Leon Butler - Finding the Story in "The Moments In Between" - Part 2

In Part 2 of my conversation with photographer and storyteller Leon Butler , we explore the realities of creative life in the outdoor industry — from navigating free-work culture to understanding how a photographer places value on their craft. Leon talks openly about awards, trends, client expectations, and staying true to your style. He also shares the story behind one of the most meaningful projects of his career and offers simple, powerful advice for anyone wanting to take better photos on their next adventure. A thoughtful, grounded conversation for anyone who loves creativity, mountain life, or the behind-the-scenes of outdoor storytelling. _________ Full Show Notes In Part 2, Leon Butler returns to unpack the deeper layers of photography, creativity, and the changing landscape of visual storytelling in the outdoor world. We begin with a candid discussion about free-work culture and the challenge of assigning value to an image when the industry increasingly measures success through likes, clicks, and visibility. Leon shares how a photograph isn’t priced by the hour it takes to shoot it but by the years of learning, experience, and problem-solving behind it. Leon also talks about being named World Mountain Bike Awards Photographer of the Year 2024 — what the recognition meant, why peer validation matters, and why awards rarely change the day-to-day reality of being a working creative. We dive into the fast-moving world of creative trends, how to stay aware of them without losing your identity, and why guiding clients is just as important as following a brief. One of the highlights of the episode is Leon’s story about a gold-mining-inspired project in New Zealand — a blend of history, backcountry travel, and mountain biking that became one of his proudest achievements and even found its way into the New Zealand National Archive. The phrase “same dirt, different reward” became the heartbeat of the story. We also examine the ethics of shooting in the backcountry, the balance between ambition and safety, and how environmental impact intersects with creative choices. Leon closes the episode with his biggest photography tip for anyone heading on holiday: focus on composition . A shift in perspective, a foreground element, or a moment of thought before pressing the shutter can transform even a phone photo into something meaningful. We finish with the signature Legends of the Brand closing questions, where Leon reflects on his personal brand (“a storyteller”), his desire to inspire more people into outdoor sports, and the legends who inspire him. Episode Themes: Free-work culture and creative value Awards vs real-world career impact Trends vs timeless style Guiding clients in the creative process Backcountry ethics, safety, and environmental awareness “Same dirt, different reward” — Leon’s most meaningful project How to take better photos with your phone Storytelling, legacy, and outdoor inspiration Leon’s Profile linkedin.com/in/leonbutler1

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Leon Butler - Finding the Story in "The Moments In Between" - Part 2 is an episode from Legends of the Brand by Phil Gordon.

This episode is 00:27:16 long.

This episode was published on Dec 13, 2025.

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