Chasing Light
My tribute to Jim Brandenburg
The books you see above are where my love of photography began. Specifically Chased by the Light, a 90 day project where he allowed himself one photo per day. One click of the shutter. One chance to get it right. I remember seeing a news story on the project, probably on PBS. The images and stories contained within made me want to do it. On a trip to Ely, MN, I visited his northern Minnesota gallery. He was there, but in conversation with other guests. I respectfully chose not to interrupt. It was the closest I came to meeting him in person. A few years later on an multi-day work trip to Luverne, MN I chose to visit his gallery there on lunch break. At that point, I was always bringing my little point & shoot camera on these work trips. While my coworkers were keen to isolate after work in their rooms or go drinking, I would find a park to hike or some other activity to occupy my evenings. Occasionally if the mood struck, dropping into a bar to eat and chat up the locals over a pint.
That evening, I went to hike at Blue Mounds State Park. If I dug far enough, I could probably find those objectively bad photos. The next evening, I walked Touch the Sky Prairie. A section of land near where Jim grew up that he had a large part in conserving. It is now a part of the National Wildlife Refuge system. Little did I know that my interest in Public Lands would truly begin there, with him as well.
On that hike, in perfect warm, spring, golden hour light I knew. That is want I wanted to do with my life. Not as a profession, but I knew it would define who I am from then on. Side note, years later when I posted the below photo on Facebook, tagging Jim’s page, his wife Judy commented that he really liked this shot. Mind, Blown.
Part of me just wanted to someday be good enough of a photographer to decorate my own walls. I saw what his “real” art prints cost, and knew that I’d probably never have the kind of disposable income to be able to put his work on my walls. Little did I put 2+2 together that it would have been cheaper to do that than invest in good gear, travel expenses, years and years of practice, etc. Not to mention the friendships and relationships that I neglected in pursuit of capturing light. It’s not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure, and I only do it as a semi-professional hobby that occasionally generates a little income. It was his life.
One last little story. I have a coworker who was working in a house in the Twin Cities. The house had beautiful photography decorating it. He didn’t know it at the time but it was Jim’s son Anthony’s home. At the end of the appointment, they were chatting. He complimented Jim’s son about the artwork & he mentioned that the photos were his dad’s. He asked for the coworkers address, to see if he could find something to send him as a thank you for the work. A few weeks later a large, signed print of one of the photos showed up in the mail. I like to think that his dad raised Anthony right. I hope they’re both chasing the light in the afterworld now, as Anthony shared his dad’s eye behind the lens.
To this day, I’m absolutely honored at this gift Jim inadvertantly gave to me. I’m grateful it every time I am out with the camera. I’m humbled that occasionally Judy and most recently, his daughter Heidi still like my photos. I would have loved to have a conversation with Jim, preferrably on his prairie. I know I’ll have my chance to express my gratitude to the spirit the next time I’m down in Luverne on that beautiful place he grew up.
Here are a few of my favorite shots I’ve made there over the years.
Thank you, Jim. For everything.
Your photos are absolutely wonderful!
Thanks for your thoughtful story and beautiful photos Scott. I’ve never been to Touch the Sky prairie, but now very much want to.