Like so many things in life, photography runs in cycles based on reaction and a desire for change, even if that means reinventing the wheel at times. Sometimes these changes lack the proper historical perspective of all that has gone before. Other times, the changes sought harken back to seemingly safer, more predictable times.

In the post-Civil War years, American photographers began turning their attention from the war to the West. They brought home images of the incredible, endless landscapes of the new frontier to an East hungry for expansion. They built an enthusiasm for these places that would help lead to the founding of the national park system, starting with Yellowstone National Park in 1872.

Today, more than a century later, nature photographers are still bringing home images...

Art Wolfe’s latest published works, “The High Himalaya” and “Africa,” are on the bookshelves and receiving great reviews and awards from around the world.

In recent travels, Wolfe flew to Sicily during a 72-hour journey to record Mount Etna on film when it erupted last fall. He was able to capture unique perspectives and amazing nightscapes of lava flows.

Wolfe’s “The Living Wild,” which is in its fourth printing, was a winner in...

The National Geographic Society has named five photographers to its recently established program to showcase and support the work of preeminent freelance photojournalists who have contributed outstanding work to the society over the years. The first Contributing Photographers-in-Residence for the society are Sam Abell, David Doubilet, Karen Kasumauski, Emory Kristof, and Frans Lanting. Lanting, who has been hailed as one of the great nature photographers of our time, currently makes his home in...

The North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) has announced the winners of its prestigious awards for 2000. The Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Erwin and Peggy Bauer of Sequim, Washington, while Thomas Mangelsen of Jackson Hole, Wyoming has been named Outstanding Nature Photographer of the Year.

The awards will be presented at the Annual Summit in Austin, Texas, January 12-16, 2000.

Photographer John Marshall found this scene in the Glacier Peak Wilderness Area of Washington state. He had taken a shot from the same location 10 years previously without a model, but always wanted to go back and re-create the shot. When he returned, he flagged hikers coming off the trial and traded modeling services for a ride back to where they'd parked their car. Marshall, a father of 1-year-old triplets, got his first 35mm camera when he was 12 and has been professional for 19 years.