What does it take to build a photography career that spans 140+ countries, countless expeditions, and encounters that range from Ugandan gorillas to polar bears in brutal Arctic cold without ever letting the “shot” become more important than the experience?
In Episode 6 of Vallerret’s Creative Outsiders, Lukas Riedl and Carl van den Boom sit down with Colby Brown, a photographer, filmmaker, and educator who believes the experience always comes first and the camera is simply a way to capture what it felt like to be there.
Colby shares how photography wasn’t a lifelong plan. After university, he tried a more traditional job but quickly realised it wasn’t the right path. Travel inspired him to pick up a camera, and over time that passion evolved into a career.
The conversation explores the moments and lessons that shaped his approach, from working in unpredictable environments to learning how to slow down, stay present, and let the story unfold. He reflects on powerful experiences like photographing gorillas in Uganda, a creative turning point at Angkor Wat, and the importance of protecting your gear and files after early setbacks.
Colby also talks about why teaching became such an important part of his work, and how helping others grow has stayed closely connected to his own evolution as a photographer.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Why “the experience comes first” (and how that changes the way you shoot)
- What makes an image stop someone from scrolling — and why “style” isn’t the whole answer
- Gorillas in Uganda and what closeness teaches you about presence and respect
- Intent vs. “trophy hunting” — planning a vision without forcing the outcome
- The Angkor Wat moment that helped Colby move from reacting to anticipating
- Workshops, mentorship, and why teaching is one of the most rewarding parts of the job
- Stolen gear, hard lessons, and protecting what’s truly irreplaceable: your files
- Failure, missed moments, and staying grateful even when the shot doesn’t happen
🎙️ Listen to the episode here:
Explore more of Colby’s work through the links below:
Stay sharp. Stay curious. Stay out longer.
