Travel Photographer Captures Life and Culture in 120 Countries Over 20 Years

# Colby Brown: From Texas to the Globe – An Expedition of Visual Discovery in Photography

Colby Brown is an esteemed travel photographer whose two-decade journey stands as evidence of the opportunities that exist outside the bounds of common expectations. His narrative encompasses self-exploration, fervor, and an unwavering quest for significant connections with the world. Currently, Brown is a distinguished Sony Ambassador, a Sony Artisan of Imagery since 2015, and the founder of **The Giving Lens**, a photography initiative that interlinks art with charity, supporting NGOs around the world.

## A Daring Transition: From Texas to Bangkok and Beyond

In contrast to many of his contemporaries, Brown recognized early that the conventional route was not for him. During his college years, he grew disenchanted with the prospect of settling into a typical career, as so many of his friends did. After a short post-graduate term in a Texas hospital, an opportunity to pursue his true passion arose. Grasping the chance, Brown purchased a one-way ticket to Bangkok, signifying the start of a journey that would prove transformative, both in his career and his personal life.

What ensued was three years of continuous exploration throughout Southeast Asia, where Brown began to establish his photography career. It was in these foundational years that he developed his distinctive style, honing in on the beauty of landscapes, wildlife, and cultural practices.

Fast forward twenty years, and Colby Brown has roamed through 120 countries and all seven continents numerous times, crafting a portfolio that humbly reflects the grace and variety of our planet.

## Ongoing Learning and Growth

A hallmark of Colby Brown’s photography journey is his dedication to continuous education. Rather than resting on his achievements, Brown consistently reinvents his artistry by immersing himself in diverse genres and styles of photography.

“Every few years, I embark on a deep exploration of a new photography form to keep the experience engaging and invigorating. Subsequently, I utilize that knowledge to either venture into something new or integrate what I’ve learned into the photography genres that currently inspire me,” Brown shared with *My Modern Met*. This cycle of creative renewal not only guarantees the freshness of his work but enhances his connection with the subjects he captures.

Moving through specialized genres such as wildlife, landscape, cultural, and even astrophotography, Brown approaches each location with a curiosity shaped by his current interests. This philosophical stance ensures that no trip is alike; each site presents a new chance to experience—and revisit—the world through a different lens.

## Creating Global Bonds: The Giving Lens

Beyond his photography, Brown serves as a passionate advocate for global communities. He established **The Giving Lens** in 2011, an initiative that merges artistic expression with meaningful social impact. **The Giving Lens** conducts photography workshops globally, with proceeds supporting local non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Attendees of The Giving Lens workshops not only refine their photography skills but also collaborate with community members on impactful projects, contributing to causes such as education, environmental sustainability, and women’s empowerment. This initiative has positively influenced nations like Peru, Jordan, Tanzania, and Nepal, among numerous others.

This endeavor illustrates the depth of Brown’s dedication to not only capturing breathtaking imagery but also ensuring that his artistic influence leaves a positive legacy in the places he explores.

## Photography Philosophy: Evoking Emotion, Connection, and Humanity

Brown’s photography is fueled by a singular objective: **connection**. For Brown, photography transcends the creation of technically flawless images. It is about evoking a sense of place and emotion within the viewer. Whether photographing a remote tribe in a secluded part of the world or a magnificent silverback in the thick jungles of Uganda, Brown aims to instill a feeling of the moment’s essence.

“I want you to gaze upon a photo of a wild Silverback Gorilla taken in the jungles of Western Uganda and feel present, to experience the emotion and connection I felt while capturing the image. The more connected we become to each other and our surroundings, the better our chances of thriving as a species,” Brown articulated in his interview.

In a world where many individuals feel detached from far-off cultures or ecosystems, Brown’s work offers a counterbalance. His photographs act as reminders of our shared humanity and the rich diversity we coexist with on this planet, despite the distances or disparities.

## Disseminating Knowledge: Photography Workshops

For those inspired by Brown’s work and eager to refine their skills, Brown provides an array of photography workshops worldwide. Through these sessions, Brown shares his technical expertise while highlighting the significance of storytelling and the emotional depth within photography.

Some workshop locales include enchanting destinations like **Patagonia**, where the landscapes are both untamed and breathtaking, as well as **Kenya**, where participants can capture the raw splendor of The Great Migration. For those in search of something more enigmatic, they can delve into