Hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park

Behind the Lens: Going The Extra Mile

One of the most asked questions I get from my workshop students is “How can I take more compelling photographs?” While many might expect some magical formula that would help them take their images to the next level, the reality is that it is a mixture of various undefinable things. Passion, Creativity, Perseverance, Vision and more times then not…..going that extra mile.

Hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park
Colby Brown in the Narrows - ©Casey McCallister

With the digital age of photography fully upon us, there are more people with quality cameras now then ever before. These means that more and more individuals have the ability to capture life on this planet. In order to help separate yourself from the fold, sometimes you have to be willing to do more then the next guy. Some of my best images have been taken in the off season, with crappy weather and in an environment that most would cringe at. This past year I found myself in the middle of sand storms, working in IDP refugee camps, high in the Himalayas in Winter, surrounded by snow, sleeping in my car and up to my chest in 40 degree F water….all while carrying around 30 to 40lbs of camera gear.

Having said that, you do NOT have travel the world to take these kind of images. Instead you have to find your own boundaries and learn to push them. I promise that you will find that not only will your photography improve, but that you will learn alot about yourself in the process.

About the Author

Upcoming Photo Workshop Adventures...

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.

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.

Enjoy a Cerro Torre Sunrise at the Patagonia Photography Workshop Adventure with Colby Brown

Patagonia Photo Workshop – Argentina Edition

April 14th – 23rd, 2024
 
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.

A glowing sunset with a Rhino photographed on Great Migration Wildlife Photo Safari in Kenya with Colby Brown

The Great Migration – Kenya Wildlife Photo Safari

August 10th – 21st, 2025
 
Join us for an adventure of a lifetime to Kenya, home to both Amboseli and the Masai Mara National Parks as we photograph the Big Five in addition to the incredible migration of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River.

Leave a comment

Don't Miss out!

Join 34k other photographers who have signed up for my monthly Newsletter full of gear reviews, workshops announcements, giveaways & MORE!