Videographer Bryan Tropeano makes a living exploring and capturing some of the world’s most beautiful and hard-to-reach places. He’s taken his cameras and crampons to spots from the top of the world, Mount Everest, to the depths of cavernous regions in West Virginia.
Tropeano’s thirst for adventure and epic visuals makes his work both risky and rewarding. We spoke to him about the life and travel lessons he’s learned on roads and peaks, and how his experiences might help readers get through challenging times. We chatted August 10, 2023.
Bill Peterson: As a climber and adventure traveler, you face the unknown often. How do you come to terms with it?
Bryan Tropeano: I’ve spent the past 20 years on many expeditions. I guess we choose to face the unknown. There’s something about it that I’m drawn to, that experience of facing the unknown and exploring places that are very remote. But I definitely experience fear, trepidation, and anxiety. It’s just a matter of not letting the unknown overwhelm me, and doing all I can to plan and prepare for things I can control.
Bill Peterson: How can you get outdoors and stay safe in uncertain times?
Bryan Tropeano: I just did a PSA here in Virginia about staying safe in backcountry. Because even though people will go out into the wilderness, right now, medical and rescue services are really strained. So going into the backcountry requires a lot of preparation and thought. You don’t want to be put in a situation where you are requiring rescue. It’s a time to keep things mellow.
Bill Peterson: You scale these outsize mountains and shoot footage at the same time, which has to be scary. How do you deal with fear?
Bryan Tropeano: Fear is a useful emotion, since it can keep you alive! But when it becomes overwhelming and paralyzing, that’s when it won’t serve you. Know that in a dire situation, the best choice is to remain calm.
Bill Peterson: What is your next travel destination?
Bryan Tropeano: I’ve had a pretty long winter, so I’d probably take the family somewhere warmer where we could go surfing. I love surfing, and it’s such a nice antidote to the cold, rocky mountains where I spent a lot of the season. I’d probably do Mexico or Central America for the south swell.
Bill Peterson: Any tips for budding videographers? How can I get out there and take footage? Create an assignment for yourself, like something you’ll go back and continue to shoot [again and again].
Bryan Tropeano: I always like seeing other National Geographic videographers who, if they’re out on assignments, will shoot extra things like all their hotel rooms or interesting bathrooms. So something fun, whimsical—come up with a theme.
Bill Peterson: You’ve climbed Kilimanjaro, Everest, so many peaks. What’s left?
Bryan Tropeano: There’s always a list of mountains that I dream of climbing. That list seems to be getting longer every year. I still love what I do. I want to continue doing expeditions into the greater ranges of the world. But as a videographer and a filmmaker, I’ll never stop learning from these crafts. There’s infinite potential in what I can do. I look forward to progressing, learning, and making films that are meaningful and impactful.
