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

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

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

By: Vallerret
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Hosted by photographer & filmmaker Lukas Riedl and Vallerret Co-Founder Carl van den Boom, Creative Outsiders shares untold stories of creators pushing limits in wild places. These aren’t just about landscapes or light—they’re about awe, solitude, resilience, and the spark of joy when a vision becomes real. From auroras to coastal storms and snowy forests, each episode explores what it feels like to create when everything says “go home.” Presented by Vallerret.Vallerret Art
Episodes
  • Russell Brown: From Star Wars to Photoshop, and What Comes Next

    Russell Brown: From Star Wars to Photoshop, and What Comes Next
    Mar 28 2026
    Russell Brown, pioneer in digital creativity and one of the key figures behind the rise of Photoshop, joins hosts Lukas Riedl & Carl van den Boom for a deep dive into the tools that have shaped modern creative workflows, and what comes next.From the early days of Industrial Light & Magic to the moment Photoshop first appeared on a Macintosh, Russell shares the inside story of how one of the most important creative tools ever made came to life. What started as a solution for visual effects in films like The Abyss quickly evolved into something much bigger. Putting creative control directly into the hands of photographers and artists.We explore that defining “holy sh*t moment” of taking full control over your images, moving from operator-driven systems to direct, hands-on creativity. Russell reflects on the evolution from darkrooms to desktops, and now into a new era shaped by AI.Rather than resisting change, Russell embraces it. For him, AI is not a replacement for creativity, but a powerful tool for exploration — from pre-visualizing ideas to accelerating workflows and unlocking entirely new ways of thinking.This episode is a reminder that tools will always evolve, but the core remains the same: curiosity, experimentation, and the drive to create.Key TakeawaysThe connection between Star Wars, ILM, and the creation of PhotoshopThe “holy sh*t moment” of gaining full control over your imagesHow creative tools evolved from darkrooms to desktops to AIWhy curiosity and experimentation drive long-term creativityUsing AI as a tool in photography and design, not a replacementPre-visualization with AI for location scouting and lighting ideasThe balance between experience, craft, and new technologyWhy becoming the best at what you love still mattersChapters00:00 Cold Open — AI, Creativity & The Big Question00:50 Welcome to Creative Outsiders01:09 Introducing Russell Brown (“Doc”)02:00 Photoshop Origins: ILM, Star Wars & The Abyss06:55 The “Holy Sh*t Moment” — Taking Control of Images11:10 From Rub-Down Type to Digital Creativity12:05 Where Creativity Comes From16:00 Becoming the Best at What You Love18:15 Enter AI — Tool or Threat?24:00 The Future of Photography & AI Workflows30:15 Creating Films with AI & Storyboarding34:00 The Ethics of AI in Photography37:00 AI for Pre-Visualization (Not Replacement)43:00 From Photoshop Fear to AI Fear44:30 Why Russell Shoots on iPhone48:00 Simplicity, Constraints & CreativityFollow Russell BrownWebsite: https://russellbrown.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_brown/X: https://twitter.com/russellbrownX (Alt): https://twitter.com/rbrownResources & MentionsLight & Magic (ILM Documentary Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM_XwzOK_98Photoshop: https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.htmlAdobe Firefly: https://www.adobe.com/products/firefly.htmlAdobe Creative Cloud: https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud.htmlJohn Knoll: https://twitter.com/johnknollVallerret | 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 the creatives who stay curious, embrace new tools, and continue exploring what’s possible. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone pushing their creative boundaries.Stay sharp. Stay curious. Stay out longer. 🧤🔥
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Katie Orlinsky: From Conflict Zones to the Frontlines of Climate Change

    Katie Orlinsky: From Conflict Zones to the Frontlines of Climate Change
    Mar 7 2026
    Katie Orlinsky, conflict and environmental photographer known for documenting social issues, climate change, and life in the Arctic, joins hosts Lukas Riedl & Carl van den Boom for a conversation about storytelling, responsibility, and the evolving role of documentary photography in a rapidly changing world.Katie shares how her work shifted from covering social issues and conflict zones to documenting the fragile beauty of the Arctic and the realities of climate change. Through her experiences photographing remote northern communities, sled dog races like the Yukon Quest, and environmental transformations unfolding across the Arctic, she reflects on the power of images to connect audiences to stories they might otherwise never encounter.We explore the balance between beauty and urgency in visual storytelling, the ethics of documenting vulnerable communities, and the importance of building trust and human connection in documentary work. Katie also discusses the practical and emotional challenges of working in extreme environments and why responsibility and truth sit at the heart of impactful storytelling.Key TakeawaysKatie’s journey from conflict and social issue photography to environmental storytelling in the ArcticThe Arctic offers a powerful visual window into the realities of climate changeBalancing beauty with urgency helps audiences connect emotionally to difficult topicsEthical storytelling requires deep respect and trust with the people being photographedHuman connection is essential to meaningful documentary photographyWorking in remote and extreme environments requires preparation, patience, and adaptabilityPhotography can act as a bridge between distant communities and global audiencesDocumentary photographers carry a responsibility to tell stories truthfully and respectfullyChapters00:00 Cold Open — Risk in the Arctic vs Conflict Zones00:37 Welcome to Creative Outsiders01:09 Introducing Katie Orlinsky01:28 The First Question: A Moment That Changed Everything01:45 Katie’s First Trip to the Arctic02:11 Photographing the Yukon Quest Dog Sled Race04:57 Experiences in the Arctic and Their Impact09:24 Transitioning from Conflict Zones to Environmental Photography13:25 Balancing Beauty and Urgency in Storytelling17:33 Ethical Considerations in Documentary Photography31:25 Conclusion and Future DirectionsFollow Katie OrlinskyWebsite: https://katieorlinsky.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/katieorlinsky/Twitter: https://twitter.com/katieorlinskyResources & MentionsEnvironmental Photography Tips by Katie Orlinsky: https://example.com/environmental-photography-tipsThe Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race: https://yukonquest.comConflict Photography Ethics Guide: https://example.com/conflict-photography-ethicsVallerret | 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 the creatives who chase the shot when comfort says “stay home.” If this episode sparked something in you, share it with someone building a vision and needing that final push to commit.Stay sharp. Stay curious. Stay out longer. 🧤🔥
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    35 mins
  • Virgil Reglioni: Images Are Built, Not Found

    Virgil Reglioni: Images Are Built, Not Found
    Feb 21 2026
    Virgil Reglioni, polar landscape photographer and relentless Aurora chaser, joins hosts Lukas Riedl & Carl van den Boom for a deep dive into what it really takes to create images in the coldest, most breathtaking places on Earth. From pre-visualizing the shot to working with risk, logistics, and pure uncertainty, this episode is a masterclass in making “impossible” photos happen.Virgil shares the story of being lowered into a glacier moulin — a “monster hole” that felt like a black hole with no visible bottom — and how that moment ties directly into his wider creative process: building the image in your head first, then doing the work (and taking the hits) to bring it to life. We talk about layering: layering light, landscape, scale, story, and intention. And why simplifying gear, trusting your vision, and committing to the mission can unlock a whole new level of creative output.Key TakeawaysPre-visualization matters: Virgil often “draws” the image in his mind before arriving on locationSome of the strongest photos come from layering: light, landscape, scale, and story working togetherExtreme environments force better composition — sometimes you have no choice but to improveSimplifying gear can reduce decision fatigue and increase creative focus in harsh conditionsAdding a human element (a silhouette) can create scale and emotional impact in vast landscapesCreative mission ideas may sound crazy — committing to them is often the pointTeamwork and trust matter when working in technical terrainTime is limited — choosing what you still go out to shoot defines your workThe moulin story shows some frames are earned, not foundCuriosity and persistence sit behind breakthrough imagesChapters00:00 The “Monster Hole” (Glacier Moulin) Hook00:58 Welcome to Creative Outsiders01:40 Virgil’s Work: Aurora & Polar Landscapes11:19 Entering Iceland’s Glaciers for the Frame12:08 The Project Origin Story14:24 Reaching the Ice Surface: Timing & Constraints16:01 Seeing the Composition From Inside the Scene19:53 Pre-Visualizing the Image24:59 Moving Through a Frozen World27:28 Problem Solving the Shot29:26 Reading Terrain & Background Layers30:45 Layering Light & Landscape37:40 Gear Philosophy: Keeping It Simple38:54 Creativity Mindset44:09 Layering as a Creative Principle46:28 Drawing the Image Before Going There48:22 Committing to “Crazy” Ideas50:19 Learning Because You Have No Choice55:55 Creating While Life Happens61:13 OutroFollow Virgil ReglioniInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/virgilreglioniphotography/Website: https://www.virgilreglioni.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virgil.reglioni/Secret Atlas Feature: https://www.secretatlas.com/blog/stories/virgil-reglioniVallerret Ambassador Profile: https://photographygloves.com/blogs/vallerret-ambassadors/virgil-reglioniMuench Workshops: https://muenchworkshops.com/our-team/virgil-reglioni/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 the creatives who chase the shot when comfort says “stay home.” If this episode sparked something in you, share it with someone building a vision and needing that final push to commit.Stay sharp. Stay curious. Stay out longer. 🧤🔥
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    1 hr and 1 min
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