Carson Hughes Exhibit continues photographer’s legacy to experience beauty in nature

Feb. 6, 2025 -- Carson Hughes had an extraordinary passion for nature, wildlife, and photography.

The Osgood, Indiana, teenager spent countless hours capturing awe-inspiring images to share the beauty, serenity, and wonder of nature with others.

As his family shares, Carson tragically took his last photo on March 15, 2024, at Versailles State Park doing what he loved most.

To honor his memory and journey as a photographer, his family established the Carson Hughes Foundation.

Jason and Mandy Hughes describe their son as a great kid full of wit and kindness who wasn't your typical teenager. Carson had a deep appreciation for nature, and the experiences there he called encounters.

"He wanted to share with people how beautiful this world is, especially with those who couldn't get to experience it the way he did," Jason Hughes said.

The public is invited to explore nature through his photography during the "Carson Hughes Photography Exhibit," presented by the Carson Hughes Foundation. Featuring wildlife and nature scenes from Southeastern Indiana and U.S. National Parks, the exhibit is open through May in the MacDowell Gallery, second floor of Reid Health Outpatient Care Center, 1100 Reid Parkway, Richmond, Indiana.

Additionally, 23 of Carson's photographs have been selected for permanent display at Reid Health Primary & Specialty Care - Brookville, 11051 State Road 101, Brookville, Indiana.

Carson discovered his love for photography in 2021 during a family trip to Yellowstone National Park. He initially took photos with his cellphone and then asked for a spotting scope for closeup images of wildlife. His passion quickly grew, leading him to pick up the family's DSLR camera.

Carson taught himself photography by watching YouTube videos, making it a goal to master photo and editing skills. He invested in his own equipment and purchased a professional Canon EOS R5 camera in November 2023.

"Carson wanted the naturalistic view of every picture," said Jason Hughes.

"He just knew how to make it feel like you were right there with him."

Mandy Hughes said Carson's journey included a biology path too. He spent countless hours researching animal behaviors, their habitats, and migration patterns to anticipate their activity.

Carson called each interaction with wildlife an encounter. As a photographer, he was detailed and created descriptive images to immerse the viewer in the encounter. He especially wanted people who couldn't get out - because of financial constraints, health issues, or caregiving responsibilities - to experience nature through his photos, Jason Hughes said.

Versailles State Park was Carson's second home, visiting the area every chance he had to take photos, his parents said.

Carson revolved his schedule around photography.

An honor student at Jac-Cen-Del High School, he played varsity soccer, basketball, and baseball. He oversaw the audio/technology for his church and spent time with family and friends.

On social media, he found more than a platform to share his images and enthusiasm for nature. Carson had an extensive network of friends and connected with professional photographers, many of whom served as mentors encouraging him with tips and advice.

"He never rested, but you know that was who he was," Jason Hughes said.

Mandy Hughes said the family enjoyed hiking, and vacations were centered on outdoor experiences after Carson emersed himself in photography. They traveled to national parks with Carson's favorites being Mount Rainier, Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone, and Glacier.

His efforts led to his photography business, Carson Hughes Photography. His next step was to add videography, a skill he was picking up with new equipment he added in late February 2024.

"He started into videography because he said a video can show people more about an animal and its behaviors than a still frame," Mandy Hughes said.

The "Carson Hughes Photography Exhibit" includes nature and wildlife scenes selected to inspire healing for Reid patients and their families, staff, and visitors.

Mandy Hughes said nature itself can be healing, and because Carson's photography was based in nature, it can bring viewers a sense of tranquility.

The Hughes are dedicated to sharing Carson's images he worked so hard to capture. They've carried on his photography aspirations by launching his website, CarsonHughesPhotography.com, with proceeds benefiting the Carson Hughes Foundation. The foundation provides recreational enjoyment at state and national parks, wildlife conservation, photography camps for youth, and scholarships to local seniors with plans to expand initiatives in the future.

Through Carson's legacy, the Hughes hope to inspire people to pursue their passion and to live a life of kindness and consideration.

"When Carson's accident happened, the hashtag #BelikeCarson came about, and to me it's about not taking anything for granted. Take advantage of every day as it's a gift," Mandy Hughes said.

The MacDowell Gallery is named after Barry MacDowell, who served as Reid President and CEO from 1988 to 2008. To visit the exhibit, use the Grand Staircase or the outpatient elevators from the main entrance to the second-floor gallery.