George McKenzie Jr. Became National Geographic Explorer
The Brooklyn-raised wildlife photographer uses his career to mentor youth in conservation storytelling.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in African-American
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George McKenzie Jr. transitioned from a high school dropout raised in Bedford-Stuyvesant to a professional wildlife photographer and National Geographic Explorer. He is the subject of the documentary titled Book of George.
Why it matters
McKenzie established the Unseen Story Foundation to provide free photography camps for young people in urban environments. He aims to introduce the next generation to careers in conservation through his personal narrative.
George McKenzie Jr. grew up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. His nonprofit, the Unseen Story Foundation, offers free photography workshops and camps to urban youth.
The players
George McKenzie Jr.
He is a professional wildlife photographer, National Geographic Explorer, and the founder of the Unseen Story Foundation.
Unseen Story Foundation
This organization provides free photography training and conservation-focused workshops for young people in urban areas.
The details
After dropping out of high school, McKenzie shifted from carrying a gun in his youth to pursuing professional wildlife photography in locations including the Arctic and Africa. He credits his early interest in the craft to a desire to attract women, which eventually evolved into a dedicated career in conservation storytelling.
Timeline
During his childhood, McKenzie lived in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn.
Culture Shift
McKenzie's work aligns with the broader societal trend of leveraging personal narratives to bridge the gap in access to professional environmental conservation roles. This marks a departure from traditional, academic-only paths into the field of professional wildlife documentation.
Youth in New York City interested in conservation can access free workshops and mentorship through the Unseen Story Foundation. These programs provide practical photography training for those looking to pivot toward professional creative careers.
The takeaway
McKenzie illustrates how pivoting from past adversity to creative passion can lead to professional success in global conservation. Aspiring photographers can implement his approach by seeking out mentorship programs that prioritize storytelling within their own communities.
Further reading
Discover more about local achievements in our African-American section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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