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...

Leknes Northern Lights Lofoten Islands Norway Photo Workshop

Norway Photo Workshop – Lofoten Islands

February 22nd – March 1st, 2025

Join us this February as we explore this impressive series of Islands located above the Arctic Circle. While we will work hard to get you in the right spot for both sunrise and sunset, with over half the day steeped in darkness, we will make sure to chase any and all Aurora activity that presents itself throughout our time in the Lofoten Islands.

Patagonia Photography Workshop Adventure

April 6th – 15th, 2026

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.

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.