Today we’d like to introduce you to Collin Strachan
Hi Collin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Absolutely! My journey into photography began in 2017 when I decided to leave my corporate marketing role in Dallas to pursue my passion for adventure and storytelling. My wife Kendal and I launched Every Mile Creative in 2019, focusing on lifestyle and adventure photography. Living full-time in an off-grid Airstream, we’ve explored the stunning landscapes of Alaska and beyond, capturing epic images for brands all over the world.
A lot of people ask about the planning, goals, and preparation we did to launch ourselves into this career, and frankly, the answer is disappointing for those looking for advice, but it’s probably a good story!
We truly just threw ourselves off the edge into the deep end. Kendal was working as a travel nurse and decided not to take another contract, and once my contracts in areas other than outdoor and adventure photography expired, I moved my focus 100% to Every Mile Creative.
Over the past five years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to honing our craft, constantly exploring, connecting with contemporaries in the industry, and experimenting like crazy with how to capture the incredible places we find. Our work isn’t just about capturing stunning landscapes; it’s about creating images that inspire and resonate with people who dream of adventure.
Living in an Airstream has allowed us the flexibility to be where the action is, whether it’s the rugged terrains of Alaska or the deserts of the Southwest. This lifestyle comes with its challenges, like enduring harsh winters off-grid, but it has made us resilient and adaptable. We’ve learned to embrace uncertainty and thrive in it.
Our mission is to create immersive images that transport viewers into the heart of the landscapes we capture. Whether it’s a full-spread image in a magazine or a detailed shot on a product page, we aim to inspire a sense of adventure and connection with nature.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
If you’ve ever been to Alaska, you know pretty well that no road is smooth. Same goes for all my entrepreneurs out there. While it hasn’t been a smooth road, I want to touch on a really important concept that I’ve learned in the last year. In Benjamin Hardy’s and Dan Sullivan’s “10x is Easier than 2x,” the authors discuss a concept called “The Gap and The Gain.” Not only as business owners, but as humans, we have so much more capacity, gratitude, and motivation when we “live in the gain,” rather than “in the gap.” Living in the gap means looking forward to what you’d like to accomplish and weighing where you are now against what you’d like to achieve. I’d like to have a million dollars per year in passive income, own a house on the beach, and plenty of other ego-inflating goals that get me depressed when I realize how far off they are.
Rather, when I live in the gain, I realize how far we have come. Less than 10 years ago I was making less than 1/10 of the income we make now. I was a C-student in college and had a vague direction for my life, I was desperate to go out with this girl who barely tolerated me, and I wasn’t too happy with my level of fitness. Fast forward, and I got the girl, I have this incredible business and a beautiful little family, and we’re able to be so active. The challenges have been crushing at times and I wouldn’t wish some of our worst moments on anyone, but in the gain, I see so much to be grateful for.
That said, we can take a look at some of the struggles along the way.
Skill vs Talent:
One of the first hurdles was to really develop the skills required to be a captivating, high-end photographer. I’ve always been naturally talented as a creative, but talent only gets you started. Skill keeps you going. This meant investing time and resources into mastering the technical aspects of photography, from planning and composition to post-processing.
Brand Building:
Building a brand that truly connects with customers, rather than just talking about myself, has been another major challenge. We’re focusing more than ever on understanding our clients’ needs and creating images that resonate with their audience. This shift from self-promotion to value creation has been crucial for our success, and we’re really grateful for the people who have helped us to understand that mindset change, like Jeb Blount and his incredible books on sales and building real relationships in the business world, and our business coach, Jeff Brown, who is in the trenches with us for a re-brand for Every Mile Creative that will be live by the time this article is up.
Relationships:
Developing lasting relationships in the industry has also been key. We work hard to connect with other professionals, learn from them, and establish a network that supports mutual growth. These relationships have led to lasting collaborations and have been instrumental in our journey, not to mention key insights that have made us so much better at what we do as photographers.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Every Mile Creative?
Every Mile Creative is an Alaska-based commercial adventure photography business run by my wife Kendal and me. We call ourselves “The Adventure Family,” and we specialize in capturing immersive, candid images that tell compelling stories and draw viewers into the breathtaking landscapes we explore. Our work is known for its ability to convey the essence of adventure and connect deeply with audiences, especially families.
What sets us apart is our crazy life in Alaska, and the fact that we’re doing it as a family. We’re nomads, living off-grid year-round with our son Milo in our Airstream. We’ve faced temps as low as -30, chainsawed through frozen lakes to filter water (yes, really), and spent years connected to some of the most alive, captivating landscapes in the world. We’ve intentionally built this challenging life, and we firmly believe in creating a family and a community around it. Our clients and followers feel connected to us and our lifestyle through the stories we tell, which we hope adds value to the brands we work with.
Frankly, we’re really proud of our resilience. Living in such a small space, often in harsh environments, while cultivating a marriage, a business, and now parenting Milo, is intense. We love what we do, and every time we consider a detour, we can’t bring ourselves to make a change. This lifestyle adds a strong dose of grit and authenticity to what we create.
We want readers to know that Every Mile Creative is dedicated to creating dynamic, captivating imagery that inspires a sense of adventure and connection with nature, especially for families. While our content is cool, it’s nothing without a community. The people we work with in our client brands, and the travelers, adventurers, and families out there looking for reliable gear to explore these life-changing environments, are at the core of what we do.
We would love for someone in photo sourcing to know that we’ll spend time with you, listen, and come prepared with questions to get to know you and your vision for your images. If there’s a fit, we’ll create a tailored photo/video package that meets your needs, but only after truly getting to know you. Because what’s the point if we don’t?
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
For those just starting out, my advice is to invest in coaching and develop a consistent learning practice. When I began, I underestimated the value of having a mentor or coach to guide me. A coach can provide invaluable insights, help you avoid common pitfalls, and accelerate your growth both creatively and in business.
I also wish I had established a consistent learning routine early on. Regularly enhancing your creative skills and sales abilities is crucial. Photography is not just about capturing beautiful images; it’s also about understanding the business side—how to market yourself, sell your services, and build lasting client relationships.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to throw yourself into challenging situations. Living off-grid in an Airstream and exploring rugged landscapes has taught us resilience and adaptability, which are essential traits for any entrepreneur. Embrace uncertainty, be willing to learn and unlearn, and stay committed to your passion.
Oh, and don’t forget to make friends along the way. You’ll be miserable rich and alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://everymilecreative.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kendal.strachan
Image Credits
Collin Strachan
Kendal Strachan