We’re still trying to wind down from out “Mountainfilm hangover.” Four days with inspirational films, organizations and people certainly takes its toll, and we’re still trying to sort out how to take all that we learned and saw and translate it into everyday life. But it doesn’t just take a film festival; all of us encounter moments and people that inspire us to make positive change. But it’s taking that inspiration and translating it into action, on whatever level you can, that counts.
Since starting Under Solen we’ve gotten to know quite a few people that are doing exactly that, each in their respective fields. You don’t need to have a 10-page resume or a fancy degree in a complicated field to be effective and have an influence on those around you; you simply need to go after what you love. And that’s what all of these people are doing, which is why we draw on them for daily inspiration. We hope you do too.
Joe is a wildlife photojournalist, and an excellent one at that. He has worked extensively on Pronghorn migration for the Freedom to Roam initiative, and he’s a big player in our favorite organization, the International League of Conservation Photographers. Incredible photos that capture the sense of urgency in protecting these animals. That, and he’s an all-around cool guy. You can check out his site here.
A rocking travel writer and Hispanaphone, this woman proves that multimedia can have a positive effect on the world. She’s the Managing Editor at one of our favorite sites, Matador Network. Check out her work here.
James Edward Mills
If you need to know what’s up in the outdoor world, James is your guy. He’s a multimedia journalist that runs the excellent site, The Joy Trip Project, where he covers everything from sustainability to art to outdoor sports. Definitely an inspiration to anyone trying to live a more sustainable, active lifestyle.
Allie knows what’s up when it comes to videos. She runs Red Reel Video Media and specializes in marketing for the outdoor industry. But the main reason that she inspires us is her decision to buy an Airstream and drive across the country all while making a documentary film. 23 Feet “is an adventure film about what it means to leave it all behind for the things we love, whether it be climbing, backpacking, or surfing. We’ll travel 2600 miles to explore the wild lands of the west in a 23 foot 1970 Airstream.” That’s worth supporting.
Claire Smallwood
I actually went to college with Claire, and when I came across SheJumps I was excited to find out that this incredible non-profit that promotes getting women outdoors had Claire for its Executive Director. Anyone who launches a 501c3 nonprofit at the age of 22 is inspiration in our book. She recently wrote about her role in Wend Magazine, and said this: “We started SheJumps to celebrate the beautiful, empowering camaraderie of what females and genuine, unselfish support can do.” Check out SheJumps and all the good things they do to inspire women to get into more outdoor activities.
Dan Austin
We had the pleasure of meeting Dan in person this last weekend in Telluride. Dan is one of the masterminds behind 88 Bikes, which transportation to young people in developing countries. In other words, bikes. Listening to him talk, you’re immediately convinced that bikes can change the world (which we’re big believers in). Check out 88 Bikes and how you can take part.
Who inspires you? We want to know who in your life gets you motivated to get out and take action!
Thanks for the kind words. You ladies are pretty awesome too! It was great to hang with you.
See you in August if not sooner.
James