Tahir is a talented and adventurous 24 year old living in Salt Lake City with a passion for the outdoors. He is driven through his desire to explore and to give back by inspiring and teaching others to love for and care for the outdoors. In 2013, he went through some serious depression and anxiety caused by physical issues. At the time, he didn’t know what was going on with his body and if he would ever be able to control it. After several misdiagnoses, he learned from his own research that he was suffering badly from several forms of Dystonia, which is a neuromuscular disorder that essentially causes unwanted muscle spasms. This can be debilitating, especially in his case of Vocal Cord Dysfunction and Blepharospasms. The former has similar symptoms to Asthma, so he kept getting misdiagnosed. Once he properly diagnosed himself he learned how manage and control these issues.
One of the ways he learned to cope with these issues was by coping with stress. He also suffered from obesity his whole life and in 2010, weighed a record 306 lbs. Today he is at 205 lbs and continues to push to get healthy and stronger. The outdoors, in particular hiking, have been his ultimate salvation. Nature has cured him physically and mentally in more ways than medicine ever could. By being outdoors, whether a simple stroll, a challenging hike, or climbing a 5.8 wall, he has pushed the mental and physical barriers that once controlled his life. He continues to face challenges today but knows that he will always have nature to turn to when things get a little hard.
Since 2014, he has spent the bulk of his free time outside. He has inspired others to join as well and to draw the same therapy from nature that he has. He has also started a movement to diversify the outdoors, which I call Diversity ‘n Adventure. In the process, he has also picked up on photography and other hobbies including: making videos, blogging, camping, backpacking, kayaking, biking, peak bagging, skiing, winter hiking, traveling, beach bumming, etc… He sees people struggle every day, with depression, anxiety and a plethora of other issues and hopes he can inspire these people to get out and cured by nature, much in the same way he was. He hopes to continue expanding his outdoors experience, including his health, which is a lifelong process. Get out, get inspired.
We are so captivated by your photography and want to thank you for sharing your story with us. Where do you currently reside? Where are some of your favorite local spots for photography?
You’re welcome, and thanks for having me! I reside in Salt Lake City, Utah. Some of my favorite spots are in real close proximity. I love photographing Lake Blanche (especially at sunset), Mount Timpanogos, the Salt Flats, Christmas Meadows in the Uinta Mountains and pretty much anywhere in Southern Utah, you really can’t go wrong anywhere in this beautiful state!
What inspired you to get involved in photography?
It just kind of happened, I started traveling and hiking to amazingly beautiful places and decided that cellphone pictures could only do so much, so I ordered a Nikon D5000 online and I don’t regret it! I am still learning and need to buy more lenses and filters! The Tetons were the mountain range that captivated my heart and I thank them for my interest in photography as well. It’s truly a magical place and as a photographer, it’s a delight to capture.
What cameras and gear do you use?
Pretty simple at the moment, I have a Nikon D5000 with an 18-55 mm and 55-200 mm lenses with a basic flimsy tripod I need to upgrade. I am planning to upgrade my camera soon, possibly to Sony mirrorless. For my videos, I just use my cellphone but I need to upgrade to a real video camera as well. I am currently saving up to get a GoPro and a Drone, so I am definitely excited to add more knowledge and equipment to my photography repertoire!
What are some of your tips to getting the perfect shot?
Essentially its two simple things: lighting and the shot itself (composition). Of course lighting takes some practice to control with your DSLR and there are some amazing tutorials online. However, my advice for composition is to always go for the shot that everyone else isn’t going for. There’s thousands of photos of Yosemite Valley from Tunnel view, maybe see if there’s a path or hidden trail nearby and get a different perspective. The Outbound is an amazing website for those “off the beaten-path” trails which will provide you a fresh new perspective. Also, add in some scale, throw in your kayak in the foreground, or your best friend, mom or whoever else to help add some perspective!
You are also an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast. Where are some of your favorite spots for adventure?
I absolutely love the Tetons, I feel like I can never go wrong with a hike in that area. I love backpacking, camping, biking and kayaking there as well. Closer to home, we have the mighty five, and you can’t go wrong with any of them either, with any activity. I also know many hidden/secret locations in those parks and the mountains near Salt Lake Valley. My recommendation is to get to know your local area so well that you have these “hidden” or “go-to” spots as well!
What are some of the best/most memorable stories from your adventures?
I wrote about one of my favorite adventures in my blog (see the link), so I will share a different story. In the remote Eastern Section of Capitol Reef National Park is the Notom-Bullfrog road. On this road are three different pullouts for three amazing slot canyons. I’ve only done two of the three, but my favorite was the first one: Burro Wash. For many of us, this was our first slot canyon experience and for me it was my second. The first 1.5 miles or so is kind of a drag, through the sandy wash but as soon as the canyon begins to narrow the fun begins! There are several obstacles that require scrambling and really getting creative with your body. As you near the end, there seems be a big impassable boulder. However, using a little bit of rock climbing skills and route finding, you can scramble through what will be your 3rd “slot” section, through which are several more obstacles. At the end, you’ll see an “impassable pour-off” and it’s just one of the coolest little chambers you’ll ever find! The best part? We were the only ones there, but always make sure to check in with the visitor’s center and check out, so someone knows where you are. This area is very remote!
Where is your next big adventure?
I am headed to Mammoth Lake with my family and will try to hike Minaret Lake. In mid-July, we are going to Glacier and it’s my first time. I am beyond excited and we may also spend a few days in Banff as well if I can get the time off. To list a few of the trails and sights we’ll be seeing: Going to the sun road, Lake McDonald, Saint Mary’s Lake, Hidden Lake, Cracker Lake, Grinnell Lake, Grinnell Glacier, Avalanche Lake, Highline Trail, Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Peyto Lake and much more! I am super stoked!
Follow him on Instagram: @tahiristan
At This Adventure Life we celebrate the lives and stories of the people who live life fearlessly. #livefearlessly