Nature’s Beauty, an exhibit of wildlife photography from around the world by John Barrett, opens Friday, August 12 at the National Center for Nature Photography in Secor Metropark.

The collection of more than 50 images celebrating the beauty of animals and landscapes will remain on exhibit through November 27.

The gallery is open each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Exhibit Opening: Meet the Artist

Meet photographer John Barrett and hear his philosophy on taking pictures all over the world Friday, August 12 at 6 p.m. in the NCNP. Be the first to see the new exhibit. Light refreshments will be served.

Workshops with John Barrett

Photo Editing
August 27
[Details]

Moonlight Photography
October 18
[Details]

Field Shoot (full day)
October 29
[Details]

Artist's Statement

Nature and photography have always been special to me. As a teenager, I set up a darkroom in a spare bedroom so that I could hone my skills as a photographer. I would walk around with my camera taking pictures from unusual angles and perspectives just to see how they would look.

I have always been drawn to the outdoors and my most spiritual moments have occurred there. For me, nothing can compare to catching the sunrise up through the clouds while sitting atop Mt. Kilimanjaro or watching a cheetah stalk its prey, so nature photography is a fitting combination of my two passions.

Wildlife photography has made me a much more patient person. Nature chooses what it will reveal, and every experience is unique. You cannot rush the experience, but rather must settle in and enjoy the show. The wait is almost always rewarded!

I love experiencing and recording everything that nature is willing to give, from the savagery of hyenas tearing apart a kill to the comical courting dances of ostriches and boobies. I find the facial expressions and body language of animals often convey human-like emotions, which indicates to me that we are more alike than we think. It’s for this reason that my photography emphasizes animal portraits.

I have tried to capture many of these emotions, from happiness, love, frivolity, to anger, sadness and fear. I hope you enjoy these moments that were special to me.