Meet Jenny Burdette | Fine Art Nature and Conservation Photography

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenny Burdette and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenny, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My Instagram tagline is “searching for extraordinary beauty in ordinary places,” and I keep that phrase in my mind whenever I hold a camera in my hand. I often ask myself what I would see if I had traveled a thousand miles to view the scene before me. What is there that would make it worth that trip? Too often we feel that we have to travel to “Somewhere Special” to find beautiful images, when, in fact, we walk past beautiful images every day. Sometimes it’s as simple as a common butterfly sipping nectar from a common flower, or a slice of gorgeous, golden, early morning light illuminating a woodland path or a lone tree in a field, or the curves of petals on a budding flower, or the intricate patterns and bold colors hidden in a songbird’s feathers. None of these are once-in-a-lifetime views, but they are nonetheless awe-inspiring and equally as lovely. I am amazed at the beauty in the world, not just the breath-taking, awe-inspiring beauty that people travel continents to view but the ordinary beauty that we pass every day, often without even noticing it. I try to notice – and then use my photography to share that beauty with others.

The landscapes of the southeastern United States and the animals that make their homes here intrigue and fascinate me. Wildlife photography is a favorite pastime. Every animal has a story to share, and I believe that awareness of an animal’s unique beauty initiates an interest in that story. First we have to be aware, then we appreciate, and then, hopefully, we respect the beauty that surrounds us. There is extraordinary beauty in every creature, and I love using my camera to highlight and share that beauty. We have all been gifted with a beautiful world inhabited by fascinating creatures.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I strive to create a sense of intimacy in my images. I want my viewers to feel connected to the image – to feel a part of the landscape or a sense of community with the wild animal. I’m not photographing alien landscapes or creatures; I’m showing my viewers their own world and the creatures inhabiting it, and, I hope, quietly reminding them to take a moment and be grateful.

My six-year-old granddaughter recently joined me on a hike through a national forest. As we set off along a curving, wooded path, she whispered, “Bring your camera. I want to see the world the way that you do.” And that’s what I hope all my images reveal: the awe-inspiring beauty of the world that I see around me every day.

I am very excited about new opportunities that have recently opened for me in conservation photography. Conservation photography has never been my goal, yet it seems to be the destination at the end of every path I take. I purchased my first DSLR camera almost ten years ago, hoping to preserve the moments of joy and peace that I experienced hiking along the ridgelines and rivers of the southeast. That simple goal has developed into a passion for sharing those moments and encouraging others to find these places and moments for themselves.

Many people think of conservation photography as a form of photo-journalism, showing the ugliness of humanity’s impact on the natural world. I disagree. For me, conservation photography shows the beauty of things as they should be and encourages people to act to ensure that that beauty endures.

Imagery has the power to transcend boundaries and tell the stories that have no words, stories of wilderness and wildness and wonder. Images of nature’s beauty provide an enhanced realization of the beauty of quiet moments and wild creatures, encouraging respect and reverence for the extraordinary beauty present in our ordinary lives.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love planning trip itineraries to share the places I love, so you know there will be a lot of outside spaces in my itinerary! For a friend visiting Atlanta, I would definitely plan to visit Piedmont Park and Atlanta Botanical Gardens – so much natural beauty in the midst of an urban environment! And probably a walk along the Eastside Beltline for a marvelous mix of nature, art, and urban awesomeness, with a lunch stop and some exploring at Ponce City Market. Back to Piedmont Park for an iconic midtown sunset with the buildings reflected in Lake Clara Meer.

Oakland Cemetery would be on our itinerary another day; I love the juxtaposition of the Victorian cemetery against the modern skyline. An urban hike through some downtown spaces, definitely Krog Street Tunnel, and finally sunset from Jackson Street Bridge would finish our day.

Exploring along the outskirts of Atlanta, a day on the Chattahoochee River is a must. Tubing or kayaking is fun on a summer agenda; in other seasons, I would add the Roswell Riverwalk or Cochran Shoals area to show off the metro areas of the river.

And moving a little farther out, Georgia’s state parks are all amazing – near the metro area we could choose from Sweetwater Creek, Red Top Mountain, or an hour’s drive to Amicalola Falls for a hike with lovely views. If this friend is not from the South, I would add a day visiting a small rural Georgia town – maybe Juliette for a lunch of fried green tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been blessed with many mentors and supporters as I reinvented my retired English teacher self as a photographer. Classes and workshops with Rena Johnson, Larry Winslett, and Amanda Gardner at Atlanta School of Photography sharpened my technical skills and honed my creative eye. Membership in Georgia Nature Photographers Association introduced me to other like-minded photographers and fostered close friendships. And a huge shoutout to everyone who has supported me through recommendations and giving my images a space in homes, businesses, and public buildings.

Website: jennyburdettephotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyburdettephotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennyburdettephotography