Dudley

Edmondson

Photographer & Filmmaker

Author of Nonfiction

Travels from: Duluth, MN

“True freedom lies in wilderness. It’s why I’ve spent much of my life encouraging people of color to explore these spaces.” ― Dudley Edmondson

Over the last 32 years, Dudley Edmondson has become an established Photographer, Author, Filmmaker and Presenter. His photography has been featured in galleries and publications around the world. His photographic work and adventure travels have taken him to so many amazing places from the Arctic Circle of Alaska to the Bahamas.

As a young man, Dudley Edmondson discovered the power of nature and its ability to heal both the mind and body. This led Mr. Edmondson on a lifelong path to follow his passion and instill his love and knowledge of the outdoors in others and inspire a personal understanding and respect for everything nature offers. Mr. Edmondson has collaborated with numerous communities across the county to help urban youth and youth of color to experience nature and the beauty of the outdoors.

Mr. Edmondson was one of the first to highlight the involvement of African Americans in the public lands system. Unsatisfied with the representation of people of color among those in his outdoor pursuits, he created a set of Outdoor Role Models for the African American community by writing his landmark book, Black & Brown Faces in America’s Wild Places (Adventure Publications, 2006). In 2021, Mr. Edmondson created a photography and film exhibit called “Northern Waters” for the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. Dudley was recently featured in the PBS program America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston, discussing his passion for birding and nature, as well as the importance of diverse communities enjoying the outdoors. While staying busy with various film projects, his newest book People the Planet Needs Now (AdventureKEEN, 2025), features 25 BIPOC scientists and activists to help offer inspiration and motivation to affect global climate change.

Dudley's Featured Titles

The Browning of America and its Impact of Conservation and Outdoor Recreation

As America’s demographics evolve, so does the face of conservation
and outdoor recreation. In this thought-provoking keynote address,
acclaimed author, photographer, and advocate Dudley Edmondson
explores the intersection of race, representation, and environmental
stewardship. Drawing from his compelling book, People the Planet
Needs Now, Dudley shares powerful stories from 25 Black and Brown scientists and activists whose lived experiences and groundbreaking work offer new perspectives on addressing the world’s most pressing environmental and social challenges. Through vivid storytelling and full-color photography, Dudley will illustrate how these diverse voices are leading the charge for environmental justice and innovation—while emphasizing why the work of land trusts is essential to fostering meaningful connections to nature
for all communities. By protecting the land and making it accessible,
land trusts play a pivotal role in building bridges between people and
the outdoors, cultivating a deeper sense of belonging, and inspiring
future generations of environmental leaders. Join us for this inspiring keynote to discover how representation and inclusion in conservation can spark solutions and affect global change. Leave empowered to amplify voices, broaden outreach, and ensure the
natural world becomes a space where everyone feels at home.

A youth program, My Connection to Nature

I speak with kids and school groups about how I found my connection to nature and how it helped me get through stressful times during my childhood

Lets Talk About Photography

I speak to audiences about my long career as a photographer. I talk about the equipment I’ve used and share tips and tricks of how to get better images of birds, plants and Wildlife.

Birding for Beginners

I’ve been a birder for nearly 45 years. I give bird hikes to adult and school groups all over the country. They are sometimes a one time event and or can be added to my keynote events for an additional fee.

“My favorite Dudley Edmondson point at this most excellent Connecticut Land Conservation Council annual conference was when he talked about the chasm between the experience of the lucky few, who go to wild lands and national parks to connect with Nature, and that of the urban many, who might even find delight in a tiny plant which catches a break in a crack in a sidewalk, and who deserve urban green spaces at multiple scales (from window box to pocket park to bike path….” — Connecticut Land Conservation Council attendee, 2025

“There were many other fascinating sessions, including the opening plenary by nature photographer Dudley Edmondson on the “Browning of America” (in which he noted the demographic shifts in the US toward majority population mirroring the Global Majority of people of color — and how to tap into this trend to support land-connection and stewardship.” — Connecticut Land Conservation Council attendee, 2025

Dudley’s Wikipedia Page