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.

Additional Articles Worth Checking out...

A Photographers Guide to Navigating The Pandemic

Sony RX0 II Review

The Complete Setup Guide for the Sony a1

GEAR REVIEW: A PHOTOGRAPHERS TAKE ON THE BENQ SW271 4k Photo Editing Monitor

Upcoming Photo Workshop Adventures...

Patagonia Photography Workshop Adventure

April 1st – 10th, 2025

Patagonia is one of the most wild, beautiful & dramatic mountain ranges on the planet. We split our time between the incredible Torres del Paine National Park in Southern Chile and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina, home to both Cerro Torre and Mt. Fitz Roy.

Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshop

December 6th – 14th, 2025

Join me next December 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.

Wildlife Photography Workshop in Brazil Jaguars of the Pantanal

July 31st – Aug. 7th, 2025

The Pantanal region of Brazil is known as the land of the Jaguar. Nowhere else on Earth is there a higher concentration of these elusive big cats than this remote region of Southern Brazil, close to the Southern Amazon Basin. In addition to Jaguars, you will see Caimen, Capybara and a wide assortment of birds.

The Great Migration – Kenya Wildlife Photo Safari

The Great Migration – Kenya Wildlife Safari Come join me on an amazing adventure to Kenya to witness one of the most incredible wildlife migrations on the planet. Here we will not only attempt to capture the river crossings of thousands of wildebeests, but also spend our time learning a variety of different camera techniques