Jim Brandenburg, renowned wildlife photographer, dies, had thyroid cancer

Jim Brandenburg, the world-renowned nature photographer, author and filmmaker who made a home and owned a business in Ely, passed away last week at the age of 79.

According to a Facebook post shared by family members, Brandenburg died April 4 at his home in Medina, after a several-month battle with cancer and recent complications caused by pneumonia.

A native of Luverne, located in southwestern Minnesota, Brandenburg started his career as a newspaper photographer but rose to prominence as a photographer for National Geographic.

Brandenburg became known for his iconic photographs of nature and wildlife, and he traveled around the world while working for National Geographic.

Brandenburg’s photographs won numerous national and international awards – among them two awards for Magazine Photographer of the Year by the National Press Photographer’s Association.

Brandenburg also published 10 books during his lifetime, including “Chased by the Light: A 90-Day Journey,” “Brother Wolf: A Forgotten Promise,” “Looking for Summer,” and “White Wolf.” Among the collection is “Minnesota: Images of Home.”

Outdoor Photography Magazine named Brandenburg one of the “40 Most Influential Nature Photographers,” and his photos were chosen for inclusion in a collection that represents the 40 most important nature photographs of all time.

Among the many notable photos was Brandenburg’s shot of a gray wolf near Ely, and his well-known image of a leaping Arctic Wolf was named one of the 100 most important photos in Canadian history.

Brandenburg and his wife Judy maintained a home in the Ely area, and his photos were featured for years at the downtown Brandenburg Gallery.

According to the Facebook post that announced Brandenburg’s passing, he was preceded in death by his son Anthony on Feb. 24, 2025.

The post also said: “Please hold his wife Judy, daughter Heidi and her husband Nels Pierson, grandchildren Olivia, Liam and Lindsey, and all those who loved Jim in your hearts by taking a walk in nature, looking up at the clouds and feel the transformation of Jim’s energy back into the Universe.”