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