My goal is to inspire people just to get out and see the world and experience some of the things in my images that I’ve seen myself.
Casey McCallister
You can also listen to this episode with Casey on iTunes, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Castbox, and Google Podcasts
Expand your photography skills with our community
Join a thriving online photography group and interact with the host, Perrin, gain access to monthly photo contests, discover daily inspiration, and much more!
Interested in contributing? Visit our Supporter page to find out more.
Casey McCallister’s journey is a vivid tapestry of wild landscapes, unyielding passion, and a deep-rooted love for the outdoors that has shaped him into one of today’s most compelling adventure photographers. In this episode, Casey opens up about his transformation from a small-town West Texas kid to a celebrated artist whose dramatic, soul-stirring images of mountains, oceans, and untamed nature have captivated audiences and garnered attention from brands like Patagonia, The North Face, and Adobe.
My interview with Casey is a window into his philosophy of living fully immersed in the world’s raw beauty. From climbing Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks to chasing Ireland’s crashing waves, Casey’s work is a call to explore, to feel the pulse of nature, and to find peace in its unpredictability.
Casey’s story proves that photography can be a path to purpose, a way to document not just places but personal growth. We’ll dive into how he turned his love for the outdoors into a thriving career, his approach to infusing emotion into every frame, and why he believes discomfort is the key to creativity.
Here’s what you’ll discover:
- Casey’s evolution from a self-taught photographer to a sought-after name in outdoor photography.
- How he captures the meditative essence of nature in his dramatic, mood-driven images.
- His strategies for embracing the unexpected, from freak snowstorms to fleeting light.
- Insights on building a unique style and breaking into the industry without chasing trends.
Grab your hiking boots, a warm drink, and settle in for a conversation that will ignite your wanderlust and inspire you to chase your own creative dreams. We hope you enjoy the episode, cheers.
Q: How has your connection to nature evolved over the years because of your photography?
Casey: I grew up in a small town in West Texas, out in the desert. When I was young, I wasn’t really involved in nature—I was focused on trying to be cool. But after high school, going to college at Texas Tech, I started traveling to New Mexico and Southern Colorado to ski and snowboard. That introduced me to the mountains, and I discovered how peaceful and quiet it is when you get away from the hustle and bustle. I kept going back, and after graduating, I moved to Colorado to be closer to that. It started with skiing, then grew into climbing and mountaineering, and bringing my camera along to share those experiences.
Q: How do you find that being in a natural environment has influenced your creative vision?
Casey: In the mountains, it’s so peaceful and quiet, especially watching the light dance across the peaks in the evening. We get afternoon thunderstorms in Colorado, and the light coming through those clouds, lighting up specific areas, is beautiful. The weather here challenges me to adapt and capture a variety of images. I remember sitting on top of a 14er, watching the light move across the valleys below, hitting just one spiky peak while everything else was dark. Out here in the Rockies, it feels wilder, more timeless, like nature before humans came in and messed things up.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring photographers who want to break into the outdoor lifestyle photography niche?
Casey: Don’t chase trends. We live in this Instagram world where everyone’s copying the latest reel to go viral, but I recommend developing your own style. When you’re scrolling through a feed and see a photo, you should know it’s someone’s work without looking at the name. That’s how you get great client work—brands come to you because they know what they’re getting. Also, don’t just shoot the popular spots like Yosemite’s Tunnel View. Turn the tripod the other way, capture something unique, like light hitting a peak no one’s photographed. And don’t compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter ten. It takes work, time, and passion to break through.
Key Links and Mentions From the Episode
Casey McCallister Photography
Casey’s official website, showcasing his dramatic outdoor photography, prints, and collaborations with brands like Patagonia, The North Face, and Adobe.
Visit Casey’s Website
Instagram
Follow Casey on Instagram for breathtaking landscapes, behind-the-scenes adventures, and his journey as an outdoor photographer.
Follow Casey on Instagram
People Mentioned
- Colby Brown: National Geographic photographer and Casey’s early mentor, who helped him learn the basics of photography.
- Matt Payne: Colorado-based photographer known for climbing the state’s highest peaks, sharing a similar passion for outdoor photography.
- Jimmy Chin, Keith Ladzinski, Corey Rich: Renowned photographers Casey learned from during a National Geographic workshop in Jackson, Wyoming.
Tools & Gear
- Sony Cameras: Casey’s primary gear, chosen for their lightweight mirrorless systems and weather-sealed durability.
- DJI Drones: Used for capturing unique aerial perspectives and scouting locations.
- Fuji X100V: Casey’s recent walk-around camera for casual shooting with a 35mm-equivalent lens.
- ND Filters and Polarizers: Essential for long exposures and managing reflections in outdoor conditions.
Projects & Opportunities
- Ireland Photography Project: Casey plans to build a portfolio capturing Ireland’s dramatic west coast, potentially for a coffee table book.
- Educational Content: Developing courses and resources to help aspiring photographers with editing, print sales, and breaking into the industry.
Places and Locations
- Colorado’s 14ers: Casey’s playground for climbing and photographing the state’s 14,000-foot peaks, inspiring his love for the mountains.
- San Juan Mountains, Colorado: A favorite location for fall colors and revisiting to find fresh perspectives.
- West Coast of Ireland: A dramatic landscape of cliffs and waves Casey plans to explore extensively in 2025.
Key Themes Discussed
- Authenticity in Photography: Casey’s commitment to capturing real athletes and genuine moments, especially for brand work, to maintain authenticity.
- Embracing Unpredictability: Adapting to weather and unexpected conditions to create unique, memorable images.
- Developing a Unique Style: The importance of avoiding trends and crafting a recognizable artistic voice to stand out in the industry.
- Inspiring Exploration: Casey’s mission to motivate others to experience and protect the world’s natural beauty through his images.
- The Meditative Power of Nature: How the tranquility of wild landscapes fuels Casey’s creativity and personal growth.
- Balancing Art and Accessibility: Shifting from exclusive fine art prints to affordable options to share his work with a wider audience.
