J.K.Winders

[jkwinders]

It doesn’t feel like an overhyped sentiment when I say that 2017 might be the best year yet. I’ve traversed more miles, learned more, smiled more, and grown more than I have in any other chapter of my life. I’ve seen business grow more and have expanded my horizons more than any other year. There were so many blessings and pleasant surprises that came my way that I couldn’t have prepared for twelve months ago. There were countless moments that I consider myself so honored to have been able to experience. This is just a small handful. From Colorado to California to Canada and across the pond to Europe, 2017 has shown me how to fall more in love with the journey of life than ever before. 2018 already has some amazing things in store and I can’t be more excited to take these next twelve months head on. Thanks 2017, you were swell! ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #discoverearth #getlost #lostatlast #ventureonward #lifeofadventure #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #naturegram #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #liveauthentic #livefolktakeover #gramslayers #watchthisinstagood #theweekoninstagram #teamcanon #photography #photooftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @mountainstones @beautifuldestinations @natgeo (at Planet Earth)

[jkwinders]

Il est battu par les flots, mais ne sombre pas... ——————————————— Paris, France // November 2017 #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #discoverearth #paris #france #eiffeltower #eurotrip #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #naturegram #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #liveauthentic #livefolk #gramslayers #watchthisinstagood #theweekoninstagram #teamcanon #photography #photooftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @mountainstones @beautifuldestinations @natgeo (at Paris, France)

[jkwinders]

If you want to shine like the sun, first burn like the sun… ——————————————— The year twenty seventeen is swiftly coming to a close. Earlier today it hit as I studied my calendar and realized that there are but twenty days to relish of this monumental annum. This year in particular, I’m quite joyful to look back and reflect on everything that has happened within the past twelve months. I feel that I am finishing off this annual cycle with a fire within me that has grown stronger with each passing day of 2017. Now I’m gearing up to use this fire to propel me to places I never would’ve thought possible this time last year. Who’s getting excited for 2018? ——————————————— Savoring the last light on the Rocky Mountain front range with @__therobs__. ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #discoverearth #colorado #mountains #mountainlife #mountainstones #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #naturegram #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #liveauthentic #LF10K #GS10K #instagood10k #theweekoninstagram #teamcanon #photography #photooftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @mountainstones @beautifuldestinations @natgeo (at Colorado)

[jkwinders]

I can now add ‘International Maternity Photographer’ to the resumé. ——————————————— Bushmills, Northern Ireland // November 2017 #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #earth #ireland #discoverni #giantscauseway #maternityshoot #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #naturegram #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #liveauthentic #livefolk #gramslayers #watchthisinstagood #theweekoninstagram #teamcanon #photography #picoftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @mountainstones @beautifuldestinations @natgeo (at Giant's Causeway)

[jkwinders]

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Ara Coeli, this is my favorite building in all of Rome. The exterior is plain, unimpressive, doesn’t draw any attention to itself. You wouldn’t give this place a second glance if you walked passed. But you enter through that threshold and the beauty and brilliance that lines the inside of this place is enough to knock you over. I got the worst neck cramp from looking up at that ceiling too long. This mystical hidden gem is proof that beautiful things don’t need to scream for attention. ——————————————— Rome, Italy // October 2017 #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #earth #italy #rome #architecture #beauty #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #naturegram #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #liveauthentic #livefolk #gramslayers #watchthisinstagood #theweekoninstagram #camera #photography #picoftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @mountainstones @beautifuldestinations @natgeo (at Rome, Italy)

[jkwinders]

Venezia… City of Bridges, Queen of the Adriatic, mia bella Venezia! I don’t know if it was just a little birthday euphoria, or if I had maybe one too many spritzers, but there is something magical about this place. I relished in the moments when I was able to get lost in the labyrinth of canals and streets of this deeply rich city. This place is like a full-bodied glass of wine that constantly throws new surprises at you as it sweeps across your tastebuds. If you haven’t noticed this about me already, I tend to talk about libations when I’m in love. Ti amo, mia città galleggiante! ——————————————— Venice, Italy // October 2017 #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #earth #italy #venice #sunrise #beauty #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #naturegram #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #liveauthentic #livefolk #gramslayers #watchthisinstagood #theweekoninstagram #camera #photography #picoftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @passionpassport @beautifuldestinations @natgeo (at Venice, Italy)

[jkwinders]

A forty minute delay in Milan, an restless night in a train station, three connections before 6am, and a brisk, chilly hike up a mountain with my six weeks worth of clothes and gear weighing me down. It certainly was a journey to get to this spot. But I’m a firm believer that some of the best experiences await off the beaten path. For a few hours on the banks this surreal mountain lake in northern Italy, it felt like I was the only person in the world. It was another beautiful, reflective, not-so-rare moment of peace in my journey. It was a special moment that I had go out of my way for, that I had to earn. After my brief couple of hours were up, I hopped on the next train out of Villabassa and slept all the way to Venice. ——————————————— Lago di Braies, Italy // October 2017 #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #earth #italy #mountains #mountainlife #mountainstones #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #naturegram #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #liveauthentic #LF10K #GS10K #instagood10k #theweekoninstagram #camera #photography #picoftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @mountainstones @beautifuldestinations @natgeo (at Lago di Braies)

[jkwinders]

What everyone said was going to happened ended up happening. I started reviewing, organizing, and editing the thousands of photos I had collected from my time in Europe, and it all came rushing back to me faster than a high speed train. The full mosaic of the past seven weeks; all fifty-four (plus) train rides, every decadent meal, the many colorful characters I crossed paths with. I would hardly call a trip like this a trip of a lifetime, mainly because I don’t believe in trips of a lifetime. I believe that trips like these just come along exactly when they are most needed. People have told me that your first visit to Europe simply prepares you for your next visit. I’ll be ready for round two when it comes, but until then there’s still a couple thousand photos to sift through. ——————————————— Bernina Pass, Switzerland // October 2017 #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #earth #switzerland #mountains #mountainlife #mountainstones #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #naturegram #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #liveauthentic #livefolk #gramslayers #watchthisinstagood #theweekoninstagram #teamcanon #photographer #photooftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @mountainstones @beautifuldestinations @natgeo (at Switzerland)

[jkwinders]

“Still round the corner there may wait, a new road or a secret gate.” -J.R.R. Tolkien ——————————————— Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland // October 2017 #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #earth #switzerland #mountains #mountainlife #mountainstones #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #naturegram #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #liveauthentic #LF10K #GS10K #instagood10k #theweekoninstagram #camera #photographer #photooftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @mountainstones @beautifuldestinations @natgeo (at Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland)

[jkwinders]

I’ve encountered many moments recently where I couldn’t help but ask, “How did I get here? What did I do right to be here?” One of those moments was a crisp October evening on a quiet hillside in the shadow of the Matterhorn. She is truly a beauty. That moment you step off the train and rest your eyes on that iconic summit sends a shudder through your veins. I’ve seen plenty of mountains, but this one is something special. I’ve witnessed plenty of sunsets, but this one is something special. It’s my own moment with her in the fleeting daylight. ——————————————— Zermatt, Switzerland // October 2017——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #earth #switzerland #matterhorn #mountains #mountainstones #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #naturegram #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #liveauthentic #livefolk #gramslayers #watchthisinstagood #theweekoninstagram #teamcanon #photographer #photooftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @mountainstones @beautifuldestinations @natgeo (at Zermatt, Switzerland)

[jkwinders]

The season of thankfulness is upon us! Over the past few days, I’ve utilized the appropriate time to dwell and reflect on the previous twelve months. Looking back to this time last year, I had no idea I was going to be exploring all over Europe, witnessing the total solar eclipse, or experiencing some of the other unforgettable memories I’ve collected along the way. In the past year, I have travelled more, explored more, taken more photos, smiled more, and grown more than in any year before. Even as my recent European adventures came to a close, people asked me if I was experiencing the post travel lulls. I can’t say that I was, because looking forward to some of the doors that have been unlocked by everything that has happened, there’s too much to be excited about on the road ahead to be bogged down by the good things coming to an end now. I an immeasurably grateful for what happened in all of my yesterdays, but that gratitude is matched for what is to come in my tomorrows. What are you grateful for in this season of thanks? ——————————————— From my first adventure back in Colorado with @__therobs__ manning the shutter of Baby 2.0. ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #earth #colorado #mountains #mountainlife #mountainstones #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #naturegram #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #liveauthentic #LF10K #GS10K #instagood10k #theweekoninstagram #camera #photographer #photooftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @mountainstones @beautifuldestinations @natgeo (at Devil's Head Fire Lookout)

[jkwinders]

I’m sorry, did I break your train of thought… ——————————————— After a few days of being back in the states and enduring the slow process of recovering from jet lag, I’ve started sorting and sifting through the thousands of photos I acquired while abroad. This is just one of almost ten thousand photographs I collected over the six weeks of traveling across Europe. Now that I’m going back and reminding myself of everything that happened, it’s hitting me again that I was actually there at those incredible places in those unforgettable moments. I’m so grateful for everything I’ve experienced over the past couple of months and I’m excited to share more of my favorite moments and stories in the near future. #JKEURO keeps chugging on! ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #earth #switzerland #mountains #mountainlife #mountainstones #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #naturegram #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #liveauthentic #livefolk #gramslayers #watchthisinstagood #theweekoninstagram #teamcanon #photography #photooftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @mountainstones @beautifuldestinations @natgeo (at Switzerland)

[jkwinders]

It's been quite a journey. I'm still trying to find the words to describe it, narrow down the photos worth sharing, and compose the stories worth telling. Six weeks, seven countries, four languages attempted, fifty-six trains, four planes, a boat, a bus, and a pair of weathered boots. These are the experiences you tell your kids about in an attempt to convince them you were once cool and adventurous. Even now that this quest is coming to a close, it doesn't feel like the end. It almost feels like a video game and a new part of the world has been unlocked. There are still countless nooks and crannies of this charming continent to explore, and opportunities to bring me back to find them. You can only have your first Eurotrip once, and I gave it my best shot. The result was something that exceeded any expectation I had put in place. I'm currently spending my final day of this trip in London. Tonight I'll raise a glass at the pub to the road that keeps going over borders, across oceans, and beyond horizons. ——————————————— #JKEURO is coming to a close, but the story's not over. Never over. ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #ireland #thedarkhedges #lostatlast #earth #earthfocus #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #visualambasadors #livefolk #gramslayers #watchthisinstagood #theweekoninstagram #camera #photography #photooftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @beautifuldestinations @roamtheplanet @justgoshoot (at The Dark Hedges)

[jkwinders]

I spent a whole day trekking the coast, drinking the wine, sampling the seafood, and basking in the warmth of the Italian sun. A part of me wishes I had more time, but another part of me doesn’t want to waste time worrying about such desires. I don’t have to do everything, see everything, eat everything, and experience everything. Right now, I’m just happy I made it, I saw it, I tasted it, and experienced it. Right now, I don’t need more. More can wait until next time. ——————————————— Making the most of my last bit of light in Cinque Terre. #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #italy #cinqueterre #lostatlast #earth #earthfocus #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #visualambasadors #LF10K #GS10K #instagood10k #theweekoninstagram #camera #photography #picoftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @beautifuldestinations @roamtheplanet @justgoshoot (at Cinque Terre)

[jkwinders]

Every now and then, I have to stop myself, find a spot to kick my feet up, and take a breather. Sometimes I find a spot with a pretty decent view and good gelato close by. ——————————————— I’ve taken a load off my feet in some pretty amazing places. Cinque Terre is truly something special. #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #italy #cinqueterre #lostatlast #earth #earthfocus #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #visualambasadors #livefolk #gramslayers #watchthisinstagood #theweekoninstagram #teamcanon #photographer #photooftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @beautifuldestinations @roamtheplanet @justgoshoot (at Cinque Terre)

[jkwinders]

I just crossed the halfway point of this little European adventure, and I’m absolutely gobsmacked (Not sure if I’m using that term correctly, but I’m going to use it anyway). I’ve already seen and done so much, and have eaten all of the carbs the past few weeks. In the past two days alone, I’ve traveled between three countries and have experienced some of the finest hospitality in all of Europe. And I still got the rest of Spain, France, Ireland, and England. I’m a little emotional when dwelling on what has happened and giddy at the thought of what is still to come. It’s all good, tres bien, muy bueno, gle mhaith! ——————————————— They say Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it really can’t be enjoyed in just one either. Glad I got to spend as much time as I did in this culturally rich city. #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #italy #rome #mountainstones #earth #earthfocus #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #visualambasadors #LF10KLF10K #GS10KGS10K #instagood10kinstagood10k #theweekoninstagram #camera #photographer #picoftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @beautifuldestinations @roamtheplanet @justgoshoot (at Rome, Italy)

[jkwinders]

I enjoy cities. Seeing a mesh of culture in character in one condensed environment is always a treat to experience. I knew I’d get a lot of that as I traveled all over Europe. But I also knew I had to be sure to connect with the awe inspiring natural beauty of this continent as well. One can marvel at a cathedral or a canal or a monument. But let me have my moment among original creation and then sings my soul! ——————————————— This spot in the Dolomites really is something special. It was such a pleasure to get to experience this wonder with my own eyes. #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #italy #mountains #mountainstones #earth #earthfocus #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #visualambasadors #LF10K #GS10K #instagood10k #theweekoninstagram #camera #photographer #picoftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @beautifuldestinations @roamtheplanet @justgoshoot (at Lago di Braies)