The Compelling Image

Memphis Barbree

Memphis Barbree photographs the spirit, mystery and form of the natural world. Her photographs express the deep connection and love of Nature of someone who has lived and worked with it intimately.

For two decades Memphis worked in the varied and often harsh high deserts and mountains of northern New Mexico as a garden and landscape designer/installer specializing in sustainable and simple restorative practices. She lived primitively in the mountains of New Mexico and in Hawaii for 6 years. During this time she learned what it is to be a part of the earth's natural rhythm and flow. Memphis is a Reiki master and has studied the eastern spiritual practices of Taoism, Zen Buddhism, Hinduism, all which combined serve to deepen and make unique her connection with and understanding of Nature.

Memphis is mentored by renowned photographer and master printer George DeWolfe, who studied with Minor White and Ansel Adams among other photographic masters. Memphis has studied at the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops and Maine Media Workshops and has a Bachelor of Arts from Florida State University. She has been a staff journalist at both the Charlotte Observer and the Myrtle Beach Sun News and has written for Frommer's Travel Guides.

A master black and white digital printer, Memphis carefully crafts each of her prints personally using a process based on the traditional darkroom techniques of the early masters of photography, adapted to current technology and digital tools.

In addition to photographing the natural world, Memphis welcomes opportunities to use her camera in support of social and environmental causes. She has documented the experiences of the 2004 Tsunami survivors in India and Sri Lanka and has photographed His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people living in exile in Dharamsala, India.

Her work is shown regularly in both solo and group exhibitions.

See more of Memphis's work on her personal website.