The old adage, “You can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy,” perfectly describes me. Raised on a farm in Cando, North Dakota, I graduated from Cando High School before earning a degree in graphic arts from North Dakota State College of Science in 1979. Shortly after, I moved to Colorado in search of new adventures, spending over 40 years as a photographer for various daily newspapers in the Rocky Mountains.
Despite my time away, North Dakota remained close to my heart. On one of my many trips back, I was inspired to photograph every county in my home state, capturing its beauty, quirks, and the spirit of its people. What began as a personal goal evolved into a significant project: Dirt Roads To Downtown, a photojournalistic exploration of North Dakota’s unique landscapes and communities.
After five years of dedicated work, traveling, and photographing, I am proud to have documented North Dakota from end to end. This project has brought me full circle, and with great pride, I’m moving back to Cando. Yes, you can go home again. Stay legendary, North Dakota!
