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...

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall Iceland Summer Photo Workshop

Iceland Summer Photography Workshop

July 8th – 13th, 2023

Visiting Iceland in the Summer is one of the best times to explore this amazing country. Not only are lupines in bloom and waterfalls at peak flow, but the midnight sun provides endless hours of soft beautiful light as sunset and sunrise converge, often providing up to 6 hrs of golden light each evening!

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.

Aurora Over Skogafoss in South Iceland from 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.

Dolomites Photography Workshop

October 18th – 25th, 2025

Come join us on an adventure of a lifetime to the amazing Italian Dolomites. We will photograph and explore incredible mountain peaks, beautiful reflected lakes and gorgeous fall colors as we move throughout one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the world.