It’s no secret that Seattle is one seriously photogenic city. With the uniquely futuristic silhouette of the Space Needle, vibrant rows of produce at Pike Place Market and West Point Lighthouse on Discovery Park’s rugged coastline, this city has no shortage of eye-catching landmarks perfectly suited for photo ops. Though after a while you may begin to feel like you’ve seen, eaten and done it all around this well-tread metropolis.
Enter Instagram, the photo-centric social media platform that serves as the perfect catalyst to break through the been-there-done-that-itude and spur some new adventures. What better time than the arrival of spring to introduce some new perspectives into your ‘gram feed and add some new spots to your must-visit list? Grab your phone and prepare yourself for some spring exploration inspo from our handpicked collection of 10 Seattle Instagrammers who knock it out of the park with their shots of Seattle and beyond!
1. Cr.a.ig
Dreamy and kaleidoscopic, Cr.a.ig’s photos make familiar Seattle-area landmarks look almost otherworldly and offer the perfect opportunity to view the PNW through a different lens.
Sure you’ve taken a day trip to Snoqualmie Falls, but have you ever thought about what they might look like by the light of a full moon? Or perhaps you’ve driven along the Columbia River Gorge and cruised right by Dallesport’s fields of wild sunflowers. Following his feed will inspire you to stray from the beaten path and provide the chance to capture your newest, most-liked Insta post.
2. Veekster
Artfully curated and refreshingly pared-down, photographer Victoria Wright’s (aka Veekster) travel photos focus on clean lines and intriguing color combinations. Her aesthetically-driven photography catches details in everyday life that might otherwise go unnoticed, which will make you want to slow down and reexamine seemingly ordinary sights. In scrolling through her photos, it’s clear that she’s an advocate for stopping to smell the flowers – be it literally or figuratively.
Wright says: “Exploring new parts of the world is an important part of my life, my job and my well-being. Travel opens your eyes to a world far greater than your own — it’s the best educator of all.”
3. Tim_urpman
With a dark, moody aesthetic, Tim_urpman’s account brims with the deep blues and rich forest greens that comprise the classic color palette of the Pacific Northwest. Also a master of long exposure photography, Urpman’s shots of busy streets streaked with the neon ribbons of car headlights are sure to get you itchin’ to hit the open road yourself!
4. Mardimar
Looking for some stunning travel photos with a heaping helping of positivity? Then Mardimar should be your next Instagram follow. With a feed full of verdant forests and waterfalls running over with the spring thaw, his exuberance for the season is contagious.
Labuguen states, “I love to travel because it allows me to appreciate what I have while expanding my perspective on life in general. Using Instagram is a great way to plan my travel – easy, practical, and no drama, just the way I like to travel!”
5. Lindaderschang
As an indisputable member of the Emerald City’s “in” crowd, it’s no surprise that Lindaderschang’s photos perfectly capture the hippest parts of Seattle. Derschang shines a light on the breadth of activities the city has to offer, from swank vintage stores and chic coffee shops to intimate restaurants and tucked away pocket parks. Her feed is enough to make you want to explore new corners of the city and fall in love with Seattle all over again.
6. Stephanieforrer
The perfect marriage of foodie fodder and wanderlust fuel, Stephanieforrer of Eat, Drink, Travel, Y’all! offers up vibrant travel photos alongside mouthwatering portraits of everything from melty cheeseburgers to Tiki-inspired cocktails. As an added bonus, her captions are loaded with warm, inviting Southern charm. You may even be inspired to embark on a solo trip and sample exotic cuisine yourself.
Forrer says, “I constantly use Instagram and Twitter when I travel to find the beautiful places I want to go, things I want to do, restaurants I want to eat at. There is no greater feeling to me than stepping off a plane somewhere new by myself with just my bag and phone in hand.”
7. Torrin_visual_media
Whether it’s crisp photos of Olympic National Park or glowing shots of Post Alley at dusk, Torrin_visual_media has a firm grasp on what makes northwest Washington such a compelling photographic subject. Equally adept at capturing cityscapes as he is swaths of pristine forest, this well-balanced feed urges you to get out and appreciate all the greater Seattle area has to offer.
8. Timdurkan
It’s safe to say that most Seattle photographers (not to mention National Geographic) would agree in crowning Timdurkan the king of Space Needle photos. However, Durkan isn’t a one trick pony, as evidenced by his beautiful pictures of ships adrift on the Sound, exhilarating concert photography and gritty street shots that capture a slice of urban life in downtown Seattle. His work encourages his followers to explore outside of their comfort zone and see Seattle for what it is – a thoroughly diverse, multifaceted city.
9. Dankhole
With his tongue-in-cheek account name, dankhole (photographer Dan Cole)’s Instagram presence grabs your attention before you even dive into his photo gallery. Cole’s clever eye for geometry in everyday life will inspire you to revisit familiar spots with a fresh outlook, from tidy rows of skyscraper windows to perfectly symmetrical fans of palm fronds. This account is a well of aesthetic inspiration and the perfect place to turn if you’re feeling stuck in a rut exploration-wise.
10. Maralphoto
From wispy, cotton candy clouds to the dramatic crests of waterfront vistas, Mara Leite of Maralphoto has a way of taking standard landscape shots and making them feel utterly ethereal. With a well-honed eye for color, Leite’s brilliant photos are especially inspiring for spring.
Leite says, “It was because of my love for travel that I found my passion for photography. Instagram plays a big role in the planning of a nice sunset photo – with real time photo sharing, I can figure out what the cloud coverage is going to be like. I also get to connect with people from around the world that share my passion for travel and photography!”
In a creative, outdoorsy city like Seattle, there’s no shortage of prolific photographers to get some new travel ideas flowing. With a few new accounts in your Insta feed and the promise of spring right around the corner, a multitude of new photo-worthy adventures is almost a guarantee – no filter required!
