A Life Behind the Lens

Though faded by sunlight, the framed photo hanging on my bedroom wall is clearly a Jim Brandenburg. The image, a closeup of prairie smoke plants blowing in the breeze, has all the stylistic trademarks of the famed Minnesota photographer. The artful composition. The striking color palette. The supreme reverence for the natural world.

But Brandenburg’s work isn’t nearly as serious as I make it sound. His best shots are playful. Through his lens, the wispy plumes of that prairie smoke look like nature’s version of those inflatable tube guys dancing in the wind at car dealerships. Loons are showoffs. Wolves appear to be having the time of their lives. (Brandenburg’s iconic “White Wolf Leap” photo was named one of the 40 most important nature photographs of all time by the International League of Conservation Photographers.) Rather than remove himself from his wilderness images, Brandenburg infused his work with personality—with humanity—an approach that’s on full display in the photo essay. 

Curated by Brandenburg and MCV art director Lynn Phelps, this collection celebrates the photographer’s love of his home state—loons, wolves, and all. The article doubles as a celebration of Brandenburg himself. Sadly, as this issue went to press, Jim passed away at the age of 79. It’s an incredible loss for his family, the photography community, and for the many Minnesotans who love his work.

Our final collaboration with Brandenburg ends a relationship that started back in 1970, when his images first appeared in the Volunteer. Though he became the rare household name in nature photography, Brandenburg returned to our pages over the decades, and for that I’m grateful.

As I write this, I’m admiring that print on my wall. I can practically hear the whisper of a breeze blowing across the prairie. I can smell the honeyed late-spring air and feel the soft strands of prairie smoke on my fingers. This transporting effect was Brandenburg’s ultimate sleight of hand, the sign of a true artist. I hope you’re equally carried away by his photos in this issue. Rest in peace, Jim.