Today we’d like to introduce you to Dudley Edmondson.
Dudley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I moved to Minnesota in the early 90’s to begin a career as a professional nature photographer. Along the way I discovered that as a Black man in America, people who looked like me were not really experiencing nature and reaping the mental and physical health benefits that I knew were possible. After many successful years in the world of professional nature photography, I decided to create a set of outdoors role models for the nations Black community by writing my first book Black and Brown Faces in Americas Wild Places in 2006.
My latest book, People the Planet Needs Now is an expansion of the outdoor roles models concept for people of color. I feel that the solutions to many of our environmental and social problems must come from a diverse set of voices and the Eurocentric ideology currently in place must give way to the knowledge and perspectives of people of color if we are to ever solve these issues.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life is never smooth. If it is you’re not doing it right. There are always obstacles and that’s what makes you grow and become a better person. Moving to Minnesota thirty plus years ago, knowing absolutely no one was a challenge. I knew this was the place I had to be to fulfill my dream of being a nature photographer. Breaking into the business was a challenge. No one knew my dream and I had no real resume that would convince anyone to take a chance on me. As a Black nature Photographer I am certain most people doubted my abilities. Some even told me so to my face. But that did not stop me.
I persisted and move through the struggling early parts of of my career as a photographer, and expanded to become an author, filmmaker and Public speaker
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am proud of everything I’ve achieved that I set out to do. I think that is by far the thing that sets successful people apart from others. People dream, people hope but sometimes when it comes to completing the tasks, unfortunately far too many fall short because they don’t follow through.
I feel like I am complete person. I will explain. A complete person is someone who knows exactly what they want out of life. Too many people are easily distracted from their path by others or fads. That’s not me. I think that is what sets me apart from others. That’s not to say that I am not open to new ideas.
I love to learn all the time. It’s why I enjoy hanging out multiple generations of people. In my 60’s I have close relationships with folks in their 30’s and many in their 80’s. That allows me to gain new knowledge on so many levels.
I am not the type of person who spends hours flipping through social media watching cat videos or following others, new trends and random causes. I know who I am and what I love and want to do with my life. At 64 I better. I enjoy life and sharing it with smart and honest people.
Spending as much time as possible enjoying nature and the outdoors gives me a very clear perspective on who I am and how I fit into the natural world around me.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk takers live life. If you’re not taking risks, hell you might as well be dead. You can’t dream your life away. Making the move from Ohio to Minnesota 30 plus years ago to become a professional nature photographer was a big risk. My healthcare coworker in Ohio at the time thought I was crazy. A few laughed at me and said you’re going to Minnesota to do what? Now I live life on my terms and earn more than enough money doing what I love and I have zero regrets
You go nowhere and achieve nothing if all you do is dream about someday.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dudleyedmondson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dudley.edmondson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dudley.edmondson
