The Burgess Photographic Journey

In the quiet mountain communities along Highway 38, from Mountain Home Village and Forest Falls to Big Bear, nestled within the San Bernardino National Forest, Gary Burgess became a name synonymous with exceptional photography and genuine community spirit. Alongside his wife, Carol, Gary spent decades documenting not only the breathtaking beauty of the mountains, but also the lives, celebrations, milestones, and everyday moments of the people who called them home.

Gary's journey with photography began during his high school years. His passion wasn't sparked inside a classroom, but through the excitement of capturing moments with a camera, even if it occasionally meant skipping school to do it. That passion paid off early when he won a Kodak photography competition, a recognition that not only surprised him but also hinted at the remarkable career that lay ahead.

Like many successful journeys, Gary's was filled with unexpected turns. He began in business with a partner, forming Barrington and Burgess Photography. When his partner chose a career in firefighting, Gary continued on his own, building Burgess Photographics into a respected business known throughout Southern California. Over the years, he mastered everything from portraits and weddings to commercial photography, including product photography for companies such as Gemco.

His work eventually reached far beyond the studio. Gary photographed throughout the western United States before discovering a niche that perfectly combined his love of photography, nature, and people: campground photography. For more than 50 years, he faithfully served Easter Seals Camp, preserving the joy, friendships, and unforgettable experiences of generations of campers through thousands of photographs.

What truly distinguished Gary was not simply his versatility behind the camera, but the relationships he built through it. His photographs became part of family histories. He watched children grow into adults, documented milestones across generations, and quietly became part of the stories he was preserving. For many families, Gary wasn't just the photographer. He was someone they looked forward to seeing year after year.

Away from work, Gary embraced adventure with the same enthusiasm he brought to photography. Whether hiking mountain trails, panning for gold, or simply enjoying the outdoors, he approached life with curiosity, laughter, and an unmistakable sense of humor that made him a joy to be around.

As Gary and Carol reflected on their years working together, they often spoke about the dedication behind the scenes. Late nights editing photographs, long days at camp, and making sure every family had their treasured memories before heading home became part of a shared life built on service, creativity, and genuine care for others.

Gary may have retired from photography, but his life's work never stopped speaking. His legacy lives on in the thousands of photographs displayed in homes, tucked into family albums, hanging on office walls, and treasured in scrapbooks across generations. Every image tells a story. Together, they tell the story of a man who understood that life's greatest moments deserve to be remembered.

For photographers who follow, Gary's life offers a lasting reminder that great photography is about more than technical skill. It is about patience, compassion, relationships, and recognizing the significance of ordinary moments before they become extraordinary memories.

Today, as we remember Gary Burgess, we are reminded that while cameras eventually become still, the photographs they create continue telling stories long after the shutter closes. Gary leaves behind far more than a remarkable career. He leaves behind a visual history of our mountain communities, and a legacy of kindness, service, and generosity that will continue to inspire for generations to come.

Thank you, Gary.

Our community sees itself more clearly because you helped us remember who we were.

Gary won the 1958 Kodak High School Photo Contest presented by the Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester New York

Gary and Carol Burgess

Editor's Note

Since this story was first published, our mountain community has experienced a profound loss. On Monday, July 6, 2026, Gary Burgess passed away, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, friendships, and photographs that captured the spirit of our mountain communities with extraordinary care. We are honored to share this feature once again as a tribute to a man whose work preserved countless moments that might otherwise have been forgotten. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Carol, their family, and everyone whose life was touched by Gary's kindness, humor, and remarkable gift behind the camera.

When this story was first written, Gary had recently stepped into retirement after decades behind the camera. Today, his legacy means even more. The 38 Bulletin is honored to celebrate the remarkable life of one of our mountain communities' most beloved photographers and the longtime owner of Burgess Photographics.

The Burgess Photographic Journey

This article was originally published to celebrate Gary's retirement. It is republished in July 2026 in honor of his life and enduring legacy.