Colby Brown, wildlife photographer, educator, and visual storyteller, talks about the realities of photographing wildlife up close, the power of intent in shaping stronger images, and why storytelling always matters more than gear or perfection. Colby shares his journey as a self-taught photographer, how COVID-19 created space for reflection and creative growth, and what it takes to balance a life of travel with family, purpose, and long-term happiness.

Key Takeaways

• Colby Brown has nearly 20 years of experience in photography
• Wildlife photography offers unique and intimate experiences with animals
• The emotional connection in photography is more important than the image itself
• Traveling and experiencing different cultures is essential for personal growth
• Intent in photography can lead to more meaningful images
• Colby emphasizes the importance of storytelling in photography
• Mistakes and failures are valuable learning experiences
• Education and sharing knowledge is a passion for Colby
• Finding a balance between work and family is crucial for happiness
• COVID-19 provided a unique opportunity for reflection and growth

Chapters

01:06 Introduction to Colby Brown's Journey
03:51 Wildlife Photography: The Silverback Gorilla Experience
06:32 The Importance of Connection in Photography
09:13 Intent and Experience in Photography
11:54 The Evolution of a Photographer
14:57 Capturing Emotion Through Visual Storytelling
17:32 The Role of Adaptability in Wildlife Photography
20:28 Learning from Mistakes and Embracing Failure
23:21 The Journey of a Self-Taught Photographer
26:04 Finding Unique Perspectives in Photography
28:44 Encouragement to Explore New Directions in Photography37:34 The Importance of Insurance and Sentimental Value
39:11 Lessons Learned from Experience
40:24 The Joy of Teaching and Sharing Experiences
42:25 Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur
44:07 Reflections on Technological Changes in Photography
46:06 Navigating Family Life and Travel
48:00 Bucket List Experiences and Future Aspirations
51:35 Finding Value in Experiences Over Photography
54:54 The Journey of Life: Embracing Ups and Downs
01:01:08 Experiences Over Images: A Philosophical Perspective

Follow Colby Brown
Instagram: @colbybrownphotography
Website: https://www.colbybrownphotography.com/

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Celebrating connection, storytelling, and the wild moments that shape us more than any final frame. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who believes the greatest images aren’t just seen — they’re felt.

Stay sharp. Stay curious. Stay out longer. 🧤🔥

Sebastian Copeland — polar explorer, photographer, filmmaker, and environmental advocate. With 27 polar expeditions behind him, Sebastian takes us deep into the Arctic and Antarctic, sharing what it truly means to survive, document, and bear witness at the most hostile edges of our planet.

The conversation moves from harrowing encounters with polar bears and brutal storms on sea ice to the internal journeys shaped by solitude, endurance, and responsibility. Beyond the adventure, Sebastian reflects on climate science, human resilience, and why storytelling from the extremes matters more than ever.

Key Takeaways

• Extreme environments strip humans down before building them back up
• Preparation and discipline are the difference between survival and failure
• Polar bears are apex predators. Not symbols, but realities
• The greatest dangers in the Arctic are often weather and terrain, not wildlife
• Endurance is as much mental as it is physical
• Photography can turn suffering into meaning and advocacy
• Climate change is visible, measurable, and accelerating at the poles
• Hope requires action, not distance or denial

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Creative Outsiders
01:11 Meet Sebastian Copeland
02:24 27 Polar Expeditions & Life at the Poles
02:52 Arctic Sea Ice & Internal Breaking Points
03:42 Polar Bear Encounters Explained
08:08 Sleeping on the Ice & Bear Safety Systems
11:28 Charged by a Polar Bear — A Near-Fatal Moment
17:34 Following the Bear & Power Dynamics
20:12 What Really Kills You in the Arctic
21:39 Storms, Wind & Living Inside a Tent
25:10 Childhood, Books & Becoming a Polar Explorer
29:04 Science, Photography & Purpose
32:15 Preparation, Endurance & Mental Strength
36:12 Failure, Frostbite & Aborting a Mission
38:51 Falling Through Sea Ice
43:29 Risk, Loss & Perspective Over Time
45:14 Addiction to Extremes & Reflection
47:16 Photography as Memory & Meaning
49:28 Climate Change, Hope & Human Responsibility
55:29 Quickfire Questions & What’s Next

Follow Sebastian Copeland
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copelandadventures/
Website: https://www.sebastiancopeland.com
Fine Art: https://www.scopelandfineart.com

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Celebrating endurance, responsibility, and creative work at the edge of human limits. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who believes stories from the extremes can change how we see our planet.

Stay sharp. Stay curious. Stay out longer. 🧤🔥

Joana Braga, a drone pilot and designer from Portugal, now based in Iceland.Joana shares her journey into drone flying, the challenges of working in extreme weather, and her passion for capturing high-risk, high-reward visuals in extreme sports. The conversation explores mindset, preparation, representation for women in the drone industry, and Joana’s ambitions for future projects — including filming the Dakar Rally.

Key Takeaways

• Prepared, confident gear use matters more than over-caution
• Extreme weather adds technical and mental pressure
• Mindset and preparation define successful flights
• Great shots often require multiple attempts
• Women still face bias in drone and action sports industries
• Visibility and storytelling can shift perceptions
• Extreme motorsport filming demands risk awareness
• Adrenaline must be balanced with control

Chapters

00:00 Women Can Fly
00:50 Welcome to Creative Outsiders
01:10 Meet Joana Braga
01:49 Portugal to Iceland
02:13 Flying in Extreme Conditions
05:33 Fear, Nerves & Control
11:01 Getting Started With Drones
13:40 FPV, Speed & Tech Differences
17:32 Preparation & Decision Making
20:11 Motorsport & Extreme Action
23:14 Crashes, Repairs & Experience
30:02 Does Fear Ever Go Away?
34:11 Storytelling First
39:31 Design & Aviation Mindset
42:31 Women in a Male-Dominated Industry
49:39 Dream Projects & Dakar
54:21 Quickfire & What’s Next

Follow Joana Braga
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jfabraga/
Website: https://www.jfabraga.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joanabraga6552
LinkedIn: https://pt.linkedin.com/in/joanabragadesign
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jfabraga/

Vallerret | Gloves & Apparel for Creators Behind the Lens
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vallerret
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Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vallerret
Newsletter: https://www.photographygloves.comCelebrating bold flying, real risk, and creative work beyond comfort zones. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a creator who chases the shot in tough conditions.

Stay sharp. Stay curious. Stay out longer. 🧤🚁