About Me
My name is Kim Baker.
I am a dedicated landscape, nature, and travel photographer based in Oklahoma. My passion for capturing the beauty of my home state began in childhood when my photographer father placed my first camera in my hands. Since then, I've been on a continuous journey, capturing the diverse and captivating landscapes that make Oklahoma unique.
My passion for landscapes and the natural world, particularly water resources, has always driven my photography. One of my earliest conservation photography campaigns was the "Oklahoma Rivers" project, initiated during a critical period when Oklahoma's water resources were threatened by out-of-state water sales and severe droughts. Through this project, I aimed to raise awareness and advocate for the preservation of our precious waterways.
My project aimed to illuminate the vital importance of Oklahoma's rivers as essential, life-sustaining water resources. It also highlighted the invaluable natural services these rivers provide, which are crucial for human well-being.
My "Oklahoma Rivers" series has been exhibited across the state, including prestigious venues such as the Oklahoma State Capitol, the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission, and JRB Art at the Elms, among others. The series has garnered widespread attention, being featured on programs like "Is This a Great State or What?," "Discover Oklahoma," News Channel 4, News on 6, NPR, PBS, and numerous other print and media outlets, all bringing significant attention to Oklahoma's rivers and water resources.
In 2010, I launched The Illinois River Survey, a conservation project aimed at raising awareness about the Illinois River. I united photographers from across the state for a three-day photographic survey, capturing the river's beauty and challenges. This collaborative effort included grassroots environmental organization Save the Illinois River (STIR), the Nature Conservancy, the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, the Oklahoma Biological Survey, the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission, documentary filmmakers, river advocates, and Oklahoma water resource managers. Together, we worked to highlight the significance of the river and the urgent need to protect its resources.
The imagery from the survey culminated in a traveling exhibition showcasing the photographers' work, as well as the book The Illinois River Survey: A Visual Record (ISBN # 9781465363275). Esteemed authors, including John Gifford and Shelia Bright, contributed to narrating the story of the Illinois River. Brad Agnew provided a detailed account of the river's history, while Priscilla Crawford elucidated the biological components essential for a healthy river system and the challenges it faces. The book also features a forward by former Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson, a passionate advocate for the Illinois River and a champion of Oklahoma water policy.
The Illinois River Survey: A Visual Record now stands as an enduring visual and written testament to the condition of the Illinois River in the twenty-first century. This comprehensive record serves as a valuable resource for future generations, preserving the river's history and significance for posterity.
My work has been featured in prominent publications such as Oklahoma Today Magazine, Outdoor Oklahoma, various Oklahoma tourism publications, AAA Home & Away, and Cowboys & Indians, among others. A notable collaboration with fellow Oklahoma photographer John Jernigan led to the creation of the book Oklahoma Unforgettable, which highlights the beauty and uniqueness of our state.
My diverse portfolio of commercial clients includes prominent organizations such as the Oklahoma Film Office, Next Era Energy, Epoxy Films, the Oklahoma Department of Recreation and Tourism, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Touchstone Energy Cooperative, Jordan Advertising, Ackerman McQueen Advertising, the Chickasaw Nation, and the First Americans Museum (FAM), among many others.
My travels outside of my home state
My Latest Project
I am eagerly anticipating the spring 2025 release of the book Oklahoma City Parks: A History by renowned Oklahoma historian Bob Blackburn and Brian Dougherty. This captivating book will feature a combination of archival photographs, and my own photographic work captured over the past year, providing a comprehensive visual and written history of OKC's parks and green spaces.