![]() ![]() was then nominated for National Geographic’s Second Assistant grant program, where underrepresented photographers assist on a story for the magazine. And as a wildlife photographer in New York, that was rats and pigeons. And that's what got me into conservation and wildlife storytelling because it literally blew my mind.” His mentors told him to photograph what he had access to. And then when I got the opportunity to do the story, it changed my entire perception of this animal. “As someone who grew up in Brooklyn, you're always taught that pigeons are nothing but rats with wings. This is what launched McKenzie Jr.'s work in wildlife and nature: a story on pigeons. mentor and even hired him to assist him on a story on cognitive birds when he came back to New York. That man turned out to be Charlie Hamilton James, a regular photographer for National Geographic and winner of many major awards. wasn’t having it, and began a friendly debate with the man. ![]() Access, Access, AccessĪ while later, he was working at Adorama and a man walked in and began haggling with him over the price of a camera bag. “What I didn't know is all the hard parts about being an event photographer.” This shy guy had to push himself out of his comfort zone to make strong event images. So he viewed the camera as his way in with the ladies. He started photography because he noticed that girls would talk to and be friendly with the event photographer out in NY. He describes himself as a shy and awkward kid, and that photography is what changed everything for him. was born in South America and then migrated with his parents to Brooklyn, New York when he was young. discusses the importance of putting yourself out there and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. We interviewed him and he said, “I usually introduce myself to people as a unicorn, and they’re like, ‘Huh?’ And then I say go into Google and search ‘black wildlife photographer’ and then click on images, and tell me how many photographers you see versus black and white images of wild animals.” We sat down with the National Geographic Society award-winning visual storyteller from Brooklyn, NY, who specializes in wildlife, natural history and conservation to discuss his work and the importance of pushing out of your comfort zone.
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