The Outtakes

Many moons ago {two years, but who is counting?} I wrote a post about a collegiate who—to the surprise of everyone–committed suicide. All of her friends and family who viewed her seemingly-perfect life through the lens of her social media feed were honestly shocked; how could someone with such a perfect life want to end it?

It’s an age-old question that continues today. Do we as consumers want to see the reality behind social media or do we merely prefer the curated snaps that present a picture-perfect pretense of utopia?

I continue to ponder this question. I receive countless of emails from readers who ask for advice on my “perfect lifestyle” and while I’m insanely flattered, it always makes me wonder if I’m fanning the flames of a dishonest fire. But that’s the tricky part; in the grand scheme of things, I realize how fortunate I am. I love my life; I’ve been afforded insane opportunities; I just accomplished one of my life’s dreams in writing a book; I have the world’s best husband, family and friends. What do I have to complain about?

In reality, not much. But, just like many of us, I deal with banal issues on a daily basis. Student loans. Relationship squabbles. Questions on my future. A dog with a torn ACL. Until last year, I was paying off a chunk of medical bills that I’d previously racked up thanks to a pre-existing condition that led to an uncovered surgical procedure. Oy.

So when I try to talk about the important of showing reality online, it comes across as contrived, even to myself. That’s why the original idea of showcasing bad photos first popped into my head. Of course, unflattering images are minor in comparison to what many are hiding on a daily basis. But, as someone who puts a lot of stuff out onto the internet, I figure they’re a start. Baby steps and all that.

Here they are: the outtakes. You guys see a lot of my outdoor life through the lens of Will’s camera, but that comes along with a talented eye and a Lightroom subscription. What you don’t see are the ones with the cellulite and adult acne and downright bizarre faces!

I’ll admit that I couldn’t find some of the good ones this go ’round but there are still a few in the bunch that me cringe. Turns out, I really do look like that sometimes.

Jackson, Wyoming

Remember this photo? I used it awhile back from our trip to Jackson with Snow King Resort. It was never my favorite photo but I used it on social media because it encapsulated our day pretty well {hello, frozen eyelashes!} and my general mood. Wasn’t too terrible.

But this is what it actually looked like:

Purple skin, smudged mascara, and facial scars everywhere. I was not having a good day!

Big Horn CrossFit

This photo by itself is whatever….not good, not bad, just meh. It was one of the head shots Will took for my upcoming coach’s profile {assuming I pass my cert in a few weeks!} But it makes me laugh every time I look at it! Does anyone else see how my gigantic head is floating on my skinny neck?!

Barre Forte

I’ve seen photos of women who look beautiful and strong in a barre class. Long lean muscles, knowing smiles, and a slight glow of perspiration as they power through the toughest movements.

That was not me. That shit hurt and my face showed it!

Trail Running

Duh……what?!

Gear Reviews

If you’ve read my site for awhile, you may remember seeing this image floating around. The jacket is by Icebreaker and it’s an awesome piece; in fact, I wear the corresponding vest pretty regularly. By the looks of this photo, you’d think I was having the BEST TIME EVER! Gear reviews are fun! Post-sunset at the lake in December is fun! My stomach isn’t growling at all!

But actually, I think I maybe cried that night. I was so damn tired and frustrated with so many things!

And no, we didn’t edit this photo which is why it is so dark. Why bother wasting valuable time and energy on a photo of me crying?!

Fat Biking

So often, you guys read my recaps of trips involving activities I love: skiing and hiking and trail running and the like. But I really suck at a lot of things, and fat biking was one of them. Pretty sure I pushed my bike more than I actually rode it.

The Camino

You’ve likely seen this photo around my social media world. In fact, it became my profile picture for quite awhile. Will snapped it while we were hiking the Camino de Santiago with my parents last September. It was after our first day of hiking, and I’m pretty sure I was in the bathroom. I leaned out the window to see what Will was doing outside and accidentally stumbled into a photo session.

I like that photo, but this is what the majority of them looked like. ‘Nuff said.

Longs Peak

Remember last summer when I finally summited Longs Peak, a 14er that had been taunting me since the early 2000s?! It was a beautiful if ass-kicking hike and the photos I used on social media were pretty awesome {if I do say so myself, which I can because I brag about my husband’s skills!}

But there were definitely parts of that hike where I felt like death. Or just really confused.

Head Shot

This quickly became my new head shot after a session in the park. I knew I needed some new photos before my book came out, so Will and I headed to Cheesman Park after we snapped an engagement session. I was a bit tired since we’d been shooting the beautiful couple all day, but I managed to pull it together for a couple decent shots. This was a favorite and has been used in various places.

I like to call this one, “Ol’ Dead Eyes.” Or “Forehead Wrinkles.” You decide.

Kebler Pass

And finally, this one just makes me laugh. What in the hell am I looking at? My hand? My rings? Do I even know where I am?!

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