Vanlife, photography, and solo travel as a queer woman in the outdoors: Chatting with Emilie Hofferber

I sat down with the incredibly talented photographer, Emilie Hofferber, for a conversation that was both inspiring and deeply relatable. Emilie shared her journey from retail burnout to building a creative life she loves on the road, blending her love for photography with a passion for the outdoors and travel. We explored what it means to break down barriers in outdoor spaces and reject gatekeeping that often keeps people from feeling like they belong outside.

We also talked about her transition to van life with minimal resources, how she built a photography career from scratch, and the power of staying true to yourself—even when the industry tells you to play it safe. 

BONUS: Margaret, her sweet dog, makes a guest appearance, so check out the video version if you want to see her in action!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Emilie defines “outdoorsy” and why labels can be limiting
• Her path from Florida to Utah and how she fell in love with nature
• The realities of starting van life with only $300
• Why discomfort can actually help you get outside more
• Breaking into photography with a $13 thrift store camera
• Facing gatekeeping in creative spaces and the outdoor industry
• Navigating the outdoors as a queer woman
• The story behind Emilie’s hilarious (and meaningful) Taco Bell tattoo

Follow Emilie:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilie.hofferber 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBZr5FZoQQlOj64PP1fhQdw 
• More: https://hoo.be/emilie

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Timestamps & Chapter Titles 

• 00:00 – Intro: Meet Emilie (and Margaret the dog)
• 02:00 – Redefining “Outdoorsy”: What Does It Mean to You?
• 04:30 – Emilie’s Origin Story: From Florida to Utah
• 07:40 – How Van Life Began: A Story of Burnout and Adventure
• 12:00 – Overcoming Hardship & Embracing Minimalism
• 16:00 – Practical Van Life Tips: Gear, Comfort, and Minimalism
• 22:00 – Breaking Into Photography with Minimal Equipment
• 26:00 – Gatekeeping in Photography and Outdoor Spaces
• 32:00 – The Power of Inclusive Outdoor Communities
• 37:00 – Being Queer in the Outdoors: Challenges & Triumphs
• 46:00 – The Taco Bell Tattoo Story: Finding Joy in Simplicity
• 52:00 – Final Thoughts & Emilie’s Upcoming Adventures
• 55:00 – Closing Remarks and How to Stay Connected

I’m so grateful to Emilie for sharing her story with me—it’s a reminder that you can create a life that aligns with your values, even when the path is unconventional. If you loved this episode, please subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share it with a friend! 🌿