13 Must-Follow Montana Instagrams (+1 for Good Luck!)

"When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs." - Ansel Adams

In a world awash with "information" (sometimes an overwhelming amount), Instagram is restoring the soul-feeding power of simple, singular images. With photographs, we get to write our own stories. We relate, laugh, and aspire. We are moved.

Montana runs at the rate of about a million awe-inspiring stories per second. At any given moment, someone is making and sharing a once-in-a-lifetime memory. So it was hard to pick just a handful of must-follows, but with your help we found your Montana Instagram Starter Kit. Know of others? Please share with us in the comments!

Note: Images link to original photos and captions.

1. @visitmontana is the official Instagram account of the Montana Office of Tourism (and originator of the popular #MontanaMoment hashtag). It brims with beautiful images of the state we love. Many are Regrams... A great way to discover even more follow-worthy Montana photographers.

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2. @glaciernps documents over a million acres of the most special land in the world. The official Instagram of Glacier National Park is a mix of Regrams culled from #GlacierNPS and other hashtags, and original photos from Park Rangers and other staff.

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3. @yellowstonenps is another Montana Instagram must-follow. Though occupying just a sliver of the Big Sky State, Yellowstone Park holds an important place in our hearts and reminds us that borders are just lines on a map.

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4. @southeastmontana, the official Instagram of Southeast Montana Tourism, showcases the state's hidden gems in that wild and still largely unspoiled land (shhhhh). From the big city to big open spaces, discover it here.

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5. @glacierpreservationproject shines a light on the connection between Montana's fragile lands and the people who can only stand in awe. Follow along as Seth and Jill take their six kids (and other friends and family) on a journey to experience and document all of the 25 remaining glaciers in Glacier National Park... Before they disappear forever. (more here: http://glacierpreservationproject.com/)

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6. @muledragger knows a thing or two about getting in touch with nature in Montana. Follow along as he packs mule teams deep into the backcountry, serving remote USFS camps and others. Giving back to help protect the wilderness he loves.

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7. @ralfafara is Glacier Park Ranger Becca Alfafara, who lives with her husband inside Glacier National Park. Living and working in such a remote area puts this popular Instagrammer in a unique position to capture truly stunning stills. Follow and enjoy.

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8. @chrismcgowanphotography's Instagram confirms... If you want stunning, pro photos... Follow a pro. This Helena-based photographer (and photography instructor) drops crispy-clean, calendar-worthy shots of Montana wildlife and landscapes.

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9. @andyaustinphoto is Andy Austin, a 2013 MSU grad and former Bobcat football player who has an eye for what makes Montana special. Follow as this up-and-coming photographer progresses and shares his contagious exuberance on Instagram.

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10. @dusanmontana is Czechoslovakian-born Dusan Smetana, one of the world's most sought-after sporting photographers. He makes his home base in Montana, racing homing pigeons, breeding Icelandic sheep, and living the good life with his family on the banks of the Gallatin River.

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11. @mykehphoto will hike, bike, run, ski, and climb to the ends of the Earth to get his shot. This Montana-based endurance sports and outdoors specialist has an Instagram that will get your heart pumping and send your spirit soaring.

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12. @sarahollenbeckmt posts from her family sheep farm outside of Billings, Montana. No big deal, right? Until you scroll down and see that Sara often dresses her animals in elaborate costumes and pits them against celebrities in Instagram Fashion Face-Offs. Follow along for these and other shenanigans.

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13. @bestofmontana (the work of @andyaustinphoto) is seeking to celebrate the best Montana photos and photographers. So far, so good! Hashtag your own shots #bestofmontana for a chance to be featured.

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That's our list of must-follow Montana Instagrams! But we couldn't leave you at unlucky number 13. Now, be sure to follow 14. @montanashirtco for lots of, well, you know...

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