It’s all about fresh air, wide-open spaces, and nature these days, right? And when you look around this beautiful world, at all the landscapes and natural spaces we have to enjoy, it makes complete sense. 

Whether you prefer being under a bright blue sky or rain clouds, a canopy of branches, or intricate rock formations, the outdoors feeds the soul. Some of us are lucky enough to work outside, but others of us have to remember to step out our doors and offices, take some deep breaths, and soak up the world around us.

So today, let’s explore the fresh air and outdoor areas available to us. Whatever you want to do out there...play or picnic, run or skip, kiss or have a photoshoot!...there’s a place to do it, as well as something new to see and experience, whether you’re staying close to homebase or venturing further afield, whether you live in the country or the city.

From city parks to national parks

Recently, people around the world have rediscovered and fallen in love with the many parks surrounding them. 

The beauty of parks is that they instantly transport us into nature, as much or as little as we need in that moment. If you’re in the middle of a busy work day, you can step away from your computer, grab a book, and head to a park to literally unplug and shift your mindset. If you have a week of vacation available, you can plan a trip to a nearby state or national park and have a soul-enriching holiday.

Our local city parks are where we take our children, meet our friends for coffee, or lie in the grass with loved ones for an old fashioned picnic. Our regional, state and national parks are designated areas protected by law and waiting to both welcome and teach us. Both offer exercise, meditation, a disconnect from technology, and a reconnection with the great world around us.

No matter how big or small, each of our parks provides us with an instant gateway to nature, whether we’re listening to a stream trickle through a field or scaling granite cliffs, glamping or camping, reading or jogging. What’s most important is to get out and enjoy these special spots. Have you found a favorite park recently? Or is there a particular park you’ve been longing to visit? (Check out our national parks post to get inspired!

Sculpture gardens to backyard gardens

Not everyone is into green spaces or nature, but most everyone still likes to get outdoors, even if it’s to venture out into a more urban landscape than a rural one.

Cities and towns are filled with interesting outdoor spaces beyond the city park. Walking down our favorite city streets; lounging on benches in town squares, piazzas, or plazas; exploring the museum’s sculpture garden; skateboarding or roller skating. These all count as getting outside.

Even if you feel like you live in the middle of a concrete jungle or suburban sprawl, a walk around your neighborhood or city block, an hour sitting on your porch steps, or a wander through your backyard can be all you need to shift your frame of mind and soak up some all-important Vitamin D. 

The magic of being outside in the city or in our own backyards is that no two days are ever the same. Think of Monet in his garden at Giverny, studying the water lilies which he painted more than 250 times! Or how he stood in front of Rouen Cathedral and painted it 30 different times. And yet, no two paintings, of lilies or church, are the same. This is because the same spot brings different lights, sounds, emotions so that no two days are ever the same.

Natural wonders near and far

Cityscapes, parks, and our own gardens can be natural wonders in their own right, but there are some destinations and landscapes in this world that are epic, wondrous, and worthy of being on all our bucket lists. 

Yes, we’re talking about places like Yosemite Valley, Niagara Falls, Mount Everest, the Great Barrier Reef, and anywhere you can see the Aurora Borealis, just to name a few headliners. But we’re also talking about the towering trees of California, the green hills of Ireland, the biodiverse jungles of Costa Rica, and the sand dunes of Africa. 

Perhaps you live near just such a place or are ready to start planning how to get to the one you’ve always dreamed of seeing. Life is precious and every day a gift. If there’s a natural wonder you want to see, seize the day! Whether a place is officially classified as a natural wonder or is just a wonder to you, that is enough of a reason to visit. If you can get there this year, go. If it will take some planning and patience, consider that the start of the adventure! 

Backdrops everywhere you look!

We’ve talked about a variety of different places you can go outside. Do you know what they all have in common? Every one of them could be the perfect backdrop for a photoshoot.

Just as we’re eager to breathe in the fresh air, we’re eager to breathe in new experiences and memories. Photographs help us create both. With one of our local photographers and a safe, contactless photoshoot you can truly have a new experience, especially outside. 

Are you planning a summer or winter trip? Are you finally getting together with family for a birthday or special anniversary? Planning to propose to that special someone? Or are just eager to get some new pics in your favorite setting? We’ve got photoshoot packages for all needs and dreams, and our flex packages let you buy now and book once you know exactly which fantastic backdrop you want! 

No matter whether you’re going near or far, and what natural setting you’ve set your heart on, we can’t wait to photograph you out in the fresh air and great outdoors!