Behind the Lens: Zion National Park

As +Peyton Hale and I rolled into Zion NP after a 10 hour drive from Dever, Colorado (my home), we had little time to set up and search for a spot. Shooting the Watchman over the Virgin River at sunset is like like shooting the Taj Mahal when you go to India. You know that it has been done before…but you still have to do it.

Later tonight +Scott Jarvie & +Jim Davis join the party, followed by +Casey McCallister tomorrow morning. Needless to say it should be an entertaining week of shooting to say the least.

Zion National Park, Watchman Sunset, Utah — The Watchman at Sunset

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...

Patagonia Photography Workshop Adventure

April 13th – 22nd, 2027

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.

Dolomites Photography Workshop

October 16th – 23rd, 2026

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.

Leknes Northern Lights Lofoten Islands Norway Photo Workshop

Norway Photo Workshop – Lofoten Islands

February 21st – 27th, 2027

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.

A Silverback Gorilla Eating from the Uganda Photography workshop with Colby Brown

Uganda Photo Safari – A Trip of a Lifetime

December 6th – 16th, 2026

Uganda is one of the most unique wildlife destinations on the planet. Here you can find the endangered Silverback Gorilla along with amazing troops of Chimpanzees and the world-famous tree-climbing lions, which are found in a single area of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Join us on an adventure of a lifetime that offers some of the most intimate and incredible wildlife experiences on the planet.