Photos: Celebrating Minnesota's natural wonders
"Get lost. Find yourself."
That's Tyler Anderson's personal philosophy — he thinks he first saw it on a car's rear bumper — and it comes to life in the way he explores and photographs Minnesota.
The 37-year-old father of two and professional barista is enamored with the state's great outdoors. He delights in discovering and photographing Minnesota's vistas, skies and streams. Anderson shares his iPhone photographs — and quotes from naturalist John Muir — online via Instagram at @tyler_mn.
Anderson embraced the photo-sharing app soon after its 2010 launch. "It's the perfect medium," he said. "It's this cross between an awesome social network where you can connect with people from around the world, but also showcase your artist talents."
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While Anderson said he has "never been what you would call an artist person," his creative side is finding its voice.
That evolution may have been fueled by a change of scenery. Just a year ago, Anderson, wife Amanda and kids Nolan, 13, and Ellie, 10, traded the busyness of St. Louis Park for the calm of Lanesboro, Minn., population 750. The Andersons now live in Belle Rive, a former bed and breakfast located on the banks of the Root River.
"We were looking for a quieter life," Tyler Anderson said. "The opportunity to explore the outdoors is instantly at my fingertips."
Editor's note: This feature is the second in an occasional series showcasing Minnesota photographers.
