Carson Hughes of Osgood, Indiana, 18 years old. A modern day mountain man of sorts. He spent countless hours of his life hunting for wildlife – and when he found what he was looking for, it wasn’t a firearm he pointed at them, but a high-powered camera lens.

Tragically, Carson’s life was cut short just a few days ago. After going missing on Friday, March 15, his body was finally located at Versailles State Park in southeastern Indiana this past Sunday. My heart aches thinking of what his family, friends and community are going through right now – I pray God’s love and unexplainable peace surrounds them all in the days and weeks to come.

What a legacy this young man left behind – through hundreds of photos and videos capturing the pure, untainted beauty of God’s creatures, big and small – throughout state parks across the United States.

I took some time getting to know Carson through his photography and videography. Every photo or video was captured with painstaking attention to detail, and each caption carefully written to reflect what Carson saw and experienced. The detail and awe with which he described his “subjects” made it obvious – he was absolutely enamored with every living being that came across his camera lens.

Carson Hughes – Wildlife Photography (@carsonhughes_photography) • Instagram photos and videos

But it was more than just passion that characterized his art. I believe God blessed Carson with a remarkable gift to fully connect with nature in a way rarely seen today.
On his 18th birthday on Feb. 2, 2024, Carson wrote this on his Instagram photography page:

“Goodbye 17 and another 365 days around the sun! First I want to give all the glory and thanks to the Man above!! Nothing would be possible without him! After looking back through all my photos and reliving all of my experiences, it makes me so incredibly thankful for everything I have seen and done.”

Wow, such wisdom and humility in those words. I’m so thankful that this young man knew Jesus!

I’m so inspired by the way Carson lived his life and pursued his God-given passion. He made the most of every minute of every day God gave him and devoted his time to living out his purpose and mission to show God’s glory through the unfiltered lens of nature.

I can only imagine the serene peace and wholeness Carson must have felt when he was immersed in the astounding beauty of nature – but that’s just a fraction of the splendor he’s now enjoying in heaven.

What a perfect gift for this good and faithful servant. God bless you, Carson, and I pray that your family and friends will be surrounded with God’s perfect peace and comfort.

You can read Carson’s lovely obituary here.

Psalm 104:24-25
“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number – living things both large and small.”