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In a week-long celebration of nature, art, and healing, wounded veterans from across Minnesota found new perspectives through the lens of a camera.
From Sept. 2-7, the picturesque landscapes surrounding Ely and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) served as the backdrop for an immersive photography workshop organized by North Star Valor, a nonprofit dedicated to serving wounded veterans through therapeutic recreational opportunities.
The workshop, led by North Star Valor founder Alec Johnson and local photographer Heidi Pinkerton, aimed to provide veterans with not just technical skills, but also a renewed sense of purpose and connection to the world around them.
“Photography can be incredibly therapeutic,” Johnson explained. “It encourages you to slow down, observe your surroundings, and find beauty in unexpected places. For many of our participants, it’s a way to process their experiences and see the world with fresh eyes.”
The six-day program took participants on a journey through some of the area’s most iconic locations.
Veterans had the opportunity to capture the majesty of wolves at the International Wolf Center and the power of bears at the North American Bear Center.
They also visited Listening Point on Burntside Lake, a place of quiet reflection that inspired conservationist Sigurd Olson.
The workshop wasn’t confined to well-known attractions. Participants also had the chance to discover hidden gems like Ed Shave Lake, Rookie Pond Overlook and Big Lake, where they practiced landscape photography techniques against the backdrop of the region’s stunning natural beauty.
Local mining historian Seraphine Rolando lent his time and wealth of stories to a portrait photography session, allowing veterans to practice capturing the essence of a person’s character through their lens.
“As I watched the students photograph Seraphine Rolando at the Pioneer Mine, I saw a more documentary style emerge in their images, a stark contrast to the nature scenes we had been capturing all week,” said Pinkerton. “The shift in style offered students a new perspective, focusing on historical and human elements instead of Ely’s natural beauty.”
Tom Hall, one of the volunteers assisting with the workshop, noted the transformative effect the experience had on the veterans.
“When they arrived, some of them were pretty closed off,” he said. “But as the week went on, you could see them opening up, getting excited about what they were capturing.”
The workshop covered more than just the art of taking pictures. Veterans also learned the intricacies of photo editing, a crucial skill in the digital age of photography.
Sessions at YMCA Camp du Nord provided a serene setting for participants to learn how to enhance their images while maintaining the integrity of what they had captured.
Guy Townsend, another volunteer, was impressed by the veterans’ dedication.
“They were up before dawn some days, eager to catch the perfect light. Sometimes up until midnight editing photos,” he said.
A highlight of the workshop was a visit from FJ Fitzgerald, a local veteran and author of “Combat to Conservation.”
Fitzgerald shared his experiences of transitioning from military service to environmental advocacy, providing inspiration and a unique perspective on how photography and nature can aid in healing.
“Seeing how he’s channeled his military experience into conservation work, and hearing how photography plays a role in that – it opened up new possibilities in our minds” said Michael Phillips, one of the workshop participants.
The week culminated in a print day at the offices of The Ely Echo, where participants saw their work come to life on paper. For many, it was a powerful moment of realization, seeing their perspectives and experiences manifested in a tangible form.
“Holding that print... it was something else,” Phillips added. “Many of us were only learning to use the camera just 5 days ago.”
The success of the workshop has North Star Valor looking towards the future. Johnson hopes to make it a biannual event, potentially expanding to include other forms of art therapy.
“We’re already getting calls from veterans asking about next year,” Johnson said. “And we’re exploring partnerships with other community
members to bring a variety of programming, for example short story writing, to the area. The need is there, and we’re committed to meeting it.”
As the veterans packed up their gear and prepared to head home, the impact of the week was evident in their faces and their photographs.
They left with hard drives full of images, new friendships forged in the quiet moments between shots, and a renewed sense of possibility.
“I came here thinking I was just going to learn how to use a camera better,” said Sandi Braunstein, an Army veteran. “It definitely changed my perspective on how I deal with my mental health challenges. I see the world differently now, and I see myself differently too. That’s priceless.”
In a world that often moves too fast, this photography workshop reminded everyone involved of the power of pausing, focusing, and capturing the moments that matter.
For the veterans who participated, those moments will last far beyond the week spent in Ely’s embracing community and wilderness.
Website: https://www. northstarvalor.org/ Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/northstarvalor
