McCollum Statement on Honoring Jim Brandenburg

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life of an iconic figure in the world of wildlife photography, Jim Brandenburg. Jim passed away at home in Minnesota on April 4, 2025, at the age of 79. He is survived by his spouse, Judy, daughter Heidi and her husband Nels Pierson, and grandchildren Olivia, Liam, and Lindsey.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Brandenburg’s career began in the early 1970s, and he quickly gained recognition for his ability to humanize animals through images. His work as a staff photographer for National Geographic further solidified his reputation in the field of wildlife photography. He was named Wildlife Photographer of the Year in 1988, and Magazine Photographer of the Year by the National Press Photographers Association in 1981 and 1983. Of the 40 most important nature photographs of all time, chosen by the International League of Conservation Photographers, four are by Jim Brandenburg. In 2023, Jim became one of just six photographers to earn the National Geographic Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jim’s ability to artfully capture the unique and beautiful landscapes and wildlife of Minnesota is perhaps his clearest legacy. By choosing to focus his lens on the animals of the Upper Midwest, he highlighted the exceptional ecosystems and biodiversity of our region, including wolves. In fact, two of his most renowned photographs are of wolves: one capturing a white wolf leaping between ice floes in the Arctic, the other a gray wolf staring directly into his lens, watching Jim from behind a tree in his own backyard in northern Minnesota. Jim’s work conveys his deep respect and empathy for the animals he photographs, which helped him to capture moments that transcend mere documentation. His photographs invite viewers to pause and consider the lives of the creatures that share our planet.

In addition to his photographic contributions, Jim Brandenburg has been a tireless advocate for conservation. His work has been instrumental in raising awareness about the environmental challenges facing the Upper Midwest and advocating for the preservation of wilderness areas including Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Jim also worked with another famous adventurer-advocate from Minnesota, the explorer Will Steger, helping to document Will’s polar expeditions. The United Nations Environmental Programme awarded Jim the World Achievement Award in recognition of his work to raise public awareness of the need to protect our planet’s natural habitats.

Jim Brandenburg’s legacy extends far beyond his photographic achievements. He has inspired photographers, conservationists, and nature lovers with his unique ability for capturing the soul of the wild. Through his work, he has shown us that nature is something to be cherished and protected. As we reflect on his life and career, we must honor not only his photographic contributions but also his commitment to the preservation of the natural world for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the remarkable life and work of Jim Brandenburg.