Meet Our Brand Ambassador – Riley
"I am Riley and my true north are the roads less traveled.
I receive an incredible emotional, spiritual, and physical renewal when I am in nature, and even more so when I am behind the lens. To cope with my depression, I hike all over the Northwest mountainscapes.
Back in 2010, I started shooting with my iPhone 4. What started as a simple pleasure of capturing inspiring natural scenes quickly turned into a life-long passion. I continued to pick up the camera to keep my depression and addiction at bay.
Recently it has felt so natural to look through my Sony A7rIII lens, and when I’m out in the backcountry shooting, I feel alive and at peace.
When Covid hit, along with many others, I lost all my hours of work. Rather than get sucked back into depression, I poured my energy into photography to explore and refine my craft.
I joined a community of portrait shooters to learn more about capturing people and products. The natural progression was clear to blend my love of the outdoors with portraits, hence my new mission was to master environmental portraits and products in their natural environment.
Instead of dwelling on the pandemic, I started hustling 24/7 on photography and shooting for companies like Northbound Gear.
There is a special place in my heart for Northbound Gear. They helped launch my career in adventure & lifestyle product photography to inspire a stunning portfolio. I’m so excited to shoot for a brand that makes such quality products with stellar craftsmanship. 
My favorite products are their water resistant adventure pants with zipper pockets. The gear elevated my photography game and my peace of mind by keeping my essentials dry and safe.
I am celebrating just over 2 years of sobriety and I couldn’t have done it without my support system, photography, and great companies like this one who chose to invest in me."
Check out @lifeofriley_pnw profile to see Riley's amazing work.
Riley makes a great spokesperson for Northbound Gear as well as photographer.
I agree with his viewpoint of the Northbound Gears. My husband loves the wTer proof hiking pants and my little grandsons appreciated their large water resistant backpacks too! I know of a ciuple more kids who would like the backpacks too!
Riley sounds like a very forward-thinking, intelligent young go-getter! Very enterprising! Way to go Riley on your 2 years. Bravo!
Hey am Gareth and love the outdoors like many others my escape from depression was the outdoors the beauty of nature guided me on a journey I hold close to my heart if you can get out there and let nature guide you the smell of trees the animals you will see the spectacular views tblows you away and drift into that unforgettable feeling that there’s more to Life
I’ve suffered depression for years and when surrounded by mother nature it’s like life my life is different it’s beautiful .Getting to know what clothes and equipment you need and take care of it you soon meet people with that smile as if they won the lottery most are so happy and helpful giving you advice plus telling you the amazing places to see I could write all day about my adventures if you are able just take that first step into a peaceful environment good luck to you all let nature guide you and respect it.
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