Nature photographer Dudley Edmondson has a vision for the representation of Black and Brown faces in the outdoors

Dudley Edmondson was a young kid when he learned about the power of nature. 

The writer and photographer experienced a lot of challenges while he was growing up in Columbus, Ohio, as his parents struggled with alcoholism. There was no real escape from it at home, but when his family went on picnic trips in nearby parks, he’d venture into the woods while others were busy barbequing or fishing.    

“I found that when I was in that space, I didn’t have to think about the trauma that was happening at home,” he remembers. “Nature was so therapeutic and restorative and I learned how healing it can be. I realized I wanted and needed it to be a part of my life, indefinitely.”

Edmondson decided to shape his life around his connection to nature. At first, he was interested in photography as a way to track his bird sightings. However, he soon discovered that he could use photography as a tool to inspire others to access the same benefits he’d found in nature. He’s since built a career around showcasing his love and respect for nature through photography, books and film projects – all while working to create opportunities to introduce diverse communities and youth of color to the outdoors. 

One of his most notable publications is the groundbreaking book “Black & Brown Faces in America’s Wild Places,” which aims to increase the representation of people of color in the outdoors and to highlight more role models for diverse communities. Featuring 20 personal profiles of African Americans with deep connections to nature, the book was one of the first to highlight the involvement of African Americans in the public lands system. 

“It’s important for African Americans around the country to connect with people of color engaging in outdoor pursuits,” Edmondson said. “It helps people pursue their own connection to nature if they see something familiar in another person’s story.”

He also created a companion book for kids that features different career paths related to the outdoors, so youth of color could see themselves in those roles.

“White people have role models in every direction, in every path from professional athlete to CEO,” Edmondson said. “It’s so necessary for both kids and adults to see someone who looks like them doing something, so they can believe it’s possible for them to do the same thing.”

Edmondson is currently working on a new book that utilizes a similar format to feature people of color from around the world working as scientists as well as environmental and social justice activists.

In addition to his creative pursuits, Edmondson works to reach diverse communities and youth through different speaking opportunities and by hosting group trips in collaboration with various partnerships and organizations. These trips introduce participants to the outdoors through activities like fly-fishing, birdwatching and nature hikes. Edmondson often works with kids and families who haven’t had much exposure to nature, and he loves helping them understand and appreciate the ways in which nature might be more accessible than they realize. 

While working with these families, Edmondson frequently explains that a great first step to building a connection with the outdoors is to start engaging with the nature right outside of their own homes. 

“In my mind, the beauty of nature is everywhere,” he says. “And you just have to look for it.”

For example, Edmondson says he likes to bird watch out of his kitchen window while washing dishes. Through his work, he tries to highlight the nearby nature that anyone can experience daily. 

“You don’t have to pack up the family and drive out to Yellowstone. You can find nature in a Walmart parking lot or on a dog walk,” he says. “You just have to pay close attention – and then, you can marvel at everything from butterflies, to bugs, birds and plants.”

Edmondson believes it’s equally important to get parents outside with their kids, so they can also develop a relationship with the outdoors that will help inspire more family time outside.

“If I show a parent how magical nature can be, they’re way more likely to take their kids out again,” he said. “My goal is to help people understand there’s a whole world out there and help them find their gateway to the outdoors, whether it’s through slow walks outside or looking for insects or going fishing.”

Edmondson is now based in Duluth, Minnesota, which he was drawn to thanks to its proximity to Lake Superior and incredible bird migrations. However, he plans to continue traveling around the country and world, helping others experience the life-changing power of nature.   

“Talking to kids about nature is so important to me,” he says. “It was nature that profoundly helped me as a kid and I don’t know who I would be, or where I would be, if I had not discovered nature.”

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