Jim Brandenburg

Upcoming Events & Exhibits

2012-01-24T14:49:00.000-06:00

We have several upcoming Jim Brandenburg exhibits and presentations to share with you. All exhibits and events are listed under the Events & Exhibits page of this blog.

The Jim Brandenburg retrospective exhibit, A Pristine Vision, is on display in Iserlohn until January 29th at the Municipal Art Gallery Iserlohn, Germany. Jim will give a presentation in Iserlohn about his work and this exhibit on January 27th.

A Pristine Vision will open on March 17, 2012 to May 27, 2012 at Salo Art Museum, Salo, Finland.

Municipal Art Gallery ~ Iserlohn, Germany

Chased by the Light is on display at the Bell Museum of Natural History, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota through May 13, 2012.

Touch the Sky is showing at The Anthropology Museum, Northern Illinois University through April 14, 2012. Touch the Sky exhibit is the premiere exhibition in this beautiful new space. Please note: The museum will be open for special tours and and by appointment only January 17 - February 11.

A Tribute to Nature is currently on display through February 19, 2012 in Tokyo, Japan at the Konica Minolta Plaza.

2012 Jim Brandenburg Calendar

2012-01-20T15:14:00.000-06:00

We just received a very small supply of 2012 Jim Brandenburg wall calendars from a client. The calendars were produced by our client and were not offered to the US public. It is a 12-month calendar, each month features a different Jim Brandenburg image from around the world. The calendar is sized at 20.25" x 14.25". Sorry, we do not have images of the inside pages.

We have only 10 calendars and we will not be offering them on our website, they will only be offered here. Each calendar sells for $20.00 plus shipping and can be purchased by clicking the Buy Now button below.

The calendar is now sold out. Thank you!

50 Greatest Pictures

2012-01-18T18:34:00.001-06:00

National Geographic 50 Greatest Pictures issue is now available in print and an iPad app. This special edition includes Jim's well-known image of the leaping arctic wolf. The image originally ran in the May 1987 issue of National Geographic magazine as part of Jim's story "At Home with the Arctic Wolf," documenting the arctic wolves of Ellesmere Island, Canada.

Grouse in Winter

2012-01-13T15:17:00.000-06:00

The northern forest of Minnesota has had a record breaking and extremely mild winter thus far with very little snow. As temperatures dropped today to below 0˙ F, this sleeping ruffed grouse rests on the ground since there has not been enough snow cover for its preferred roost under the snow in cold temps.

Ruffed grouse are able to use snow roosts when light and fluffy snow conditions reach 8" or more. The grouse dives into the powdery snow from a headlong flight. Once inside the snowpack, they burrow a few feet further looking for a comfortable, well-hidden roost like the accompanying photograph shows. Here a grouse had penetrated the show then burrowed and stuck its head out a couple times, then exited after a sleep.

In years of deep snow, the inside temperature of a snow roost can be as much as 50˙ F warmer than the outside temperatures. A snow roost gives the grouse an additional advantage of being hidden from view of predators such as hawks, owls, fox, wolves, coyotes and lynx. The metabolic energy they conserve allows them to spend less time foraging, further reducing their exposure to attack. In years like this with little snow and cold temps as we see now, the grouse population suffers.

Wolf in front of Ravenwood

2012-01-09T11:27:00.000-06:00

Over the weekend, Jim noticed this gray wolf crossing the creek in front of his home, Ravenwood, near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness outside of Ely, Minnesota. He only had a moment to grab his iPhone and film.

A New Years Eve Moment

2012-01-01T12:39:00.000-06:00

For many years now I have canoed or skied past this island point in the Boundary Waters wilderness. I often pause to look at that white cedar that ekes out a delicate living as it clings to the vertical bare rock face. Tenacious trees like this can easily reach several hundred years of age. Growing is slow with no soil and few nutrients but the location does allow it to survive fire and windstorms. A couple of miles away is a cedar that is at least 1500 years old. No doubt, more survive hidden on secluded cliffs across the border that no one has or ever will see. Bonsai relics that give one a kind of peace just knowing they are there.

On my New Years Eve ski this year I passed by this old friend again. The trail of fox tracks made the scene irresistible - two accounts of time played as the falling snow forever covered the fox’s brief story while the old cedar endures. As brief as the fox passing was I saw as much description in the paw print narrative, as a short story in a magazine would tell. I’ve spent a lifetime interpreting those signs and enjoy spending an hour following a trail like this as much as reading a book.

Did an Ojibwa quietly place a tobacco offering from his birch bark canoe in the hole at the base of the cedar tree’s trunk? How much forgotten and lost history has played out in front of this old veteran? What was the name of the last French Voyageur that paddled past the tree in the late 1800’s?

A new numbered calendar of time that we now swap for the old doesn’t mean much in that world.

Jim Brandenburg 1.1.12

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T16:42:00.001-06:00

Celebrating Winter Solstice

2011-12-21T12:32:00.000-06:00

Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each. - Henry David Thoreau

2011-12-13T19:46:00.000-06:00

Jim Brandenburg's best-selling book Chased by the Light is now available as an app for the iPad. This amazing interactive book takes you along on Jim's 90-day photographic journey with insight and imagery like never before. Integrated with his beautiful and evocative photographs are video clips from the Chased by the Light documentary and music and audio clips from acoustic performing artist Michael Monroe.

"Looking at the Chased by the Light app on an iPad is like seeing the images for the first time all over again," says Jim. "I love books, but this re-birth takes the experience to a new level."

To get back to the soul of his work, Jim sets himself the task of taking only one photograph each day for the ninety days of fall. The landscape he chooses is his home - the boreal forest of northern Minnesota. "I had set myself a challenge: that for ninety days between the autumnal equinox and winter solstice I would make only one photograph a day. There would be no second exposure, no second chance." The images that result are quietly provoking. In a wonderful progression, we follow him through the first snowfall into the depths of winter - an amazing journey.

"I am excited to have such a stunning and high quality new way to show images that I have worked so hard to capture... My congratulations to the team that put so much effort and talent into its construction," says Jim.

The entire photographic collection appeared in the November 1997 issue of National Geographic magazine as North Woods Journal. This story was- according to editor William Allen - "the most photographs the magazine has ever published in one feature in its entire history...and by the way, using the least amount of film."

Jim is currently working on his next app, which will be a retrospective of his life's work. An exhibition of these 120 photographs is currently touring museums in Europe.

The Chased by the Light app is available in the iTunes App Store or can be found at http://apps.jimbrandenburg.com/cbtl/Apps.html

Chased by the Light Exhibit Starts Saturday!

2011-12-09T17:36:00.001-06:00

“Chased By the Light: Jim Brandenburg’s 90-Day Photo Journey” comes back to the University of Minnesota’s Bell Museum of Natural History for a new showing that opens December 10, 2011 and runs through May 13, 2012. It’s the first time in 13 years the popular exhibit will be available to Twin City area residents. The exhibit has thrilled audiences nationwide since its debut.

Brandenburg began his photo journey with a simple plan: "In autumn I set out to make one photograph—one single exposure—each day for 90 days. I hoped with patience and endurance to renew my vision of the natural world."

After 90 days what emerged from the deep woods in and around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, was a changed photographer—with three rolls of film. Each roll, filled with images that represented Brandenburg’s feelings about the essence of wild places—a raven feather in the rain; a tree marked by a bear; a vibrant view of aurora borealis.

In today’s era of quick communication, mind-boggling amounts of media and digital cameras providing the user a nearly never-ending supply of photos to alter, crop and color, “Chased By the Light” is more relevant than ever.

“Setting aside time to slow down—to study and contemplate nature and the world around us is a timeless message, and this exhibit is a great way to inspire people to do this,” says Bell Museum exhibit curator Don Luce.

For Luce, documenting our relationship with nature is not only good for the spirit, it’s also key to the preservation of memories. “The BWCA where many of the images were shot has been in the news of late. With climate change, intense storms and fires, the north woods are changing rapidly. This area we thought we set aside to be preserved forever, may be a very different place for our children and grandchildren. Jim's photos will be an important visual documentation of what this place was once like.”

All 90 of Brandenburg’s “Chased By the Light” images will be on display in the West Gallery at the Bell Museum along with a selection of images from the same areas Brandenburg took after the major storm of 1999. A video theater provides a behind-the-scenes exploration of methods and meanings of Brandenburg’s remarkable images.

Brandenburg spent three decades traveling the world as a photographer with National Geographic Magazine. His piece, “NorthWoods Journal,” the impetus for Chased By the Light, made National Geographic history. According to editor William Allen, it was “the most photographs the magazine had ever published in one feature in its entire history…and by the way, using the least amount of film.”

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T12:26:00.001-06:00

"Growing up, this was a common sight at Thanksgiving near my boyhood home. Fields like this were a familiar landscape and have remained a fond visual memory. This is a recent photograph I made next to my prairie farm in Rock County, Minnesota. On the other side of the road lies our pride and joy, Touch the Sky Prairie.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all."

Jim Brandenburg

New Wolves & Thoughts from Jim

2011-11-07T16:24:00.000-06:00

I first came to the Boundary Waters 40 yearsago from the treeless prairie. I pickedthis area because of the waterfall near Moose Lake. The local animal loreshared with me that this was a special place that animals were frequently seen. Through amazing circumstances, I was able to obtain the waterfallproperty and build my home, which I call Ravenwood. Thewolf was the prime animal that drew me to the north woods and over the past 30years I have indeed been blessed with many lifetimes worth of photographic memoriesincluding one particular image – Brother Wolf – that changed my life. Through these years, I’ve learned much aboutthe individual body language and coloration of the neighborhood wolf pack’s progeny.When I first came to Ely, the locals called the black wolvesSiberian wolves. I haven’t heard thatterm in a long time.

In the past three years my attentions have beenfocused on projects in Europe and I had not been paying particular attention tothe local packs of wolves. But this fall, upon returning to Ravenwood after a month’sabsence, I noticed an unusual amount of wolf sign near my house. I decided to start following my instinctsagain and focused in on the wolves for a day. I was pleasantly surprised when I came upon these three pups. They are approximately six months old, and representthe three color phases of wolves I have seen through my years:
the lightest, blackand the reddish.

The following photographs represent the last threegenerations of our neighborhood pack.

_________________________________

This year’s three pups


Blond Pup

Blond Pup Catching Flies


Blackie Pup

Rusty Pup

_________________________________

This is the mother of the three pups; we call her "Mama Blackie." I made this image about 4 years ago. I just saw Mama Blackie on November 5, two days after
writing this post, and she is now all silver.

Mama Blackie

_________________________________

Grandpa Blackie has his tail sticking straightup on the right, Grandma Blondie is on the left with her tail elevated and two oftheir pups in the middle (one being Mama Blackie). All the black wolves I’veseen from this pack eventually turn silver gray after four years, if they livethat long.

Grandpa Blackie had verylarge feet, in fact, one of our hunter neighbors thought Grandpa Blackie’stracks were of a mountain lion because they were so big.

My Neighbors

Blackie at Dusk

Wolf Pack Rests

Wolf Pack Howling on Lake

A number of years ago the area pack reached 19wolves. I had photographed every member ofthe pack and had given each one a name for my own identification. Sadly, during hunting season, Grandpa Blackie waskilled. Several other members of his pack also disappeared. Grandpa Blackie’s radio collar had been cutoff and discarded near Ely – with no sign of his body. The disruption to the pack caused a majordisbursement of the other members. I have seen how extremely sensitive a wolffamily can be; but now as you see with this year’s three pups,

they have slowlystarted to make a comeback.

-Jim Brandenburg

Jim is currently creating an extensive book on wolves (which will also be available as an iPad app). This book will feature his latest work and highlight elements from his award winning books White Wolf and Brother Wolf. Check back for updates.

Seasonal Collector's Print #29 ~ Prairie Coneflowers

2011-10-17T13:09:00.000-05:00

We have a winner! Our summer seasonal Collector's Print is Prairie Coneflowers. Prairie Coneflowers received 41% of the vote , followed by Noirmoutier Isle Trees and then Prairie Impressionism. Thank you for helping us choose the next image to add to our collection!

Purple coneflowers and prairie coneflowers dance amongst the grasses with the prairie wind on a warm August day in Minnesota. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said "Earth laughs in flowers." -Jim Brandenburg

The Jim Brandenburg Collectors Series features four seasonal prints a year. Each season, we will feature a new image that has never been printed, and will be available only at the Brandenburg Gallery. The featured image will be a signed and titled, 12"x8" Giclee Fine Art Print on 100% cotton paper at a special price of $75 or framed for $230. Previous seasonal images can be purchased at any time for $125 or framed for $280.

Arctic Wolf Included in Top 10 Milestones in Photography

2011-10-10T11:49:00.002-05:00

National Geographic's Top 10 Milestones in Wildlife Photography includes Jim's image of an arctic wolf testing the water on Ellesmere Island.

In the mid-1980s, Jim spent 3 consecutive summers on Ellesmere Island working with a pack of wild arctic wolves. This extraordinary portfolio of wildlife photographs was first featured in the May, 1987 issue of National Geographic magazine, followed by the publication of Jim's best-seller, White Wolf. Jim also was Producer, Director and Cinematographer of a National Geographic movie, White Wolf, based on the same arctic wolf pack. Today, Jim still considers this project as the highlight of his career.

Love this image? It's available as wallpaper from National Geographic or a signed photographic print from jimbrandenburg.com.

The Sad Passing of a Visionary

2011-10-06T12:20:00.000-05:00

Jim's Macintosh Plus and iPad 2. Photos made with Jim's iPhone 4.

With the recent passing of Steve Jobs, I've been thinking about how he changed the world of photography and the various Apple products I have owned. My first Mac, the Macintosh Plus with 1MB of RAM, was given to me by Apple when it was released in 1986. I still have the ancient model in my office. I had never typed a single word until I received that Mac! My second Mac was a Quadra 950 with 250MB of RAM, all for the low price of $10,000. The salesperson thought I was crazy and would never use 250MB RAM. Today, we're using 4GB of RAM. I've had over 20 Macs since then, including my most recent purchase, the iPad 2 pictured above. And I'm sure there will be many more to come.

Steve Jobs revolutionized technology, and made life a little more fun!

Which image should be the Summer 2011 Collector's Print?

2011-09-29T18:12:00.001-05:00

With summer officially over, it is finally time to select our seasonal print!

Please cast your vote below.

Prairie Impressionism

Purple Coneflowers II

Noirmoutier Isle Trees - France

Which image should be the Summer 2011 Collector's Print?

Jim Brandenburg Speaking Engagement

2011-09-27T13:28:00.000-05:00

The Recycling Association of Minnesota Fall Conference will feature Jim Brandenburg as the guest speaker. Members and the general public are invited to attend, registration is necessary. Jim will be signing books in the exhibit hall after the presentation.

Thursday, October 13, 2011 · 8:00am - 9:00am

Recycling Association of Minnesota Fall Conference

Minneapolis Convention Center

1301 Second Avenue South

Minneapolis, MN

Please register at http://recycleminnesota.org/index.php/programs/ram-events

End of the Summer Sale in the Brandenburg Gallery!

2011-08-31T15:49:00.000-05:00

Now is the time to visit (or call) the Brandenburg Gallery in Ely! We are having an end of the summer sale -- savings up to 70%*!

All In-Stock framed prints ON SALE!
Select Matted Prints
Select Oiva Toikka hand-blown glass birds by Iittala
Imperfect posters, lithos, and cards.

Stop in, say hello to our wonderful staff and take advantage of these great prices.

Sale starts Friday, September 2 and will continue through the end of September.

*Sale prices apply only to items in stock (special orders are excluded) and purchased in store or by phone. All sales are final.

Jim on Assignment in France

2011-07-21T13:24:00.000-05:00

Jim is currently working on a project near Mont Saint Michel, France. He has photographed Mont Saint Michel many times, it is one of his favorite European subjects.

Mont Saint Michel is is a rocky tidal island and a commune in Normandy. It is located approximately one kilometre (just over half a mile) off the country's north coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches. The population of the island is less than 50.

German Interview with Jim on North German Television

2011-07-15T10:13:00.001-05:00

(Unfortunately, the link has been removed by the creator of the link. Sorry for the inconvenience.)

Happy Belated 76th Birthday to the Dalai Lama!

2011-07-07T17:40:00.000-05:00

Laughing

Watching

"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive."

In May, Jim spent several days photographing the Dalai Lama during official visit to Minnesota. The images above were made during Jim's time with His Holiness.

Independence Day ~ United States of America

2011-07-04T10:20:00.000-05:00

And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. -John F. Kennedy

Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!

Retrospective Exhibit & Presentation

2011-07-01T15:32:00.001-05:00

The premiere of Jim's retrospective exhibit and presentation "A Pristine Vision," in Schleswig, Germany was a big success! Jim enjoyed his time in Germany and is looking forward to a return visit. Please CLICK HERE to view photos of the events.

All event photos ©Mr. Henrik Matzen, http://www.photomatzen.de

People & Nature Festival - La Gacilly, France

2011-06-27T15:21:00.003-05:00

Festival Photo Peuples et Nature de la Gacilly

The year 2011 was proclaimed International Year of the Forest by the United Nations General Assembly. The goal: to raise awareness and strengthen initiatives that would contribute to the sustainable management of our forests for the benefit of present and future.

For its eighth year, the Festival of La Gacilly will be full of artists, including Jim Brandenburg, who educate us about the dangers of losing this aspect of our green Earth. Each year 13 million hectares of forests are destroyed. A true global issue. Peoples or civilizations have disappeared, and continue to do so, for failing to maintain their plant environment. The tree is a source of life. It produces oxygen, its roots fix the soil, retain and purify water, its leaves fertilize the soil, and its branches slow the winds. A land without trees would be a land without life.

Open and free to the public, the festival will once again transform the Breton village of La Gacilly into an outdoor art gallery with more than 400 large photographic images. The exhibit is open until September 30, 2011.

Happy Solstice, Happy Summer!

2011-06-21T15:36:00.001-05:00

European Hares - Infrared

Long Winding Road - Infrared

“On the Summer Solstice ...Whatever is dreamed on this night, will come to pass.”
—William Shakespeare, A Midsummernight's Dream

Change of Venue for Brandenburg Presentation!

2011-06-17T11:29:00.000-05:00

There has been a change in venue for Jim's presentation on Saturday, June 18th, in Schleswig, Germany! The presentation will now take place at the historic Cathedral of St. Peter at Schleswig, and will begin at 20:15. Jim toured the beautiful cathedral yesterday and is looking forward to the event on Saturday.

http://www.stadtmuseum-schleswig.de/start/programm-2011/brandenburg-en

Retrospective Premieres This Weekend!

2011-06-14T15:59:00.000-05:00

Jim Brandenburg's first worldwide retrospective exhibit opens on Sunday, June 19th at the Stadtmuseum in Schleswig, Germany. Jim will give a public presentation about the exhibit on Saturday, June 18th. For tickets to see the presentation and/or exhibit, please click here.

Spring in the Northwoods

2011-06-01T15:56:00.000-05:00

Ram's-Head Lady's-Slipper (Cypripedium arietinum)

Ram's-Head Lady's-Slipper II

Ram's-Head Lady's-Slipper III

Ram's-Head Lady's-Slipper IV

Shagawa Lake Farm - Infrared

Trezona Trail Walker - Infrared

Calypso Orchid (Calypso bulbosa)

These images were made in the last few days near Ravenwood, Jim's home and studio, outside of Ely, Minnesota. The beautiful and rare Ram's Head Lady's-Slippers are a threatened species in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Saskatchewan and listed as an endangered species in Nova Scotia.

New Images on jimbrandenburg.com

2011-05-31T15:02:00.000-05:00

We've added some new images to jimbrandenburg.com. Check them out and let us know what you think! We'll be sending out our quarterly email newsletter this week. If you'd like to receive a copy of this newsletter, please click here and add your name to our mailing list.

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T08:29:00.000-05:00

Omaha Beach, France

Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid time and nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Retrospective Exhibit & Sale Extended

2011-05-25T08:26:00.002-05:00

Jim Brandenburg's first retrospective exhibition “Jim Brandenburg: A Pristine Vision” will premiere June 19th at Stadtmuseum in Schleswig, Germany. The exhibit will feature 120 pieces from Brandenburg's extensive career from his days at the Worthington Daily Globe, his National Geographic assignment work, his personal projects and his most recent work in Europe.

This summer, the Brandenburg Gallery in Ely, Minnesota will feature images from the retrospective exhibit. Stop by and see this stunning collection.

Stadtmuseum, Schleswig, Germany
June 19th - October 30, 2011

Municipal Art Gallery Iserlohn, Germany
November 18, 2011 - February12, 2012

Congratulations to Mike S. from North Branch, the winner of last weekend's drawing! Mike will receive a matted cotton 6"x9" cotton print from Jim's Looking for the Summer project.

If you weren't able to make it to our Ely Gallery for the Raven Mad Sale last week, join us for our Making Room for Summer Sale, now through Memorial Day! All framed pieces are on sale, up to 70% off the original prices! We also have discounted books, posters, lithographs, and cards galore. Check our Facebook page for daily specials and giveaways through Memorial Day.

Raven Mad Sale at the Brandenburg Gallery in Ely!!

2011-05-19T16:30:00.000-05:00

The Brandenburg Gallery will be participating in Ely's first City Wide Rummage Sale and Business Crazy Days Friday May 20 and Saturday May 21. We will have bargain prices on select books, posters, framed prints and other unique items.

All framed items ~ discounts up to 50% off
Select greeting cards
Select t-shirts and sweatshirts featuring Jim's images
Less than perfect books and posters for $5 and $10
We'll be giving away prizes!!

Deals so good, you'll think the Brandenburg Gallery has gone raven mad! Yes, we really did just say "raven mad."

**Brandenburg Gallery hours: Friday 10 - 5, Saturday 10 - 5. Business Crazy Days Sale maps will be available at the Ely Chamber of Commerce May 17 thru May 20 from 9 am to 5 pm and on May 21 from 9 am to 1 pm.

Help us choose our Spring Collector's Print!

2011-05-10T15:27:00.001-05:00

Help us choose our next Seasonal Collector's Print from the 3 images below, all were taken in the last few days. Please select your favorite image on the poll found directly under the 3 images. Poll will close on Friday at 6:00pm.

Turtles in a Row

Mallard Drake Waits

Turtles and Goose

Which image should we use for our Spring 2011 Collector's Print?

The Dalai Lama

2011-05-06T17:21:00.001-05:00

Jim has been asked by the University of Minnesota to be the official photographer for this weekend's Minnesota visit by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Jim considers this one of his highest honors and is truly humbled by the invitation. Details of the Dalai Lama's visit is below and live webcasts can be viewed at http://dalailama.com/live-english

The Center for Spirituality & Healing (CSH) and the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota (TAFM) will co-host a special Twin Cities visit by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on May 8, 2011. The theme of His Holiness' visit, the first official trip to the state since 2001, will be "One Heart, One Mind, One Universe." www.dalailama.umn.edu

His Holiness the Dalai Lama will confer the Medicine Buddha Empowerment from 9-11:30am CDT. In the afternoon His Holiness will give a public talk entitled "Peace Through Inner Peace" from 2-3:30pm CDT.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. He frequently states that his life is guided by three major commitments: the promotion of basic human values or secular ethics in the interest of human happiness; the fostering of inter-religious harmony; and the welfare of the Tibetan people, focusing on the survival of their identity, culture and religion.

Nature's Dance

2011-05-05T17:52:00.000-05:00

When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It's to enjoy each step along the way. ~ Wayne Dyer

Jim's Canon 1Ds Mark III for sale!

2011-05-01T18:08:00.000-05:00

This is Jim's last piece of Canon equipment that we are offering on Ebay. If any of our social media fans wins this auction, we will throw in a 12"x18" luster photographic print of an image that was taken with this camera! Place your bid here! Auction ends Monday morning.

Earth Day

2011-04-23T09:52:00.000-05:00

An Earth Day afternoon

Two life stories came into view

Swan life-mates readied the pond for delicate summer young

Then on the far shore

Life sometimes passes before the work is completed

Minnesota Conservation Volunteer App and Slideshow

2011-04-13T15:13:00.000-05:00

Explore Minnesota Conservation Volunteer's Sense of Place issue with the new iPad app featuring beautiful images by Minnesota photographers Jim Brandenburg, Layne Kennedy, Bill Marchel, Gary Alan Nelson, Judy Olausen, and Richard Hamilton Smith.

For 70 years, Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine has provided entertaining and informative articles about Minnesota's woods, waters, and wildlife. Featuring some of Minnesota's best-known outdoor writers and photographers, MCV delivers the best in-depth and in-the-field coverage spanning all of Minnesota's great outdoors—from birding and camping, to hunting and fishing, to hiking and paddling, with a special focus on urgent conservation issues that matter most to Minnesotans.

In addition to all the compelling writing and stunning images found in Minnesota Conservation Volunteer's annual Sense of Place issue, this special iPad version includes:

– A design as meticulous as the magazine's award-winning print edition
– iPad-only photographs, slideshows, and audio
– interactive images that allow users to play bird calls or to view panoramic images
– relevant Web links

Don't have an iPad but still want to view some of the images? View the Twelve Months of Minnesota slideshow here.

Black Spruce Forest

2011-04-12T17:35:00.001-05:00

Black Spruce Forest, Northern Minnesota

50 Greatest Photographs of National Geographic

2011-03-31T13:40:00.000-05:00

Jim Brandenburg's image of the leaping white wolf is included in National Geographic's new iPad app, "50 Greatest Photographs of National Geographic."

National Geographic Magazine has searched its vast archives to find its most memorable photographs. This application brings National Geographic’s 50 Greatest Photographs to life with the rich features and functionality of iPad™. Learn the stories behind our most iconic photographs, watch videos from our photographers, buy prints, share photos with your friends, and even connect to Your Shot to enjoy top user-submitted photography.

Flying Squirrels

2011-03-25T15:51:00.000-05:00

Jim photographed these little creatures last night on the deck of his home, Ravenwood. "I was surprised how tame they were. This is the first time I tried to interact with them. Note their large eyes, they are completely nocturnal."

The Northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) is one of two species of the genus Glaucomys, the only flying squirrels found in North America. The Northern flying squirrel is found in coniferous and mixed forests across the top of North America. For more information about this terrific little creature, check out www.flyingsquirrels.com.

Aurora Borealis

2011-03-14T15:06:00.003-05:00

"We've had a real shortage of aurora borealis in the last few years. This is not a great shot but it's more than we've had for some time. This building is a space where I spend a lot of my private time. Many of my important writing projects have been born and completed here. I carved the wolf weather vane more than 30 years ago and like to think that rather than measuring the direction of the wind, it gives me the direction of which way to head out on my next photo quest." ~ Jim

Newsletter & Canon Equipment For Sale

2011-02-19T11:53:00.001-06:00

Fox, Denali National Park, Alaska

Kawishiwi Falls, Ely, Minnesota

Crow Hassan Park Reserve, Minnesota

Cherry Tree at Dusk, France

We have sold most of Jim's Canon equipment but do have a few pieces left including his Canon 1Ds Mark III, 21.1 Megapixel digital body. We have the remaining equipment listed on Ebay. The photos above were all made with the Canon 1Ds offered on Ebay. Whomever becomes the new owner will receive a 18"x12" signed photographic print ($250 value) of one of the images above.

We recently sent out Volume IX ~ Issue 1 of the Jim Brandenburg Quarterly Newsletter featuring the latest news and information about Jim and the Brandenburg Gallery. Please click on the image above to read the issue.

Seasonal Collector's Print #27 ~ Open Water at -20˙

2011-02-11T11:07:00.001-06:00

We're having an old-fashioned winter this year in the north woods with -40˙ below temperatures and over 60" of snow. I have not seen a more beautiful winter in many years. This image was made in the Superior National Forest in Minnesota, near Sand Lake. A warm spring is preventing the creek from freezing.

Jim and Nikon!

2011-02-09T13:44:00.001-06:00

Jim receives his new Nikon D3S outfit from Grays of Westminster founder Gray Levett

Following his sold-out evening talk in December at the Grays of Westminster and Nikon Owner magazine Christmas dinner at the Institute of Directors (IoD) on Pall Mall, London, Jim, visited Grays of Westminster to collect his new Nikon D3S, 20mm f/2.8D AF and AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G VR ED lenses. It's official, Jim is back to being a "Nikon guy."

Jim is pictured here to the right of Gray Levett, founder of Grays of Westminster, which he described as “the greatest camera store in the world.” To read more about Jim's talk, please visit Nikon Owner magazine's blog. Photos of the event are below.

Uri Zakay, Gillian Greenwood, Neil Lucas, Jim Brandenburg, Gray Levett, Andrew Main Wilson

Neil speaking while Jim photographs the audience with his iPhone

Jim meets Britain's Most Decorated Press Photographer Mike Maloney
Andrew Main Wilson, COO of IoD seated center

Uri Zakay, Jim, Gray Levett, Neil Lucas, Andrew Main Wilson, Jesse Reuben Wilson
In front of the Institute of Directors (IoD), on Pall Mall, London

2011 Jim Brandenburg Cards

2011-02-02T14:06:00.000-06:00

We have ten beautiful new cards to add to our extensive line of Jim Brandenburg cards published by Artists to Watch! Cards are sized at 5"x7", printed on a textured recycled paper with soy based inks and the front quote is letterpress printed with a soft brown foil. Horizontal cards have a deckled edge.

If you would like to purchase any of these cards, please call the Brandenburg Gallery at 877-493-8017 or visit your favorite card store.

Vote for your favorite image...

2011-01-26T13:12:00.003-06:00

Avocets, Holland

Sand River, Lake County

Sleigh, Russia

We are having a hard time choosing our Winter Seasonal Collector's Print and are asking for your help. Looking at the three images above, which image would you like to see as our 2011 Winter Seasonal Collector's Print? All images were taken within the last two months. Please vote below. We will announce the winning print on Monday morning! Thanks for your help!

The Reif Center

2011-01-24T13:22:00.001-06:00

We had a terrific time with Michael Monroe at The Reif Center in Grand Rapids, Minnesota on Saturday. The combination of Michael's beautiful music and Jim's images was terrific! After the show, Jim met new friends and signed books.

Jim's next speaking engagement is the Avon Hills Conference at St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota on February 12, 2011.

Winter Wonderland

2011-01-20T16:59:00.000-06:00

Moose Pair

Judd Creek, Ravenwood

Tipi Shadows at Ravenwood

Ravenwood Tipi

Ely, Minnesota is a winter wonderland right now. Enjoy these recent images of a moose couple and the beautiful light and shadows at Ravenwood.

Jim Performing Saturday

2011-01-17T11:35:00.000-06:00

Jim Brandenburg and Michael Monroe will be performing together on Saturday, January 22nd at The Reif Center in Grand Rapids, Mn. This unique performance by world-renowned photographer, Jim Brandenburg and performing artist, Michael Monroe, is a rare experience for eye and ear. Brandenburg and Monroe share their understanding of Minnesota’s north woods and wilderness as our "backyard." Together they explore the subtle, quiet places that spark the imagination and touch the heart. Brandenburg’s breathtaking images and the rich tones of Monroe’s vocals, guitars and bamboo flutes create a poetic blend. Find yourself moved by the music, enthralled by the stories behind some of the most famous nature photographs of all time, and mesmerized by the creative collaboration of two of our region’s most inspired artists.

Monroe created the beautiful instrumental soundtrack for the award winning documentary "Chased by the Light, A Photographic Journey with Jim Brandenburg." The two have been friends for decades and enjoy the opportunity to reconnect professionally once again.

We hope you join us for this rare opportunity! Their sold out 2003 Guthrie Theater show received a standing ovation.

Get tickets HERE. There will be an artist signing following the show.

Message from Jim

2011-01-16T09:12:00.000-06:00

I'm not usually one to get into equipment talk when speaking about my photographs. I feel there is typically too much emphasis upon the tools rather than the process. As amazing as the new technology is today, I recently tried something old that might be of value to share. This past week there were two different occasions when I went out with a camera with no particular idea of subject to shoot. I was doing something else but thought I might happen upon a photograph. Out of habit I just feel better with a camera near me, especially with the great snow forms hanging on the trees this winter.

I didn't care to be burdened with long telephoto lenses and the usual extra lenses I use when seriously looking for images. So I took one camera body and an old lens that I've had around for 30 years - a 500 mm f8 mirror or catadioptric lens - the one I’m holding in the accompanying photograph. In the past, I never did use this lens much because of its limitations with the slow ISO speed Kodachrome 64 that was usually my film of choice. If I were in a serious shooting mood, I would usually bring a normal 500 or 600 mm lens with me. The lens on the tripod next to me is a 600 mm for size comparison; a normal 500 mm is only slightly smaller. The mirror lens fits in my coat pocket. The normal long lenses are a major commitment in extra size and weight and will often be left behind. A large tripod adds to the mix.

With the new camera's ability to shoot with a very high ISO this slow lens now has a new potential. I am able to shoot with higher shutter speeds that were impossible with the slow speed films. The moose photographs were shot at 1250 ISO. The mirror lens has some limitations but I can live with them under the circumstances. It has a fixed non-adjustable aperture - f8 and no auto focus or stabilization feature; it also turns small highlights into donut shapes. The lens uses mirrors to bounce the light back and forth to save space. Celestial telescopes use the same principle.

I happened upon this moose pair bedded down; as soon as they saw me they ran into the forest. After tracking them some distance from the road, I tried an old technique of grunting like a lovesick bull to lure them back my way. The waist deep snow was exhausting for me, as I didn't have snowshoes. My jeans were getting wet and rather uncomfortable as the snow melted and ran down into my boots. I felt a bit of a nervous thrill when they came my way to inspect the compelling (but out of season) sound. The deep snow was not a problem for them with their long legs. If they had decided to take me on, there was nothing I could do. The thrill one gets of being vulnerable to nature is a subject for another time but I will say moose are the most dangerous animal in the north woods.

As they contemplated my odd shape I shot away. The wind was in my favor. The resulting images I show here never would have been possible if I would not have stuck the old lens in my pocket. I used to see moose almost weekly here in their prime habitat on the edge of the BWCAW. Today it is rare to encounter them, only once or twice year. Scientists are now talking about the warmer summers as the cause of moose numbers to plummet. They have a very low tolerance for heat, plus their ever-present ticks have an added advantage in a warmer environment. The last decent moose photograph I made in Minnesota was years ago.

A few days previous to the moose encounter, I went to the Minnesota Zoo with my grandchildren for a fun day of animal watching. Again I wasn’t very serious about shooting anything in particular, but I stuck the 500 mm mirror lens in my pocket anyway. When I saw the woodland caribou bulls testing each other I put the lens on the camera and shot away casually. I was a bit surprised at the result when looking through my frames when I returned home. The antlers became a maze as to which belong to which animal - kind of a visual puzzle. Again, an image resulted that would never have happened if I would not have brought the old out-of-production lens along.

The high ISO digital cameras have brought new life back to a lens that has sat on my shelf for many years. It will never be far from me now.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T18:48:00.000-06:00

Here's to the bright New Year, and a fond farewell to the old; here's to the things that are yet to come, and to the memories that we hold. ~Author unknown

Season of Giving

2010-12-28T15:20:00.001-06:00

In this season of giving, we wanted to share a couple of stories of people helping animals and giving back to the earth.

Above is a video of a trumpeter swan rescue in central Minnesota. A broken wing stranded the juvenile swan in the freezing lake. One of the rescuers is our friend Charles Miller, PhD, webmaster extraordinaire and creator of jimbrandenburg.com. Click on the image above to view video of the rescue.

One of the divers on the rescue team works on the crab pot lines that held the female humpback whale

near the Farallon Islands. Marine Mammal Center photo via Associated Press

Credit: Marine Mammal Center

This next story first appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle a few years ago, a female humpback whale had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso and a line tugging in her mouth.

A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farallon Islands (outside the Golden Gate) and radioed an environmental group for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her. They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her.

When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, and nudged them, pushed them gently around as she was thanking them.

Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives. The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth said her eyes were following him the whole time, and he will never be the same.

May you, and all those you love, be so blessed and fortunate to be surrounded by people who will help you get untangled from the things that are binding you. And, may you always know the joy of giving and receiving gratitude.

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-22T16:04:00.000-06:00

Day89 Years Shortest Day ~ From Chased by the Light

Wishing you much happiness during this holiday season

with good health and prosperity in the new year!

Jim Brandenburg and the Brandenburg Gallery

New Images on Website

2010-12-10T13:59:00.002-06:00

This week we added thirty-two images to the Latest Work gallery on jimbrandenburg.com. Stop by and let us know what you think!

Holiday sale at the Brandenburg Gallery in Ely! We are offering a 20% discount* on our in-stock loose, matted and framed fine art prints now through the end of 2010. Stop in the Brandenburg Gallery in Ely or call us at 877-493-8017 to order.

*Discount valid on framed, loose or matted in-stock fine art prints only, no special orders are included. Please call for availability, discount not valid on web orders. Not valid on previously purchased items, layaway items, discounted items, sales tax or shipping. Discount valid at Brandenburg Gallery - Ely.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T08:25:00.001-06:00

Wild Turkeys ~ Minnesota

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy Thanksgiving from Jim Brandenburg and family and the Brandenburg Gallery!

Happy Birthday!

2010-11-23T07:34:00.000-06:00

Happy birthday to Jim and Judy Brandenburg!

First Snowfall in Minnesota

2010-11-15T15:41:00.000-06:00

Snowy Geese

Willows in Snowfall

Ducks and Geese Flying in Snow

White-tailed Deer

Winter has finally arrived in Minnesota!

Happy Veterans Day

2010-11-11T15:56:00.000-06:00

From the book "Minnesota - Images of Home"

"All things great are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope." -Winston Churchill

Jim Brandenburg Holiday Cards

2010-10-30T09:05:00.002-05:00

Divine Harmony ~ $12.95

Sequoia National Forest ~ $9.95

Jasper Lake Aurora Borealis ~ $9.95

Skyline Deer ~ $12.95

The Circle ~ $13.95

These boxed holiday cards, along with other Jim Brandenburg cards, are available by calling the Brandenburg Gallery at 877-493-8017.

Seasonal Collector's Print #26 ~ Blue Jay Battle

2010-10-21T22:23:00.002-05:00

"Through the years I've noticed that Blue Jays often have a mixed reputation among the casual birders that have been watching the comings and goings at their backyard feeders. The dominant and aggressive ways of this showy member of our colorful year-round resident are not easily missed. We like to attach human qualities to animals - behaviorists call it Anthropomorphism. I believe nature has its own mysterious ways of working things out." - Jim Brandenburg

The Beauty of Water Around the World

2010-10-15T20:54:00.000-05:00

Water flows from high in the mountains
Water runs deep in the Earth
Miraculously, water comes to us,
And sustains all life.
Thich Nhat Hanh

Finland Presentation Canceled

2010-10-13T15:23:00.001-05:00

We are sad to announce that Jim's presentation at the Finlandia Nature Photo Festival in Helsinki, Finland has been canceled due to a knee injury. Jim is deeply disappointed by the cancellation, he was looking forward to this trip. He has hopes to visit next year. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

For a detailed speaking schedule, please see the list of events and exhibits on the right side of this blog.

Jim Brandenburg 2011 Wall Calendar

2010-10-04T15:17:00.000-05:00

Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center has published a 2011 Jim Brandenburg wall calendar featuring twelve beautiful north woods images. Calendars are 11-3/4" x 13" and sell for $18.95 plus shipping and are available by hitting the Buy Now button below or by visiting our website.

Autumnal Equinox

2010-09-22T14:50:00.000-05:00

Autumn Mist

Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each. . ~ Henry David Thoreau

Goodbye Summer, welcome Autumn. The leaves are changing at Ravenwood and we are preparing for the arrival of the Ravenwood Workshop I attendees from the Netherlands. Here is a little peek at one of their activities.

Jim Brandenburg Speaking Engagements & Exhibits

2010-09-16T11:00:00.002-05:00

September 24 - Oct 10: Workshops with Jim Brandenburg, Neil Lucas and Danny Ellinger at Ravenwood in Ely, Minnesota.

October 14: Belgium, Jim Brandenburg Wolf Exhibit

October 15 - 17: Finlandia Nature Photo Festival, Helsinki, Finland www.luontokuva.org, Presentation by Jim

October 22 - 23: WildPhotos, London, www.wildphotos.org.uk

November 5 - 8: Nordic region's largest nature photography festival in Vårgårda, Sweden, Presentation by Jim

November 28 - 29: Holland, ZoomExperience, Presentation by Jim

December 10: Grays of Westminster and Nikon, London, Presentation by Jim

December 15 - 18: Moscow, judging photo contest

January 22, 2011 - Reif Center Jim Brandenburg presentation with performing artist Michael Monroe, Grand Rapids, Mn.

January 25 - March 13, 2011: Photography of Jim Brandenburg at St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

August 6 - December 31, 2011: Touch the Sky Exhibit at Northern Illinois University

Netherlands

2010-09-02T12:53:00.001-05:00

Red Deer Stag

Red Deer Herd

Hare

Falconer

Hawk

Polish Konik, Oostvaardersplassen, Netherlands

Canal House, Amsterdam

Dancing Dog

Van Gogh Museum

Van Gogh Museum (via iPhone)

Norway and Holland

2010-08-31T17:12:00.000-05:00


Jim photographing the fjords in Norway (photo by Danny Ellinger)

"An intimate evening in the wilderness of Holland"

Fun photos from Jim in Norway and Holland.

Tettegouche Arch (Revised)

2010-08-26T14:58:00.001-05:00

Day 19 ~ Looking for the Summer ~ July 9, 2003

A Lake Superior icon, and one of the subjects from Jim's Looking for the Summer project, has fallen. The sea arch at Tettegouche State Park collapsed last week leaving behind a stone pillar.


August 28, 2010 ~ photo by Jim's grandson, Lindsey Brandenburg (age 12)

Park officials are currently looking for past photos of Tettegouche’s sea arch to create a photo chronology of the changes the arch has undergone in through history. For more information on the sea arch or the photo chronology, please visit Tettegouche State Park.

Fjords of Norway

2010-08-25T14:42:00.001-05:00

Heather

Eagle

Fjord Storm

Gannet

Hardinger Fjord at Night

Fjord Lake

Knots

Greiranger Fjord

Fjord Coast

New Work Added to Website

2010-08-19T15:03:00.001-05:00

We've added new images to our website in the Latest Work gallery. Some of the work is very recent while others are newly scanned transparencies. Enjoy!

Seasonal Collector's Print #25 ~ My Loon Family

2010-08-09T10:56:00.000-05:00

"With hope and some anxiety, I imagine our loons encountering the oil spill in the Gulf this fall when they migrate to their wintering grounds. Immature loons will stay there a couple years before coming back to Minnesota. But loons are resilient and tough birds. In fact, of all the birds, they are our oldest, having looked similar to these 70 million years ago when they swam amongst the last dinosaurs. It is conceivable that these same loons have been nesting in my back yard as long as I have been here in the north woods - 30 years. In that time, we have had a surprisingly low rate of success of loon babies reaching maturity because of gulls and ravens preying on the eggs. Unfortunately, the loons start nesting around fishing opener in this part of the north woods. The fishermen are usually unaware of the nest as they focus on their fishing. I’ve seen loons get scared off their nest for several hours. Gulls and ravens watch for this, and prey upon the eggs while the loon is gone.

I've become emotionally attached to these creatures, and every time I walk back to my lake I hold my breath in hopes that they have survived since I last saw them. Most years the nesting is in vain. Unfortunately, one of the baby loons in this photograph has now disappeared, possibly from a bald eagle. A few years ago I watched a bald eagle take a young loon, much to the despair of the adults. We hope to see these amazing creatures back in the years to come. With their incredible ability to survive 70 million years, let’s hope they are able to outlive modern man’s clumsy foibles.”

Digital Bridge to Nature Program

2010-07-29T12:31:00.000-05:00

Jim recently participated in the launch of the Digital Photography Bridge to Nature program in Luverne, Minnesota. Jim, along with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources nongame program wildlife supervisor Carrol Henderson, led a group of more than 60 third- through ninth-grade teachers from across Minnesota through Touch the Sky Prairie for the first of what is hoped to be 80 state-wide workshops in the next two years. The goal of the program is to get students interested in nature through the use of photography and to curb the so-called Nature Deficit Disorder so many of today's youths have.

While walking through Touch the Sky Prairie, three more Prairie Fringed Orchids were discovered for a total of ten plants on the prairie. For more information about the Prairie Fringed Orchids on Touch the Sky Prairie, please visit the Brandenburg Prairie Foundation blog.

Workshop with Jim Brandenburg!

2010-07-25T17:15:00.001-05:00

Ravenwood with the Pros

October 2 – October 10, 2010

Ely, Minnesota

Limited to 15 participants

Spend a week observing and creating photographic images in Minnesota’s Superior National Forest with 3 masters of photography; Jim Brandenburg, Neil Lucas and Danny Ellinger.

Jim will focus on the creative aspect of photography, sharing his vision with us. Neil’s focus will be on logistics, time-lapse and the endless possibilities with the latest cameras. Danny will focus on workflow, image processing and Photoshop. This will be a very intensive workshop; basic knowledge of photography and the outdoors is required. The goal is to help you become a better photographer in many areas of photography including workflow and presentation of your work. The day and evening programs will be held in the field and/or at Ravenwood, Jim’s home and studio.

Ravenwood is located in Minnesota’s Superior National Forest, on the edge of a 1.5 million acre wilderness area, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. October is a beautiful time of the year in the Superior National Forest as the leaves are displaying their autumn colors and the light is perfect for photography. The Superior National Forest is home to an abundance of wolves, black bear, moose, white-tailed deer, pine marten, loons, songbirds, woodpeckers, grosbeaks, etc. In the evening, we may be lucky enough to howl with the wolves or photograph the aurora borealis (northern lights).

Jim Brandenburg

Jim Brandenburg traveled the globe as a photographer with National Geographic Magazine for several decades. His extensive body of work has been published throughout the world and his photographs have won a multitude of national and international awards. He was the recipient of the ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ award by the Natural History Museum-London and BBC Wildlife Magazine, and twice was named ‘Magazine Photographer of the Year’ by the National Press Photographer's Association (NPPA) for his National Geographic work. Brandenburg was the recipient of the ‘World Achievement Award’ from the United Nations in recognition of his using nature photography to raise public awareness for the environment.

Neil Lucas

Neil Lucas worked for the BBC Natural History Unit as a producer for over 20 years. During that time he worked on many internationally acclaimed and award winning productions, including Sir David Attenborough’s ‘The Trails of Life’, ‘The Private Life of Plants’, The Life of Mammals’ and ‘Planet Earth’. Neil’s most recent work is included in the latest outstanding BBC landmark series ‘Life’ where he produced two of the most technically challenging programs within the whole series. Many of Neil’s programs have been nominated for BAFTA’s and EMMYs over the past years. He is now a freelance film director and photographer specializing in more challenging and technical shoots, using the same filming and photographic techniques he has mastered throughout his career.

Danny Ellinger

Danny Ellinger is CEO/owner of FotoNatura, the largest nature photo agency in the Netherlands. He is a passionate bird photographer and expert in Photoshop, image processing, and workflow, prepress and printing. In addition, he has produced several documentaries about nature and has great graphical and technical knowledge. Danny has led many workshops with Nikon Europe and Apple

Workshop Itinerary

DAY 1, October 2 - Arrival in Duluth

Participants will arrive in Duluth, Minnesota. Double rooms reserved at Holiday Inn, Duluth

DAY 2, October 3 - Travel to Ely

Visit Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory and travel up the north shore of Lake Superior to Ely, Minnesota. Check in at Grand Ely Lodge, Ely, Minnesota. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

DAY 3, October 4 - Ravenwood Lakes and Kawishiwi Falls

Day Program:

Photograph and discover the natural areas around Ely and Ravenwood. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Evening program:

Basic image processing with Photoshop.

DAY 4, October 5 - Canoeing

Day Program:

Canoe and photograph in the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area, including Hegman Lake pictographs. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Evening program:

Neil will share his experiences working with Sir David Attenborough and BBC and creating time-lapse photography.

DAY 5, October 6 - Day Trip to North Shore of Lake Superior

Early morning journey from Ely to the north shore of Lake Superior. We will return to Ely in the late evening. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

DAY 6, October 7 - Aerial Photography over Superior National Forest

Day Program:

Starting at Moose Lake, the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, we will fly over Superior National Forest in small groups for aerial photography. If weather and time allows, we will charter boats and travel to Quetico Provincial Park in Canada. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Evening program:

The evening program will focus on presenting your work. Danny will explain the best way to create a presentation with Keynote and PowerPoint. Neil will explain how to create a short film.

DAY 7, October 8 - Boundary Waters, Prairie Portage and Quetico Provincial Park

We will charter boats and spend the day photographing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Prairie Portage and Quetico Provincial Park in Canada.

DAY 8, October 9 - Ravenwood Lakes and Kawishiwi Falls

Our last day at Ravenwood is open to suggestions. We may give an assignment that includes a final presentation. In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner at Ravenwood.

DAY 9, October 10 - Ely and Depart

We will visit the International Wolf Center and Brandenburg Gallery. After lunch, participants will travel to Duluth International Airport for connecting flights.

**THIS SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE, as deemed necessary, by Jim Brandenburg, Danny Ellinger or their staff.

What is included

Seven nights stay at Grand Ely Lodge, Ely, Minnesota 10/3/10 – 10/9/10

One night stay at Holiday Inn, Duluth, Minnesota 10/2/10

Breakfast, lunch and dinner 10/3/2010 – 10/9/2010, breakfast and lunch 10/10/10

Daily local transportation to and from hotel and workshop activities

Transportation to Ely from Holiday Inn, Duluth, Minnesota, the morning of 10/3/2010 at 8:00am

Transportation to Duluth International Airport from Ely on 10/10/2010 at 1:00pm

VanAir airfare for aerial photography

Boat and canoe rental

What is not included

Airfare to Duluth

Alcoholic beverages

Phone calls

Gratuities

Meals not mentioned in itinerary

Personal incidentals

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance (highly recommended)

The workshop is for users of all camera makes and models, must bring own equipment.

Participants will receive a suggested packing list prior to workshop.

Pricing

$5600.00 per person.

$1200.00 per person deposit is required at the time of booking. Deposit is non-refundable, unless the space is resold.

Final payment is due on August 15, 2010. The workshop will be non-refundable at that time, unless the space is resold.

**Checks and credit cards accepted for payment. Credit card payments can be made via Paypal or through the Brandenburg Gallery, a 3% service charge will be added to all credit card payments. Payment instructions will be provided when you place your reservation.

To reserve your space in the workshop or if you have any questions, please contact Heidi Brandenburg at heidi@jimbrandenburg.com or 218-365-5105.

Touch the Sky Prairie & Blue Mounds State Park

2010-07-21T12:30:00.001-05:00

Touch the Sky Prairie National Wildlife Refuge

Lightning at Touch the Sky Prairie National Wildlife Refuge

Touch the Sky Prairie National Wildlife Refuge

"Three Sisters" Blue Mounds State Park, Minnesota

Jim and family spent the last week photographing the beautiful prairie at Touch the Sky Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge and Blue Mounds State Park in southwestern Minnesota. If you would like to visit or hear more about Touch the Sky Prairie and the Brandenburg Prairie Foundation that helped to create Touch the Sky Prairie, please visit http://brandenburgprairiefoundation.blogspot.com/.

Jim Brandenburg & Michael Monroe at the Reif Center

2010-07-15T22:43:00.000-05:00

This unique performance by world-renowned photographer, Jim Brandenburg and performing artist, Michael Monroe, is a rare experience for eye and ear. Brandenburg and Monroe share their understanding of Minnesota’s north woods and wilderness as our "backyard." Together they explore the subtle, quiet places that spark the imagination and touch the heart. Brandenburg’s breathtaking images and the rich tones of Monroe’s vocals, guitars and bamboo flutes create a poetic blend. Find yourself moved by the music, enthralled by the stories behind some of the most famous nature photographs of all time, and mesmerized by the creative collaboration of two of our region’s most inspired artists.

Brandenburg and Monroe are scheduled to perform at the Reif Center in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 7:30. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Reif Center.

Children's Hospital & Clinics of Minnesota

2010-07-02T16:27:00.002-05:00

We are honored to be participating in Children's Hopsital & Clinics of Minnesota Arts & Healing Urban Renewal Project. Children’s is in the middle of the most ambitious redevelopment in its history, investing more than $300 million to renovate and expand facilities to improve patient care. With this redevelopment comes an opportunity to use architecture, landscaping, science, and art in a way that will transform the health care experience for patients and families. At the same time, this arts and healing initiative will enhance the neighborhoods that Children’s is a part of, creating healing spaces that will be assets to the community.

Jim's work will provide positive distractions, educational fun, and relief from pain by bringing beauty and delight to patients and families at a critical time in their lives. His work will be featured on the second floor in surgical waiting exam rooms and pre-op and post-op recovery rooms in the Pediatric Surgery Center. Another group will be on the third floor in private patient rooms, acting as a window to the world for families who can spend weeks with infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that are
premature and/or need surgery.

For more information on the Arts & Healing Renewal Project, please visit www.childrensmn.org.

Loon Family II

2010-06-29T08:45:00.000-05:00

Loon Family

2010-06-25T17:38:00.000-05:00

Loon family, June 25, 2010 ~ Ravenwood

The First Week of Summer at Ravenwood

2010-06-24T09:44:00.006-05:00

The first hour of the first day of summer (above).

Jim's first few days of summer have been very exciting.
Yesterday, he discovered these newly hatched Common Loon chicks at Ravenwood (below).

"In June, as many as a dozen species may burst their buds on a single day. No man can heed all of these anniversaries; no man can ignore all of them." -- Aldo Leopold

Summer Solstice!

2010-06-21T18:37:00.000-05:00

"Whatever is dreamed on this night, will come to pass." ~ William Shakespeare, on the summer solstice

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-19T19:14:00.001-05:00

Male American Redstart tending to his nest

Male Cardinal feeding his chicks

Chestnut-Sided Warbler protecting it's nest

To support mother and father, to cherish wife and children, and to have a simple livelihood; this is the greatest blessing. ~Buddha

New Images on our Website

2010-06-04T14:57:00.001-05:00

We have loaded new photos onto our website. Some images are newly scanned transparencies from National Geographic assignments many years ago while others were recently made. Enjoy!

Seasonal Collector's Print #24 ~ Summer in Scotland

2010-06-02T11:03:00.000-05:00

"A recently discovered frame from a long ago National Geographic assignment in the Scottish Highlands brings one back to those youthful and care-free days of summer and timeless daydreams." ~ Jim Brandenburg

The Jim Brandenburg Collectors Series features four seasonal prints a year. Each season, we will feature a new image that has never been printed, and will be available only at the Brandenburg Gallery. The featured image will be a signed and titled, 12"x8" Giclee Fine Art Print on 100% cotton paper at a special price of $75 or framed for $230. Previous seasonal images can be purchased at any time for $125 or framed for $280. To view other prints in the Collector's Series, please visit our website and click on Seasonal Collector's Series.

Our spring email newsletter was sent out yesterday, please click to read. If you would like to join our email newsletter list, please visit Brandenburg Gallery Newsletter Archives.

Minnesota Prairie

2010-05-25T10:48:00.003-05:00

Three Sisters Hackberry Tree ~ Blue Mounds State Park, Minnesota

Pelicans ~ Split Rock State Park, Minnesota

Canada Goose Family ~ Medina, Minnesota

Phalarope ~ Minnesota

Robin Nest ~ Blue Mounds State Park, Minnesota

Toads Mating ~ Minnesota

Touch the Sky Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge ~ Minnesota

Infrared

Jim spent the last several weeks on the Minnesota prairie. We will be adding these images, and many more, to our website in the next few weeks.

US Embassy at The Vatican to Receive Brandenburg Images

2010-05-11T15:46:00.002-05:00

Prairie Smoke, Blue Mounds State Park, Luverne, Minnesota

Day 10, Wilderness Loons, from the book Chased by the Light
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota

Above: Professional shippers Atelier 4, New York, packing and transporting the pieces

Two framed pieces of Jim's are their way to the U.S. Embassy at The Vatican as part of the ART in Embassies Program with the U.S. Department of State. Dr. Miguel Humberto Diaz, U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See and previously a professor of theology at the College of St. Benedict and Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota, requested two pieces for public areas at his diplomatic residence. The artwork will be on loan throughout Ambassador Diaz's term. We are honored to be part of the ART in Embassies Program.

Established by the United States Department of State in 1964, the ART In Embassies Program is a global museum that exhibits original works of art by U.S. citizens in the public rooms of approximately 180 American diplomatic residences worldwide. These exhibitions, with art loaned from galleries, museums, individual artists, and corporate and private collections, play an important role in our nation's public diplomacy. They provide international audiences with a sense of the quality, scope, and diversity of American art and culture through the accomplishments of some of our most important citizens, our artists.

Jim Brandenburg has 4 images included in Top Forty Nature Photographs in the History of Photography!

2010-04-22T16:41:00.001-05:00

The exercise of selecting the Top Forty Nature Photographs of all time is both an honor and a tremendous challenge. It may not be possible for anyone to create a definitive selection of the forty “best” or “most important” nature photographs, if only due to the vast variety of criteria that must be considered.   But the international League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP) decided to try anyway and made their announcement this week to help celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day.

The international League of Conservation Photographers is a fellowship of the top professional photographers from around the world working today. More than 100 photographers and editors associated with the iLCP nominated images that they considered to be “the best” in what they felt represented aesthetics, uniqueness, historical and scientific significance, and conservation efforts. The photographers were not permitted to self-nominate.

The prestigious Top Forty nominations represent the work of 25 photographers including the legendary Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, and Eliot Porter. Four of Brandenburg’s images were included in the final selection, more than any other photographer. “To have 4 of my photographs chosen by my peers as part of the top 40 nature photographs of all time is indeed the highlight of my career. I am honored beyond words,” said Brandenburg.

The four Brandenburg images selected were: Oryx on Namib Desert, Namibia, southwest Africa; Gray Wolf near BWCAW, Ely, Minnesota; Leaping Arctic wolf, Ellesmere Island, Canada; and Bison on Frozen Landscape, Blue Mounds State Park, Luverne, Minnesota. Within this past year, the Arctic wolf image was named one of 100 most important photos in Canadian history in the book “100 Photos that Changed Canada.”

The oldest nature photograph included in the Top 40 is of three frightened deer in the north woods of Michigan near Lake Superior by George Shiras, published in 1921 in National Geographic Magazine.

Jim Brandenburg’s long career of conservation efforts was honored in 1991 by the United Nations. He received the World Achievement Global 500 Forum award in recognition of his using nature photography to raise public awareness for the environment.   Jim and his wife Judy are the founders of the Brandenburg Prairie Foundation (BPF), whose mission is to preserve native prairies in southwest Minnesota. The BPF has helped to preserve approximately 1000 acres to date with Touch the Sky Prairie, a division of USFWS Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuges. Touch the Sky Prairie is near Brandenburg’s hometown of Luverne, MN.

These Top Forty iconic nature photographs are a part of Christie's Green Auction in support of Conservation International, Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Central Park Conservancy.

Christie’s Green Auction: A Bid to Save the Earth will be held on April 22nd at Christie’s in New York and will be carried live beginning at 7:30 pm EST on www.christies.com. A companion silent auction is being hosted at www.abidtosavetheearth.org. April 8th through May 6th. Jim has generously donated a signed print of each image.

The complete collection of the Top Forty Nature Photographs may be viewed here.

Brandenburg part of production team for BBC LIFE 'Plants' program airing Sunday, April 18 on Discovery Channel

2010-04-09T14:47:00.003-05:00

Jim Brandenburg was honored to be a part of the production team for the upcoming 'Plants' (Program 9) of the new BBC LIFE documentary series airing on The Discovery Channel, April 18th, 8PM e/p. Brandenburg and BBC Producer Neil Lucas spent months filming Minnesota's north woods at Ravenwood, Jim Brandenburg's home near Ely, and the prairies of Southwest Minnesota. The Brandenburg Gallery, 11 E. Sheridan St., Ely, will preview ‘LIFE, Program 9: Plants,' on Sunday, April 18, 2010, from 11 – 3PM.

Our planet may be home to more than 30 million different animals and plants. And every single one is locked in its own life-long fight for survival. LIFE uncovers some extraordinary strategies they've developed to stay alive and to breed. Plants have successfully managed to conquer every habitat on the planet by using ingenious and cunning strategies. Through the use of cutting edge digital HD time-lapse photography, Plants reveals how plants battle for life and face the challenges of their habitats. One sequence in the program is the "most complex ever done for a natural history show in the history of television" said the British science journalist Sir David Attenborough, who also wrote the LIFE series.

From the makers of PLANET EARTH and narrated by global media leader and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey, the epic television series LIFE is the definitive exploration of our planet's living things and their spectacular, bizarre and fascinating behaviors. A BBC and Discovery Channel co-production, the 11-part natural history series airs on Discovery Channel on Sundays from March 21 through April 18, 2010, with two episodes starting at 8PM e/p each night, and The Making of LIFE at 10PM e/p on April 18. The entire series will be seen by over 1 billion viewers worldwide, according to BBC Producer Neil Lucas.

LIFE is epic in scope, yet intimate in its storytelling. More than four years in the making, with over 3,000 days of filming in the field, LIFE spans every continent and every habitat. Each episode focuses on a different animal or plant group, engrossing viewers with never-before-seen behaviors using the latest in state-of-the-art high-definition filming techniques.

“Plants” producer Neil Lucas and executive producer Mike Gunton offer a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this episode.

More Photos of Brandenburg Wolf Exhibit, Vendee Nature Festival - France

2010-03-23T09:20:00.002-05:00

Entrance to the "den" exhibit

Jim at the exhibit

Festival presentation

Jim giving television interview regarding exhibit

Today is World Water Day!

2010-03-22T12:28:00.004-05:00

In honor of World Water Day, National Geographic magazine is offering a free download of their latest special issue, "Water: Our Thirsty World" through April 2, 2010. This single-topic interactive issue highlights the challenges facing our most essential natural resource and features the complete content from the print edition including Jim Brandenburg's image, Summer Rain (below), from the book Looking for the Summer.

Large Brandenburg Wolf Exhibit in France, March 20 - 28

2010-03-15T17:34:00.006-05:00

Fifty photographs of timber and white wolves presented in an enormous specially constructed cave transporting the public to northern Minnesota and the Canadian Arctic. Vendee Nature Festival, France, March 20 - 28, 2010.

The photos below are of the exhibit setup, including the calibration of the large movie screen. We will post more images as they arrive from France!

Jim visits Grays of Westminster in London

2010-02-26T12:18:00.002-06:00

Jim Brandenburg and friends Neil Lucas of BBC TV Planet Earth and Life series and Danny Ellinger of Foto Natura visit with Gray Levett of Grays of Westminster while in London. Grays of Westminister is a charming period shop in Central London specializing in Nikon. And they have an amazing website allowing visitors to take virtual tours of their beautiful shop.

Message from Jim & Images from the Netherlands

2010-02-17T14:49:00.007-06:00

Red Light District Swans

Deer in Holland

Ice Skaters

"Thank you to everyone that attended my presentation this past weekend at Natuurfotografen Verbond Nederland in the Netherlands. It was a pleasure to meet you all. I was humbled by the large group with standing room only. I must say I had the best introduction ever from Henkjan Kievit! Special thanks to Danny Ellinger of Foto Natura and Eric Bergmeester and the Board of Directors at Natuurfotografen Verbond Nederland. Bedankt!"

The images above were made the day after Natuurfotografen Verbond Nederland in the Netherlands. The images below are of Jim and various attendees at Natuurfotografen Verbond Nederland, photos courtesy of Eric Bergmeester.

News!

2010-02-12T13:07:00.000-06:00

We are thrilled to announce that our new website has been launched! This updated website features over 800 images as well as audio and video clips from Jim. We have more ideas for this website and will be adding features over the next few months, so keep checking back. We will continue to highlight our latest news and images here on our blog.

We also sent out our first quarterly newsletter of 2010. If you would like to be included in our mailing, or view a copy of the current or archived newsletters, please visit the link below. We take your privacy very seriously and do not sell, rent, lease, distribute or give our mailing list to anyone.

Brandenburg Mailing List

Thank you for your continued interest in Jim Brandenburg's work!

Collector's Print #23 ~ Old Way of the Inuit

2010-02-09T13:44:00.012-06:00

Collector's Print #23 ~ Old Way of the Inuit, 1970. Fine Art Giclee printed on cotton paper. Size is 12"x 8" at a special price of $75. ($125 value).
The Jim Brandenburg Collectors Series features four seasonal prints a year. Each season, we will feature a new image that has never been printed, and will be available only at the Brandenburg Gallery. The featured image will be a signed and titled, 12"x8" Giclee Fine Art Print on 100% cotton paper at a special price of $75 or framed for $230. Previous seasonal images can be purchased at anytime for $125 or framed for $280. To purchase, contact the Brandenburg Gallery at 877-493-8017 or visit our website at www.jimbrandenburg.com.
In 1970, I left the University of Minnesota one quarter short of completing my Bachelor's degree. Dr. Art Aufderheide, Minnesota's well known pathologist/anthropologist, asked me to accompany him to Bathurst Inlet in the center of the Canadian Arctic to make a 16mm documentary film of the last Inuit group to live the old way, by dog team, tents and occasional igloos. They lived a nomadic life, eating raw caribou meat and fish. Snowmobiles and houses would come the next year as the Canadian government moved them from the land into the community of Cambridge Bay on Victoria Island. This was my first big adventure and a challenge as a photographer. Witnessing death and, what seemed to me, unbearable cold and hardship, the family group I was traveling with exhibited a stoic resolve that was a sobering glimpse into the distant past of my own ancient family that survived the ice age in Europe 10,000 years back in time. Anthropologists have often called the Inuit the happiest group of people ever studied - all the while living in the world's most extreme conditions!

Subsequently, the National Geographic Society was interested in making a television special for NBC from this film footage, but the decision was made to keep these dignified people away from the eyes of the popular entertainment world and retain the many hours of rare cultural footage as a pure document. That is where it stands today. The footage has never been publicly shown or televised. A few years later, I was afforded my first real opportunity to work with the National Geographic, again with the television division, on a special called "Strange Creatures of the Night." Many years later, I would again return to this stark landscape to make a film of the white wolves called "White Wolf," and the National Geographic/BBC award winning film documentary also called "White Wolf."

This photograph of the nomadic Inuit family symbolizes the austerity of the arctic, a landscape familiar to me having grown up on the prairie where I learned the visual rules of the camera. To Travel with an indigenous tribe, hunting the old way on that barren and prairie-like landscape, was a dream come true.
I never returned to the University to finish the degree; my photographic career took over my life. But, sometimes, rewards come late. Having traded a more formal kind of education for this "in the field" type, I often wondered if I had made the correct decision. I recently received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Minnesota. I often talk about circles in life, and I see them often come to pass. This was one of the most rewarding of my career.

Girl on top left is approximately 50 now. The woman on the top right performed a "mercy killing" (euthanasia) on her husband shortly before this picture was made, he was not able to keep up in this harsh environment. Mercy killings were a common practice in the old days of the Inuit.

Jim Brandenburg filming the Inuit, 1970.

New Brandenburg Cards!

2010-01-26T13:02:00.004-06:00

The 2010 Jim Brandenburg cards are now available by calling the Brandenburg Gallery at 877-493-8017 or by visiting your favorite card shop.

Milestones in Wildlife Photography -- National Geographic

2010-01-10T18:18:00.003-06:00

In Canada’s northernmost reaches, an arctic wolf gingerly tests the water near Ellesmere Island.

A New Year

2009-12-31T23:15:00.004-06:00

Happy New Fear - new director's cut. Enjoy.

Season's Greetings!

2009-12-18T15:17:00.000-06:00

A Monarch Story Update

2009-12-09T16:54:00.003-06:00

A Minnesota monarch butterfly missed its hatching time and was caught in an early snow. Jim brought the chrysalis inside, rescuing it from the freezing temperatures. He fed and exercised it indoors for a month. After a call for help on Facebook, photographer Jay Jay Peterson came to our rescue. The monarch was carefully secured in a CD case (per Texas Monarch Watch) and was sent via FedEx to Jay Jay in Killeen, Texas. Unfortunately, that same day brought tragedy to the Killeen/Ft. Hood area. With our butterfly on its way, we hoped she would bring peace to Killeen/Ft. Hood. Click on the monarch to view our story.

Slideshow produced by J Peterson/Photowave Photography. Photographs by Jim Brandenburg and
J Peterson/Photowave Photography.