George McKenzie Jr. is a National Geographic Explorer, award-winning filmmaker, and conservation photographer. His journey from the bustling streets of Brooklyn to the untamed landscapes of Florida is a testament to the transformative power of nature. His acclaimed short documentary, The Book of George, has screened at Telluride Mountainfilm, Banff, Jackson Wild, and other major festivals, anchoring an impact campaign that brings photography and conservation storytelling workshops to youth across the country.
As a Live Wildly Adventurist, Explorer’s Club Member, and EC50 Class of 2022 Honoree, George is passionately dedicated to making conservation a personal and accessible journey for all. His work spans the Florida Wildlife Corridor, the Okefenokee Swamp, and the rare plant habitats of the Lake Wales Ridge, blending scientific rigor with visual storytelling to highlight ecosystems and communities that are often overlooked. His photography—whether documenting elusive panthers on camera traps, documenting endangered wildflowers, or following cattle drives at sunrise—serves as a bridge between science and the public.
George is deeply committed to mentorship, a commitment that is evident in his work and the lives he touches. He credits National Geographic photographers, such as Charlie Hamilton James, Vincent Musi, and Dina Litovsky, with shaping his path. Today, he carries that spirit forward by empowering kids of color to see themselves in conservation, encouraging them to chase their dreams, and showing how nature can be a source of healing, awe, and resilience.
Through his lens and his voice, George inspires audiences to protect wild places, connect with their own stories, and reimagine what conservation looks like in their communities.
Biography
George McKenzie Jr. is a National Geographic Explorer, award-winning filmmaker, and conservation photographer. His journey from the bustling streets of Brooklyn to the untamed landscapes of Florida is a testament to the transformative power of nature. His acclaimed short documentary, The Book of George, has screened at Telluride Mountainfilm, Banff, Jackson Wild, and other major festivals, anchoring an impact campaign that brings photography and conservation storytelling workshops to youth across the country.
As a Live Wildly Adventurist, Explorer’s Club Member, and EC50 Class of 2022 Honoree, George is passionately dedicated to making conservation a personal and accessible journey for all. His work spans the Florida Wildlife Corridor, the Okefenokee Swamp, and the rare plant habitats of the Lake Wales Ridge, blending scientific rigor with visual storytelling to highlight ecosystems and communities that are often overlooked. His photography—whether documenting elusive panthers on camera traps, documenting endangered wildflowers, or following cattle drives at sunrise—serves as a bridge between science and the public.
George is deeply committed to mentorship, a commitment that is evident in his work and the lives he touches. He credits National Geographic photographers, such as Charlie Hamilton James, Vincent Musi, and Dina Litovsky, with shaping his path. Today, he carries that spirit forward by empowering kids of color to see themselves in conservation, encouraging them to chase their dreams, and showing how nature can be a source of healing, awe, and resilience.
Through his lens and his voice, George inspires audiences to protect wild places, connect with their own stories, and reimagine what conservation looks like in their communities.