46.8787° N, 113.9966° W

Jane, also known as Andie, is an avid outdoorswoman and wearer of many hats. The main ones include photographer and storyteller, dog handler and project manager at UAV World Systems. Raised in the mountains of western Montana she is happiest when building things with her own two hands or pushing her limits.

Regarding your favorite outdoor passion, how did you get into what you do?

It’s a bit of a mix of things really. My first job as a kid was walking the neighborhood dogs and training service dogs. As a college student, I found myself working three jobs, going to school full time and still not feeling fulfilled. I was spending all my free time mountain biking or hiking instead of studying and I decided I had to find a way to get more outside time again every day. So I started training/walking dogs again. This very quickly turned into my favorite times of the day and I was finding every excuse to spend all my time outside with them. I have always preferred being outside and working with dogs so combining the two was natural.

I’ve had a love for photography since I was a teenager. It’s always been a way of connecting to a place and people that I couldn’t otherwise find. I wish that I could say I had a defining moment when I started carrying a camera around but I don’t. It’s always been a habit of mine to document these moments in time and I have always loved getting to share with people these places or moments that they might never see themselves. Photography took on a whole new meaning to me when I got further into my Anthropological studies and started learning how much I loved people and culture and all the stories that are out there.

Tell us about the first time you had a successful adventure. i.e. your first amazing trip, successful hunt,  or fishing trip.

Growing up in Missoula was filled with many first adventures. I was that kid that was always running around outside, filthy and happy. I’ve always been fiercely independent and used to exploring on my own. One of my most pivotal adventures happened 5 years ago. I had loaded up five dogs on a hot July day and decided to go hike into a chain of lakes. Being my super nerdy self I had spent a copious amount of time studying the maps of my intended and alternate routes. It should have been a 5 hour hike along the lakes but it ended up being a grueling 11 hour hike up and along the ridgeline. I had a pivotal moment about 6 hours in and laid down on the grass with all the dogs. Completely exhausted and doubting my own sanity I couldn’t help but feel the most alive I had felt in a long time. This moment made it clear that I was on the right path and that feeling is what I always seek and push for now.

What’s the first thing you say to people when they ask why you do what you do?

It’s simple. I love dogs and I love taking photographs and telling stories.

How do you mix/balance your professional life with adventure?

I’m still figuring out the balancing part. Most importantly, I’ve figured out what fuels me and I try to take advantage of any opportunity to take or collaborate on photos/video, get outside or work with dogs.

What are the 3 pieces of gear you would never go without?

I only have two. Canon camera and chapstick.

What do you do to stay in field shape?

I walk and hike A LOT everyday.

Mountain biking, trail running and strength training.

Overall I try to keep my N.E.A.T score up. (If you haven’t learned about this do yourself a favor and look up “Mind Pump N.E.A.T”.”

Do you have any advice for the guy or girl reading this who is considering a leap into your world?

Make the time. Stop making excuses and just go for it. Pay attention to what activities you can’t stop thinking about doing and then do more of those. Everything always works out, even if different than you had previously planned. Whatever it is that you choose, be all in.

What’s one thing we could do as a society to protect the environment vital to your passion?

Live intentionally. Be aware that every choice you make really does matter.

Get outside with people more. Put down your phones and your social media habits and go see places in real life. Go enjoy those moments outdoors because they will change you and the way you measure the world.

Tell us something that's true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

I am constantly getting told to wear “real shoes”. Unless it’s snowing or really cold out you’re going to find me wearing flip-flops while outside. I am a firm believer that because I spend the majority of my days hiking in flip flops my feet and lower legs have adapted to having little support and are healthier because of it.

What is your favorite quote?

I have three: 
Roosevelt’s “The Man In The Arena”
Don’t mark your time, fill it.
Be gritty and gracious.

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