.

It’s been more important now that we remind ourselves why we love adventure. I think it’s a lot like working out, you don’t want to do it but you know you’ll feel better after. So how do you remind and convince yourself that it will be worth it?

Photography is a big one for us, sorry if you didn’t see that coming. We like to look back through old photos of life-changing trips. And we like  to get inspired from stunning photos of places we have never been.

Especially during the Covid shutdown, it can be easy to settle into a calmer and simpler life of just staying home. It’s pretty nice that everyone sleeps in their own beds and we have a kitchen to cook in. However, for me, all it takes is a few hours of adventure to remember why I value it.

Feeling the sun kiss my face as my heart beats stronger and the view takes my breath away is instant stress relief. My whole worldview is more hopeful and positive when I’m outside in nature. There is immense joy in challenging myself, learning about myself, and now watching my kids have those same experiences.

So start small. Pick a low effort, low commitment activity to remind yourself that it’s worth it. Once you get a taste, you might just have the motivation to do the work.

4. Stay inspired… buy our book!

Lastly, I end with a shameless plug for our new kids adventure book, ABCs of Adventure. It’s currently available to pre-order via kickstarter! Find out more about the book.

We may have wrote it for our own kids but our goal is to share it with as many little future adventurers as possible. And we’d love to help parents stay inspired and remind you why it’s important to adventure with kids. Pre-order today on Kickstarter! 

Whether it’s our book or something else, find a way to stay inspire. This is an extension of the previous point. Once you define why you  love adventure, find ways to remind yourself.

stay tuned for more on how to  adventure with kids

I’ll be putting out some content in the next few days and weeks for adventurous parents in honor of our adventure kids book launch. Be sure to sign-up for  our newsletter or check back in at the blog.

Thanks for stopping by to check out our how to adventure with kids survival guide! Don’t miss some of our other resources for adventurous families.

• Our 8 Favorite Children’s Adventure Picture Books
• Adventure Kid’s Book Launch – ABCs of Adventure
• How to photograph your kids – online course: another result of our Covid quarantine!
• Blue Lake Colorado Hiking Adventure and Photography: one of our favorite first hiking experiences with our daughter
• Family Skiing Colorado: The ups and downs of adventuring with kids.
• Backyard Ski Hill: Skiing with kids is easier when we get enough snow to ski out our backdoor!
• Lessons learned camping with a baby

We are Marc and Brenda Bergreen. We’re a photography team specializing in adventure lifestyle and adventurous wedding photography. Above all our philosophy, love. adventurously. is the guidepost for everything we do.

Finally, be sure to follow us and/or like us  to stay tuned.

• weddings instagram (brenda)
•  adventures instagram (marc)
• facebook

In the meantime, remember to…

[mailmunch-form id=”412278″]

The post How to Adventure with Kids | A Survival Guide appeared first on .

These books are some of our kids favorites as well as ours. Reading them doesn’t get old, which is a lot to say for a kids book! We love instilling a love of the outdoors in our children.

Some of these books are poetic and touch a deep place in your heart. There are morals of friendship, happiness, and leading a simple life of adventure. The visuals are captivating and the stories are immersive.

our 8 favorite children’s adventure picture books

1. The Boy Who Spoke to the Earth: The boy goes on a journey to beautiful and magical places in search of happiness but has to learn to really see!
2. Finding Wild: Descriptive, visceral, and sure to instill a longing for wild.
3. Henry Hikes to Fitchburg: Do we live to work or work to live? Can we work hard and play harder? Sometimes the journey is part of the adventure.
4. Lost and Found: You don’t always know what you’re searching for but there is nothing like a perfect adventure buddy.
5. The Antlered Ship: Some unlikely adventurers learn to overcome their fears and go on the trip of a lifestime.
6. Where the Wild Things Are: A classic, a long time childhood favorite… and I can’t even explain why!
7. Giraffes Can’t Dance: Discover what the moon and leaves have to teach you about what you’re capable of.
8. Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots: In short, the answer is yes.

*Links to Amazon are affiliate links

stay tuned

I’ll be putting out some content in the next few days and weeks for adventurous parents in honor of our adventure kids book launch. Be sure to sign-up for  our newsletter or check back in at the blog.

Thanks for stopping by to check out our favorite adventure children’s books! Don’t miss some of our other resources for adventurous families.

• Adventure Kid’s Book Launch – ABCs of Adventure
• How to photograph your kids – online course: another result of our Covid quarantine!
• Blue Lake Colorado Hiking Adventure and Photography: one of our favorite first hiking experiences with our daughter
• Family Skiing Colorado: The ups and downs of adventuring with kids.
• Backyard Ski Hill: Skiing with kids is easier when we get enough snow to ski out our backdoor!
• Lessons learned camping with a baby

We are Marc and Brenda Bergreen. We’re a photography team specializing in adventure lifestyle and adventurous wedding photography. Above all our philosophy, love. adventurously. is the guidepost for everything we do.

Finally, be sure to follow us and/or like us  to stay tuned.

• weddings instagram (brenda)
•  adventures instagram (marc)
• facebook

In the meantime, remember to…

[mailmunch-form id=”412278″]

The post Children’s Adventure Picture Books appeared first on .

We launched the book on Kickstarter and the campaign took off. Now, we are officially funded and will be printing the book but we would love for you to pre-order the book this month and get a first edition copy.

adventure kids book launch

This beautiful hardcover picture book takes you through the alphabet in a whole new way. Words of nature and adventure accompanied by inspirational photography and playful sketches will leave the reader ready to tackle new horizons with an adventurous vocabulary. (Hint, not just for preschoolers, this book will inspire the adventure in all of us!)

Are you (or someone you know) are spending a lot of quality time reading books to children? ABCs of Adventure is an amazing addition to your bookshelf. Dust off your imagination and head inward for an adventure!

Pick up a copy!

Pre-order today on Kickstarter! 

Be sure to watch the video above to get a feel for the book!

Stay tuned for more adventure!

I’ll be putting out some content in the next few days and weeks for adventurous parents in honor of our adventure kids book launch. Be sure to sign-up for  our newsletter or check back in at the blog.

Thanks for stopping by to check out this adventure kids book launch! Don’t miss some of our other resources for adventurous families.

• How to photograph your kids – online course: another result of our Covid quarantine!
• Blue Lake Colorado Hiking Adventure and Photography: one of our favorite first hiking experiences with our daughter
• Family Skiing Colorado: The ups and downs of adventuring with kids.
• Backyard Ski Hill: Skiing with kids is easier when we get enough snow to ski out our backdoor!
• Lessons learned camping with a baby
• Another word for Creativity

We are Marc and Brenda Bergreen. We’re a photography team specializing in adventure lifestyle and mountain wedding photography. Above all our philosophy, love. adventurously. is the guidepost for everything we do.

Finally, be sure to follow us and/or like us  to stay tuned.

• weddings instagram (brenda)
•  adventures instagram (marc)
• facebook

In the meantime, remember to…

[mailmunch-form id=”412278″]

The post Adventure Kids Book Launch | ABCs of Adventure appeared first on .