Arden Barnes is a documentary and fine art photographer based in Kentucky.

She has photographed climate disasters, agriculture, and everyday life across Kentucky, often exploring the intersections of environment, identity, and resilience. She previously worked as a staff photojournalist for the Klamath Falls Herald and News through Report for America, where she covered complex water and climate issues in southern Oregon and Northern California. Arden’s personal work focuses on photographing places, people and memories that are important to her and her loved ones.

In addition to her photographic practice, Arden serves as the Special Programs Manager at LexArts. She believes that art benefits overall health and wellbeing for both the individual and the community and is an important tool that can promote empathy and change.

She enjoys hiking, creating images with her grandfather’s old camera, and spending time with her two cats. She is a proud Kentuckian.

Phone: (859) 608-9015 

Email: ardenbarnesphoto@gmail.com

Photo by Jack Gruber 


Select Clients + Publications

The Washington Post, NPR, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, Southern Cultures Magazine, Keeneland Magazine, PostIndustrial Magazine, Kentucky Lantern, The Lexington Herald-Leader


Experience, Internships + Fellowships

Freelance Photographer | May 2018 - Present

Staff Photographer, University of Kentucky | April 2022 - January 2024

Staff Photographer through Report for America, Herald and News, Klamath Falls, Oregon | June 2021 - March 2022 

Intern, The Sacramento Bee, Sacramento, California | Summer 2019

Reinke Grant for Visual Storytelling, Boyd’s Station, Harrison County, Kentucky | Summer 2018


Education and Workshops

2023-25 | Darkroom Photography, University of Kentucky Fine Art Institute

2023 | MA in Arts Administration, University of Kentucky 

2023 | Graduate Certificate in Fundraising and Development, University of Kentucky

2020 | BA in Journalism, University of Kentucky 

2019 | Eddie Adams Workshop, Jeffersonville, New York 

2019 | Mountain Workshop - Videography, Cynthiana, Kentucky

2018 | Sam Abell Workshop, Lexington, Kentucky, University of Kentucky 

2018 | Mountain Workshop - Photography, Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, Western Kentucky University


Exhibitions

2024 | The Cat Show, Boyd’s Station Gallery, Cynthiana, Kentucky

2024 | A Collective of Perceptions, University of Kentucky School of Art and Visual Studies, Lexington, Kentucky

2024 | Animal Life, Praxis Photo Arts Center Gallery, Minneapolis, Minnesota

2024 | In the Company of Creatives, University of Kentucky School of Art and Visual Studies, Lexington, Kentucky

2023 |  Saunterings, Christ Church Cathedral, Lexington, Kentucky

2022 | Spring Artist Guild Showcase, Boyd’s Station Gallery, Cynthiana, Kentucky

2021 | AMERICA REIMAGINED, Kennedy Heights Arts Center, Cincinnati, Ohio

2019 | Witness: Beauty in the Truth, Ki Smith Gallery, New York, New York

2017 | Foundations Art Exhibit, Bolivar Art Gallery, Lexington, Kentucky



Select Awards

2021 | First Place Photo Essay, Society of Professional Journalists - Pacific Northwest 

2020 | Student Photographer of the Year runner-up, Kentucky News Photographers Association 

2020 | First Place Multimedia Story of the Year, Associated Collegiate Press

2020 | First Place Multimedia - Video, Kentucky News Photographers Association

2020 | Award of Excellence: Sports Feature, College Photographer of the Year

2019 | First Place Best Photo Package, College Media Association 

2019 | First Place General News Photo, Kentucky News Photographers Association

2019 | Bronze: General News, College Photographer of the Year

2019 | Student Photographer of the Year runner-up, Kentucky News Photographers Association

2018 | Student Clip Contest Photographer of the Year runner-up, National Press Photographers Association

2018 | General News Photo of the Year Finalist, Associated Collegiate Press (2018)

2017 | Foundations Exhibit Merit Award, Bolivar Art Gallery


Using Format