Gene Furr, a native North Carolinian from Concord, an award winning photojournalist for the Raleigh News & Observer. He studied photography at Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California.
He is the reception of over 200 awards in photography including North Carolina Press Photographer of the Year, Southern Photographer of the Year twice and World Press. He has placed in the North Carolina Wildlife Contest the past five years and in 2011 won the Grand Prize out of 4500 entries. Gene has placed 2nd in the 2012 Defenders of Wildlife Contest out of 7,600 entries. He is the author – IMAGES: The Outer Banks in 1983. Gene retired from the News & Observer in 2002 after 30 years as Staff Photographer, Chief Photographer, Photo Editor and Photo Coach. In 2008? The Southern Short Course in News Photography presented Gene Furr its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award and Nikon presented Gene Furr a D3 digital camera as part of the Award. The award will be called the Furr/Fong Lifetime Achievement Award.
His professional activities included President and Vice President of the North Carolina Press Association; Part time Photojournalism Instructor UNC at Chapel Hill; Chairman – Southern Short Course in News Photography and speaker at numerous colleges and events.
Artist’s Statement
As a photographer I have been greatly impressed with the unique character of nature, the wildlife and their way of life. But at the same time, I am disturbed by the rapid changes that I have seen taking place. I realize that it is only a matter of time before much of the uniqueness will vanish.
I feel a strong desire and obligation, as a photographer and native North Carolinian, to record the character of nature and wildlife. I also realized that, with the increased commercialism, the landscapes and nature will change and be a part of the past.
I have attempted to show the beauty of nature around us and the wildlife along with its unique character. I have devoted much of my time to capture their beauty to treasure, enjoy and protect. So much has already changed and are no longer part of the present or future – only the past. – Gene Furr
Gene Furr
gene@genefurrphotography.com