Photo by Leslie Kehmeier on her Root Adventure to Ethiopia
When travel came to a screeching halt in March, Root Adventures photographer, Leslie Kehmeier was the first person to reach out to our founder, Breanne. Leslie is an avid storyteller who finds adventure in every experience, so it’s not surprising she was able to find beauty in struggle before most of us could even grasp a struggle was afoot. in her new podcast Coffee with Covid, Leslie shares stories from her global network of freelancers, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and others connected with the outdoor adventure and travel industry. It's one part coffee and one part COVID - two things that are part of our daily lives.
A few of our favorite images from our travels with Leslie:
A little more about Leslie:
My journey as a photographer began 35 years ago in elementary school. Through some non-traditional classes, I found photography. Ironically, I was afraid of the dark back then, so one could imagine my nervousness when it came time to developing photos in the pitch-blackness of a converted utility closet. Looking back, it was a small obstacle in finding the “thing" that has been my way to fit into the world.
My adventurous spirit combined with my wonder and curiosity about the world has taken me to all seven continents. I often document my experiences from the seat of a bicycle, my vehicle to see and tell stories about landscapes and cultures across the globe. The results have been extraordinarily fulfilling and each experience has broadened my openness to learn more about the people and places I encounter.
I am motivated to partner with projects and brands that connect people with wild landscapes, vibrant cultures, and active lifestyles. I aim to break down the perceived barriers of adventure travel to inspire people who want to get out and see the world.