Washington County Photographer to Exhibit Work at College of Saint Mary

OMAHA, Neb. – A former educator and longtime photographer will show images from the last 20 years of his work with a Nebraska newspaper during a show Oct. 26-Dec. 14 in the Hillmer Art Gallery at College of Saint Mary. The opening reception will be at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26.

For more than 20 years, Joe Burns has served as the primary photographer for the Washington County Pilot-Tribune and Enterprise newspapers published by Enterprise Media Group in Blair, NE. In addition to news photography, Burns shares his travel adventures in a popular series of newspaper columns and photo essays.

“I am honored and excited to show my collection in the Hillmer Art Gallery at College of Saint Mary,” said Burns, an Omaha native and Blair resident. “The exhibit is my capstone to my second career as Washington County photojournalist and travel photographer.”

As a photojournalist, Burns challenges himself to do more than just document a scene or event. His goal is to compose an engaging image or set of images that capture the essence of what that day or experience is about.

Burns is a retired Omaha Public Schools English, photography and journalism teacher, having taught at Omaha Benson High School for 31 years. He also served as an adjunct photography instructor at Metropolitan Community College.

The veteran educator and photographer has a passion for community journalism. Throughout Washington County, he can often be found at the scene of major news and human-interest stories as well as local festivals, and school and community events.