Vallerret's Creative Outsiders: Radical stories from behind the lens

Rachel Bigsby, seabird photographer, wildlife storyteller, and conservation advocate, joins hosts Lukas Riedl & Carl van den Boom to dive deep into the world of seabird photography. From learning seabird behavior and fieldcraft to navigating online criticism and using photography as a force for protection and awareness.Rachel shares how a fascination with northern fulmars became a career path with no plan B. We explore the balance between capturing the shot and fully experiencing nature, why patience and observation are foundational skills in wildlife photography, and how recognizing individual birds can create a deeper, more personal connection to the wild. The conversation also touches on the realities of building a photography career, advocacy responsibilities, and how recent achievements can open new doors.Key TakeawaysRachel's journey into seabird photography began with a fascination for northern fulmarsCapturing the moment is important, but experiencing nature is equally vitalFinding a balance between photography and enjoying the experience is crucialPatience is key in wildlife photography; sometimes waiting pays offUnderstanding seabird behavior enhances photography skillsWildlife photography can be a challenging career path with no plan BRecognizing individual birds can create a deeper connection with natureAdvocacy for seabird conservation is a responsibility for photographersOnline criticism can be harsh, but staying true to one's passion is essentialAchievements in photography can lead to greater opportunities and recognitionChapters00:54 Introduction to Creative Outsiders and Guest Rachel01:43 Rachel's Journey into Seabird Photography03:46 Memorable Experiences in the Field06:23 Balancing Photography and Experience09:22 The Importance of Observation in Wildlife Photography12:13 The Fascination with Seabirds15:08 The Path to Becoming a Wildlife Photographer16:36 The Role of Patience in Wildlife Photography26:20 Final Thoughts on Wildlife Photography27:30 The Journey of Patience and Perseverance29:00 Establishing Wildlife Photography as a Career31:22 The Importance of Passion in Photography31:55 Advocacy for Wildlife Protection36:07 Facing Online Hate and Industry Challenges40:53 Achievements and Recognition in Wildlife Photography43:08 Future Plans and Career Aspirations47:30 The Pressure of Social Media and Success51:03 Self-Compassion and Reflecting on the Journey52:27 Quickfire Questions and Personal InsightsFollow Rachel BigsbyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelbigsby/Website: https://www.rachelbigsby.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RachelBigsbyVallerret | Gloves & Apparel for Creators Behind the LensWebsite: https://www.photographygloves.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vallerretFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/vallerretYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vallerretTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vallerretX: https://twitter.com/vallerretPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vallerretNewsletter: https://www.photographygloves.comCelebrating patience, passion, and the photographers who use their craft to deepen our connection to the natural world. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who believes wildlife stories can spark real care and real conservation.Stay sharp. Stay curious. Stay out longer. 🧤🔥

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 TakeawaysColby Brown has nearly 20 years of experience in photographyWildlife photography offers unique and intimate experiences with animalsThe emotional connection in photography is more important than the image itselfTraveling and experiencing different cultures is essential for personal growthIntent in photography can lead to more meaningful imagesColby emphasizes the importance of storytelling in photographyMistakes and failures are valuable learning experiencesEducation and sharing knowledge is a passion for ColbyFinding a balance between work and family is crucial for happinessCOVID-19 provided a unique opportunity for reflection and growthChapters01:06 Introduction to Colby Brown's Journey03:51 Wildlife Photography: The Silverback Gorilla Experience06:32 The Importance of Connection in Photography09:13 Intent and Experience in Photography11:54 The Evolution of a Photographer14:57 Capturing Emotion Through Visual Storytelling17:32 The Role of Adaptability in Wildlife Photography20:28 Learning from Mistakes and Embracing Failure23:21 The Journey of a Self-Taught Photographer26:04 Finding Unique Perspectives in Photography28:44 Encouragement to Explore New Directions in Photography37:34 The Importance of Insurance and Sentimental Value39:11 Lessons Learned from Experience40:24 The Joy of Teaching and Sharing Experiences42:25 Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur44:07 Reflections on Technological Changes in Photography46:06 Navigating Family Life and Travel48:00 Bucket List Experiences and Future Aspirations51:35 Finding Value in Experiences Over Photography54:54 The Journey of Life: Embracing Ups and Downs01:01:08 Experiences Over Images: A Philosophical PerspectiveFollow Colby BrownInstagram: @colbybrownphotographyWebsite: https://www.colbybrownphotography.com/Vallerret | Gloves & Apparel for Creators Behind the LensWebsite: https://www.photographygloves.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vallerretFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/vallerretYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vallerretTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vallerretX: https://twitter.com/vallerretPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vallerretNewsletter: https://www.photographygloves.comCelebrating 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 TakeawaysExtreme environments strip humans down before building them back upPreparation and discipline are the difference between survival and failurePolar bears are apex predators. Not symbols, but realitiesThe greatest dangers in the Arctic are often weather and terrain, not wildlifeEndurance is as much mental as it is physicalPhotography can turn suffering into meaning and advocacyClimate change is visible, measurable, and accelerating at the polesHope requires action, not distance or denialChapters00:00 Welcome to Creative Outsiders01:11 Meet Sebastian Copeland02:24 27 Polar Expeditions & Life at the Poles02:52 Arctic Sea Ice & Internal Breaking Points03:42 Polar Bear Encounters Explained08:08 Sleeping on the Ice & Bear Safety Systems11:28 Charged by a Polar Bear — A Near-Fatal Moment17:34 Following the Bear & Power Dynamics20:12 What Really Kills You in the Arctic21:39 Storms, Wind & Living Inside a Tent25:10 Childhood, Books & Becoming a Polar Explorer29:04 Science, Photography & Purpose32:15 Preparation, Endurance & Mental Strength36:12 Failure, Frostbite & Aborting a Mission38:51 Falling Through Sea Ice43:29 Risk, Loss & Perspective Over Time45:14 Addiction to Extremes & Reflection47:16 Photography as Memory & Meaning49:28 Climate Change, Hope & Human Responsibility55:29 Quickfire Questions & What’s NextFollow Sebastian CopelandInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/copelandadventures/Website: https://www.sebastiancopeland.comFine Art: https://www.scopelandfineart.comVallerret | Gloves & Apparel for Creators Behind the LensWebsite: https://www.photographygloves.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vallerretFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/vallerretYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vallerretTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vallerretX: https://twitter.com/vallerretPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vallerretNewsletter: https://www.photographygloves.comCelebrating 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 TakeawaysPrepared, confident gear use matters more than over-cautionExtreme weather adds technical and mental pressureMindset and preparation define successful flightsGreat shots often require multiple attemptsWomen still face bias in drone and action sports industriesVisibility and storytelling can shift perceptionsExtreme motorsport filming demands risk awarenessAdrenaline must be balanced with controlChapters00:00 Women Can Fly00:50 Welcome to Creative Outsiders01:10 Meet Joana Braga01:49 Portugal to Iceland02:13 Flying in Extreme Conditions05:33 Fear, Nerves & Control11:01 Getting Started With Drones13:40 FPV, Speed & Tech Differences17:32 Preparation & Decision Making20:11 Motorsport & Extreme Action23:14 Crashes, Repairs & Experience30:02 Does Fear Ever Go Away?34:11 Storytelling First39:31 Design & Aviation Mindset42:31 Women in a Male-Dominated Industry49:39 Dream Projects & Dakar54:21 Quickfire & What’s NextFollow Joana BragaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jfabraga/Website: https://www.jfabraga.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joanabraga6552LinkedIn: https://pt.linkedin.com/in/joanabragadesignFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jfabraga/Vallerret | Gloves & Apparel for Creators Behind the LensWebsite: https://www.photographygloves.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vallerretFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/vallerretYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vallerretTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vallerretX: https://twitter.com/vallerretPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vallerretNewsletter: 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. 🧤🚁

Meet Finnish legendary snowboarding photographer and longtime Vallerret friend Pasi Salminen. We discuss Pasi's extensive career in snowboarding photography, the challenges of capturing action shots in extreme conditions, and the transition from passion projects to commercial work. Pasi shares insights on maintaining creativity and positivity in a long career, the importance of collaboration with athletes, and how he manages the pressures of shooting high-stakes tricks. The conversation also touches on the unique aspects of urban photography versus powder shots, and Pasi's future aspirations in the field.Watch the full video version on YouTube for extra visuals.TakeawaysPasi Salminen has been a prominent figure in snowboarding photography for decades.Urban photography offers more creative freedom compared to powder shots.Capturing the right moment in action photography requires preparation and quick thinking.Maintaining a positive attitude is crucial for success in the creative industry.Transitioning from passion projects to commercial work can be a natural evolution for photographers.Collaboration with athletes is essential for achieving the best shots.Dealing with extreme cold is part of the job for snowboarding photographers.Finding inspiration in new environments helps keep creativity alive.Pasi emphasizes the importance of enjoying the work to avoid burnout.Safety is a top priority when shooting high-risk snowboarding tricks.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:30 Memorable Snowboarding Experiences04:59 Urban vs. Powder Photography07:14 The Art of Snowboard Photography09:52 Managing Pressure in Photography12:24 Transitioning to Commercial Work14:55 Maintaining Passion in Photography21:00 The Journey of a Photographer22:54 Passion Projects and Creative Freedom24:12 Collaboration in Snowboarding Photography28:52 Dealing with Extreme Cold32:06 Creative Drive and Future Aspirations33:10 Quickfire Questions and InsightsFollow Pasi:Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/pasisalminen/Website: https://www.pasisalminen.com/Eventphoto.fi: ⁠https://pasisalminen.fi/ep/Red Bull Illume Profile: https://www.redbullillume.com/int-en/photographers/pasi-salminenVallerret | Glove & Apparel for Creators behind the LensWebsite: ⁠https://www.photographygloves.com⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/vallerret⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/vallerret⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@vallerret⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@vallerret⁠X(Twitter): ⁠https://twitter.com/vallerret⁠Pinterest: ⁠https://www.pinterest.com/vallerret⁠Newsletter: ⁠https://www.photographygloves.com⁠ (sign up at the bottom!)Celebrating 10 Years of Winter Gear built for photographers & creators who stay out longer.If this conversation made you feel nostalgic, send it to a fellow snow bum — and go chase some wild weather, with cameras and planks.Stay warm. Stay inspired. Stay out longer. 🧤🔥

Sarah Lyndsay, a Canadian fine art photographer and self-portrait artist known for her emotional imagery, storytelling, and her signature yellow dress.Sarah shares how photography became a form of self-expression and a way to explore emotion, presence, and identity. She explains how placing herself in the frame is telling a story.We talk about the thrill of shooting in –30°C, how sometimes you forget the cold because the moment feels magical, and why bad weather often leads to the most powerful images. She opens up about identity, pressure, and taking a break from social media, and learning to see herself not just as a photographer but as an artist.• Why bad weather makes stronger, more emotional images• Emotion, scale & storytelling through self-portrait work• Shooting in –30°C and forgetting the cold• The yellow dress and how visual identity develops• Layering, boots, gloves & staying creative in freezing temps• Artist vs. photographer — and why the difference matters• Social media breaks & creative burnout• Fine art galleries, collectors & making work that "feels"Follow SarahWebsite: https://www.sarahlyndsayphotography.comYouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@sarahlyndsay⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahlyndsayphotographyFacebook: https://facebook.com/sarahlyndsayphotographyTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/sarahlyndsay_Follow VallerretWebsite: https://www.photographygloves.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vallerretYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vallerretTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vallerretFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/vallerretPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vallerretX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/vallerretStay warm. Stay inspired. Stay out longer. 🧤🔥

To start things off with a bang, we’re heading north to Lofoten with travel photographer and Aurora expert Dave Williams. From a cozy fisherman’s cabin, he chats with us about how he became obsessed with winter photography… and how he once got chased by wolves at 4:30 in the morning. Yes, really. Dave is full of practical tips and hilarious “this only happens to photographers” moments.In this episode, we dive into:• Dave’s first-ever Northern Lights moment (and why it changed everything)• How he actually predicts the Aurora without relying on dodgy apps• What life in Lofoten is really like (weather chaos, fish racks & all)• The layering system he uses to stay outside for hours (liners + photography gloves)• How to keep your camera battery alive in deep cold• Why “bad weather” usually turns into the best photography conditions• The wolf story… because yes, that really happened• Imposter syndrome and the pressure to “get the shot”• The joy of helping people see the Aurora for the first time• Cinnamon buns (because every photographer deserves a treat)If you enjoy winter photography, dream of seeing the Aurora, or just love hearing creators talk about the weird, wild parts of their job, you’ll love this episode. It’s fun, relaxed, and full of super useful cold-weather tips.Follow Dave WilliamsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/idavewilliamsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@idavewilliamsLofoten Insight Tours: https://lofotensight.comBook: The Complete Aurora Guide (search online)Website: https://www.photographygloves.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vallerretFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/vallerretYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vallerretTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vallerretX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/vallerretPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vallerretNewsletter: https://www.photographygloves.com (sign up at the bottom!)Celebrating 10 Years of Radical Winter Gear built for photographers & creators who stay out longer.Thanks for joining us for our very first episode of Vallerret’s Creative Outsiders.If you enjoyed this conversation, send it to a fellow cold-loving creator — and go chase some wild weather.Stay warm. Stay inspired. Stay out longer. 🧤🔥

This is Vallerret’s Creative Outsiders — Radical stories from behind the lens.A podcast about the moments that change us, the places that shape us, and the creators who go where most people won’t.Join hosts Lukas Riedl and Vallerret Co-Founder Carl van den Boom as they talk with photographers, filmmakers, drone pilots, and explorers about what really happens out there — beyond the cold, beyond the frame, beyond comfort.Grab a hot drink. Settle in. And welcome to the outsiders.