A southern Minnesota photographer has just won an amazing award from National Geographic proving he's one of the best nature photographers of all time. And he definitely seems deserving, his nature pictures are stunning. A lot of his photos are taken in Minnesota, mostly northern Minnesota.

The photographer's name is Jim Brandenburg and he's originally from Luverne, Minnesota. Now he calls both Medina and Ely home. WCCO writes that he's "well known for capturing magical moments of animals in the Boundary Waters." He has a "natural instinct, a good eye, and a passion for nature". That's how he ended up photographing nature and eventually photographing for National Geographic.

Francesco Salvaggio ThinkStock
Francesco Salvaggio ThinkStock
loading...

As far as I'm aware, being able to be a photographer for National Geographic is a dream for nature photographers. The pictures that come from their photographers always leave me in awe. It also makes me want to learn how to take pictures like that because they're so beautiful.

Video camera lens
Denniro
loading...

Southern MN Photographer Wins National Geographic Lifetime Achievement Award

Jim has now been recognized for his incredible talents and has won the National Geographic Lifetime Achievement Award. Only five other photographers have won this award so this is amazing!

Y-105FM logo
Get our free mobile app

Jim told WCCO that he thought it was a joke because he was so shocked by the news. "'I feel a little bit embarrassed because I know many that should have had it before me.'"

But if you browse through his photos for just a moment you'll agree he deserves this award. Congratulations to Jim!

CHECK IT OUT: Jim Brandenburg's Photo Gallery

LOOK: Stunning animal photos from around the world

From grazing Tibetan antelope to migrating monarch butterflies, these 50 photos of wildlife around the world capture the staggering grace of the animal kingdom. The forthcoming gallery runs sequentially from air to land to water, and focuses on birds, land mammals, aquatic life, and insects as they work in pairs or groups, or sometimes all on their own.