This is a new weekly series designed to highlight people sharing fascinating photos on Instagram. Every week, we’ll introduce you to a new person who uses Instagram to share a unique perspective on the world. This week, we’d like to introduce you to @whitjohns, an American currently living in Norway and sharing her beautiful photos of the Norwegian countryside with us on Instagram.

Your Instagram bio says you’re originally from the Midwest. What brought you from the US to Norway?

My husband and I moved here from Iowa. I am currently student-teaching in Norway. I had the option to apply and interview to do one of my teaching placements abroad, and after a lot of discussion with my husband, we decided that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me (a 26 year old, married, non-traditional student). So, I filled out the application, interviewed, selected Norway as one of my preferences (Italy and New Zealand being the other two), and got an invitation to teach here! In October, I packed my suitcase, and flew across the deep blue sea to live here for a couple of months.

Browsing through your photos almost makes me feel like I’m in Norway, too. Can you tell us a little about how you’ve been using Instagram to document your time in your new country?

Photography has always been a hobby of mine. I’m known as the friend who always has her camera with her :) Instagram definitely took me to a new level though. My poor husband has had to take me down countless dirt roads, or pull to the side of the highway just so I can get the perfect shot! I owe him a big thank you for his patience and understanding of my addiction.

What cameras and apps do you use to edit your photos?

I usually shoot with Camera+ and edit with that program as well - usually with a cross process. Every now and then, I will shoot with the IG camera. My favorite effects to apply are Toaster & Rise!

What inspires you to share your photos with your followers on Instagram?

What I love most about Instagram is the unbelievably supportive community. My IG friends are so encouraging, and I really feel such a huge connection to them. I love that I can live vicariously through others by just scrolling down my feed. I see parts of the world that I don’t get to see regularly. I love being inspired by all the talented IGers out there!

I have a hunch based on your photos, but can you tell us what you do when you’re not teaching?

The Norwegians are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met, and I’ve enjoyed one adventure after another - from hiking, to sailing, eating traditional Norwegian dishes, and horseback riding on Icelandic horses! It’s been a magical adventure, and I will be sad to see it come to an end.

6 Photos, 6 Stories

the little red cabin that lived by the sea | This is the view that I have had the privilege of looking at while living in Norway. There are days and nights when I am sure that the big bad wolf has come to huff and puff and blow this house down, but here she still stands — in all her beauty.

the run with a view | One of my favorite activities to do here in Norway is go on a nice long run through the village I live in, Rosendal. With views like this, you could hardly consider this a chore. I get so caught up in the wildlife around me, and the colors that spill out of every corner, I forget I am actually in the act of physical activity.

here comes the sun | When I first arrived here, I was so eager to go on my first hike. I had no idea what to expect, and could hardly believe my eyes when this was the path that was set before me to follow. I think it took me a lot longer than it should have to get up the path, mainly because I had to pause to soak it all up, and take a snap shot to make the memory last forever.

the road less traveled | The go-to activity here in Norway has to be hiking. Many of my photos come from morning + afternoon hikes. On this particular day, I was headed up a road that would take me to the hiking path. By chance, I turned back to see what the view might be from #whereistood, and noticed the path winding, almost leading straight into the fjord.

little miss sunshine | Not too far from the winding path of the previous photo, I came across this lonely yellow shed. It really caught my attention, because the bursting colors screamed loudly against the complementary green backdrop provided by the evergreens + mountains.

smooth sailing | I have had many firsts here in this country, and sailing is one of the firsts I can check off the list. It’s not every day that you get the opportunity to sail the third largest fjord in the world, but there’s a first time for everything :)