Behind the Lens: Before the Chaos

This morning I found myself in one of my favorite places in all of Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park. After getting up at 5am and hiking up the tallest sand dune in North America (while already at 8,000 ft of elevation) I was greeted to an awesome sunrise. Following that epic light, I ventured further into the dunes and happened to capture some beautiful light dancing across the dunes like this image below.

Behind the lens look at a photo in Great Sand Dunes National Park — Before the Chaos - Great Sand Dunes National Park

However this was before things got crazy and I found myself in the middle of a 60 mph sand storm. I was still 3 miles from my car when it started to rain at the same time. Needless to say it was certainly an adventure. I was prepared and all my pro gear is fine, but my Canon s95 (that I used to take this photo) is being sent back to the repair shop. Apparently a $300 P&S camera is not weather sealed…who knew? 🙂

About the Author

Colby Brown

Colby Brown is a photographer, photo educator and author that specializes in landscape, travel and wildlife photography. His photographic portfolio spans the four corners of the globe and all 7 continents. He has worked as a photo instructor for National Geographic and founded The Giving Lens, an organization that blends photo education with support for various non-governmental organizations (NGO) and causes around the world, such as child education, clean drinking water projects, and women’s rights.

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Upcoming Photo Workshop Adventures...

Northern Lights over the Vik Church at Colby Brown's Iceland Winter Photo Workshop

Iceland Winter Photo Workshop – Ice Caves & Auroras

March 3rd – 10th, 2025

Winter in Iceland is one of those unique experiences that everyone should have at least once in their life. With this workshop, we will focus our time on the South of Iceland, focusing our time on Ice Caves, Northern Lights, and glaciers, but we will also photograph a number of waterfalls such as Gullfoss, Bruarfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skogarfoss and more.

Bolivia Astro Photography Workshop

February 18th – 24th, 2026

Join me in Bolivia for an incredible adventure focuses on astro, landscape and wildlife photography as we explore the famous Salar de Uyuni with its glass like reflections as well as the high-altitude lagunas full of a variety of different species of Flamingos.

Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshop

January 7th – 15th, 2026

Join me next January in one of the most biologically diverse countries on the planet, Costa Rica, where we will spend 9 days photographing toucans, macaws, rare frogs, snakes, sloths, anteaters and much more.

Discover Cuba

February 1st – 8th, 2026

With this adventure, our focus will be on capturing the beauty of the Cuban people, culture, and architecture throughout the Island of Cuba. From the classic cars and ocean side highways in Havana to the cobblestone streets of Trinidad and everything in between. With so much uncertainty in the US/Cuban relationship, NOW is the time to go!