These days we are so constantly connected to each other through technology that it's easy to forget just how big the world really is. Thankfully we have photographers who are capturing those wide-open spaces in real life to inspire us to do the same. This week we're featuring a group of photographers whose work might just give you the motivation you need to seek out adventure, see life beyond yourself and recharge your soul. See their work and give them a follow...one of them just might inspire your next outing. Tag your photos on Instagram with #BeAlpha. We keep an eye on that hashtag for photos and photographers to feature on AlphaUniverse.com. Also, be sure to give @sonyalpha a follow for your daily dose of creative inspiration.

Follow Friday: This week we feature a group of globe-trekking travelers who inspire us to pack a bag, send an out of office email and set off with camera and lens.

Renee Hahnel - @reneeroaming

Renee Hahnel is a member of the Alpha Collective, travel photographer, author and blogger based in Seattle, WA. Hahnel has spent most of her life travelling and exploring what the world has to offer. As you scroll her feed, you will find everything from sunsets on mountain tops, alpine lakes, volcanoes and waterfalls in Iceland and even a glimpse of island life in French Polynesia. She will inspire you to get out and seek your next adventure. The post below was captured in collaboration with @matthewhahnel using the Sony Alpha 1 and Sony 12-24mm f/4 G lens.

Ryan Ditch - @ryanditchphoto

Based in San Diego, CA, Ryan Ditch's feed will take you all over the US and Europe. With a balanced mix of cityscapes and landscapes, you are drawn into his adventures and happy to stay there scrolling for a while, jumping from London, Amsterdam, and California. Like the image featured,  you will find he has a skill for observing and capturing a landscape that encourages you to grab your camera head out for a sunrise shoot. Shot on the Sony Alpha 7R IV and Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master lens.

Aaron - @patagoniatothenorthpole

Aaron is an artist, photographer and traveller who shares his love for adventure and the mountains. Most recently you will find beautiful images from Patagonia in his feed. Like in the image below, he has the ability to transport you there while showcasing the experience and grandeur of the mountains. Follow Aaron to keep up with his adventures. The image below was made with the Sony Alpha 7 III and the Sony 85 f/1.8 

Sam Oetiker – @samoetiker

Sam Oetiker is a British photographer & videographer based in Rosenheim, Germany. When scrolling his feed you will find moody and engaging landscapes. He shows you that travel is not always about the beautiful sunsets, but can be about exploring the grey and icy glaciers in Iceland for a one in a kind adventure. For beautiful moody landscapes and experiences, follow Sam. He created the image below was made with the Sony Alpha 7 III and the Sony 24-105mm f/4 G.

Michelle Halpern – @livelikeitsthewknd

Michelle Halpern is a travel blogger that will take you around the world in style as you scroll through her Instagram feed. Her photos might greet you with a rising sun in Yosemite, beach vibes from Tulum or road trips throughout the West. If you need some inspiration for your next adventure and how to capture it, Halpern is the perfect guide. Image created with the Sony Alpha 7R III and the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master.

Louis Cole - @louiscole

You may already know Louis Cole from his Youtube channel FunForLouis where he has been making daily vlogs for the past 10 years. He is a member of the Alpha Collective, founder of @livetheadventure and @thesocialgoodclub. His Instagram is just as packed with adventure as is YouTube is the perfect place to follow his and partner Raya travel across the US in a converted school bus and catch up on past adventures from all four corners of the world. If you are in search of the ultimate action and adventure Instagram account Louis Cole is the one for you.

Scott Howes – @scotthowes

Scott Howes is an English-born adventure photographer living in New Zealand. His feed is full of his life exploring what New Zealand, Asia, Australia, and Europe have to offer. More recently, like most of us, he has been staying closer to home and exploring what is not too far from what is outside the front door, and Howes shows us that sometimes you don't need to travel too far to find beauty and adventure. He created this image with the Sony Alpha 7 III.