About Kathy
April 29, 2025
Kathy Karn is an award-winning photographer, author, and conservationist whose work bridges the worlds of art, wildlife advocacy, and personal transformation. With 38 years of experience as a trauma therapist, Kathy brings a unique blend of empathy and insight to her photography, focusing on resilience, beauty, and the interconnectedness of all life. Her journey as a photographer takes her across the globe, but it is her deep connection with African elephants that has most profoundly shaped her artistic and personal vision as seen in her photo memoir book The Wisdom of Elephants.
Kathy’s approach to photography is rooted in compassion and curiosity. Her images and stories remind readers of the goodness and beauty in the world, highlighting the profound connections between people and nature. She is motivated by the belief that “when we care, we’re more inclined to protect,” and hopes her stories and images inspire others to take steps toward making the world a better place.
Kathy’s images have appeared in articles, annual reports, and press releases such as The Guardian, Africa Geographic, The Sarara Foundation, Save Giraffes Now and Wildlife Direct. Kathy lives in Southern Ontario, Canada.
Awards and Recognition
Four images accepted into the 2024 Canadian Association for Photographic Art Digital Salon Competition
The Wisdom of Elephants image selected for the 2023/24 Vital Impacts Annual Fine Art Print Sale in support of Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
Highly Honored finalist, Nature’s Best Photography Competition 2023 - Animal Antics
Semi finalist Nature Photographer of the Year 2023
Wildlife Nominee 2022 Black & White Photo Contest - Refocus Awards
Four images accepted in the 2022 Fall International Salon of Photography Photo Awards, 1 Honorable Mention
• Highly Honored finalist, Nature’s Best 2021 Benjamin Mkapa African Wildlife Photography Awards:
Conservation Heroes and Wildlife at Risk
• Award of Merit 2021 Merrimack Valley’s Glennie International Nature Salon
• Winner, 2020 Greenpeace Photo Competition
• Semi finalist, 2020 Nature's Best Photography International Awards
• Featured conversation on the Revelation Project
"Kathy’s photography engages the viewer. Her unique point of view is inspirational."
—Janice Friis, Co-Author of "The Light Within"
Photo by Julius Pilipili Memusi
“I am so grateful for all you do for the people and wildlife of North Kenya. I am really humbled by your support to the project— a big thank you!”
“Thanks for all you are doing to help us Save Giraffes Now!”