LUVERNE, MN (KELO) — The death of famed wildlife photographer Jim Brandenburg has led to a renewed interest in his decades of award-winning works.

The Luverne, Minnesota, native died last week at the age of 79.

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His work as a photographer has left a lasting impression.

Dawnette Davis followed her camping outing at Blue Mounds State Park with her first-ever visit to the Brandenburg Gallery in Luverne.

“He opened a lot of eyes to animals, wild creatures and the beauty of the natural world, I’d like to pay tribute to him,” Davis said.

Each of Brandenburg’s photos casts the natural world into sharper focus for gallery visitors.

“He captures the mystery of wild animals, especially the iconic wolf peeking around the tree. That is just magic,” Davis said.

Brandenburg’s gallery has been a top attraction in Luverne for more than a quarter century.

“And Jim has been very generous, not just with the gift of photos, being able to share those, but I mean, through his attendance and participation in community events,” Luverne Area Chamber and CVB Administrative Assistant Jane Wildung Lanphere said.

In the days following Brandenburg’s death, customers here at the gallery have been purchasing many of his prints as a way to pay tribute to this talented photographer.

“It was three unframed, large prints and two smaller prints and then I have an order for one that we’ll have to see if that happens, or not,” Lanphere said.

Lanphere says it will be up to Brandenburg’s family on whether they’ll release to the public his remaining unpublished works. But in the meantime, gallery visitors can enjoy and reflect upon the untamed spirit of nature that Brandenburg captured with his camera.

“He was just a terrific, passionate, passionate person. Always willing to give back,” Lanphere said.

The Luverne gallery is looking at hosting commemoration of Brandenburg’s life, possibly this summer, once his family schedules a separate memorial service.