What happens when your passion for photography pulls you into some of the coldest, wildest places on earth?
In our very first episode of Vallerret’s Creative Outsiders, we sit down with Dave Williams, a travel photographer, Aurora educator, and all-around cold-weather enthusiast. We uncover the stories, secrets, and slightly crazy life behind Arctic photography.
Dave joins Lukas and Carl from a more than 100 year old fisherman’s cabin in Lofoten, Norway. A place where the weather can switch from golden sunset to snowstorm in two minutes, where fish dry on racks in the wind, and where the Northern Lights sometimes feel like they’re dancing just for you.
And yes… we kick off the episode with the story of the morning Dave was chased by wolves at 4:30 AM while photographing on a frozen lake in Canada. It gets wild quickly.
But this episode isn’t just adventure stories! We've talked real insights for creators who shoot in winter conditions:
- Why bad weather is often the best weather for photography
- How to actually predict the Northern Lights (spoiler: it’s not about apps)
- The layering system Dave uses — liners + photography gloves — to stay warm without losing dexterity
- Battery life, lens fog, humidity, frozen tripods, and other “cold kills your gear” problems
- Why imposter syndrome shows up in the cold, and how he pushes through it
- What it’s like to guide people through their first Aurora experience — and why it never gets old
And then there’s the cozy side of Arctic living:
Cinnamon buns, stockfish, cabin life, and laughter under the Northern Lights.
This episode feels like sitting around a cabin table, gear drying by the heater, telling stories while waiting for the sky to clear.
🎙️ Listen to Episode 1 here:
Whether you’re a photographer, explorer, or just someone who loves good stories — grab a warm drink, put on your Vallerret gloves (emotionally), and enjoy the ride.
Explore more through the links below:
A collection of useful resources, guest platforms, and related references mentioned in this episode.
Stay warm. Stay inspired. Stay out longer. 🧤✨
