Tom Bean's desire to create images revealing the beauty and complexity of the natural world was originally inspired by the prairie environment of the Black Hills of South Dakota. He first picked up a camera in 1972, to take photographs for evening slide shows he gave as a ranger-naturalist at Wind Cave National Park. This experience shaped his photographic vision, and has proven invaluable when shooting subjects such as earth science and biology for editorial and textbook publishers.

Tom has worked full time as a nature and travel photographer since 1982. His photographs have appeared in hundreds of magazines, textbooks, calendars, and trade books. Currently, he is working on two book projects. Gardeners of Eden is a portrait of ranching families who are using innovative grazing practices to restore native grasslands. Traveling Rural Italy in the Footsteps of Saint Francis considers the influence of landscape on the patron saint of ecology.

Tom believes that humankind has a place in the natural world. Our careful attention to the world around us can lead to beneficial stewardship that sustains the many unique life forms of Earth.

www.tombean.com