Spencer Backman

instagram.com/spencerbackman

Couple of favorites. Need to get back out there. @tannergoods #korurucksack (at California) https://www.instagram.com/p/B84Wigtnt-n/?igshid=vbv9xd70nsk0

July 4th, 2017. My 5th day on #the1200milewalk. I’ve held off from posting most of my images from the journey, because I wanted the book to be where they were first seen. Now that the book is complete, I feel better about sharing these. This was my first campfire of the journey, and it cheered me immensely. Alone though I was, sitting in front of the flames, staring out into the cast impenetrable mist over the pacific, I felt like the intrepid explorer and adventurer I wished myself to be. (at Gold Bluffs Beach) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7WgSAXHKvZ/?igshid=1d23zpeqq0g8b

2020 has already have a few insights to share. One of those is the realization that the biggest story I have to share is my own. As a storyteller, I’ve spent the past couple of years since returning from the walk searching for other stories to tell, and then feeling somewhat unfulfilled while doing it. Perhaps it’s an inner narcissism or self-centeredness coming to the core, but I’m now realizing that I’m not content just telling other’s stories, I need to also be living out my own. 2020 will be largely about getting back to that. But it does leave a question: Why? To what end do I share my story? Self aggrandizement? To inspire? To teach what I’ve learned? Still figuring that one out. This is a picture of my dear friend @bobaskoro, looking like I feel when I consider these things. (at Columbia River Gorge) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7UCcK7njU_/?igshid=1oln40volveaw

Portfolio: spencerbackman.com

Portfolio: spencerbackman.com

Codi and I have been very blessed to be able to spend a few days in Tahoe with @coachmanhotel for a little babymoon, which I’ve learned is what you call a getaway before you have a baby. It’s been good. Also, do you like the cinematic wide versions of these images better (on my story) or these ones here? Which convey more story? #coachmanhotel #babymoon (at The Coachman Hotel) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7HIAZ6nfKt/?igshid=thfmzitdjobz

It’s been a long road, but we’re finally here. Today @codiannbackman and I drove to @editiononebooks in Berkeley and picked up my finished books. It’s a wild thing, having the bound copy in my hand. However, like so many other goals I set for myself, now that I’m here, I find myself quickly moving past the accomplishment. Belittling it, almost. Not that it’s anything earth-shattering to begin with, but it was a journey I undertook, images I composed, words I wrote, design I envisioned. With the help of my wonderful family and friends, I brought something from concept to tangible reality, and I want to be able to slow down for a moment and celebrate that. I suppose the perfectionist in me finds it hard to stop and be content with any work I’ve created, even just for a moment. Still working on that part. The books will begin shipping out next week. If you are interested in ordering a copy, send me a DM with your email and I will add you to an interest list for the next print run. For now, join me in remembering to celebrate small moments and appreciate all parts of the journey — even its completion. 📖 #the1200milewalk (at Coloso Coffee) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6_mGemH3Ij/?igshid=1f7xp9o14ah47

For @tannergoods, with @taylorcklein. (at Eldorado National Forest) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5TV7JsHTNo/?igshid=1fa39fo1egju

Instagram.com/spencerbackman

Thank you. Glad you can see it. 🙏🏽🙏🏽