Through the use of a large format, 4x5 view camera, Laurence Parent captures some of the most beautiful landscape images our staff has ever laid eyes on while reviewing work for the site. Laurence's perfect use of light and shadow, as well as color in his images, all work together to create images which speak of the magnificent grandeur and harmony found in nature.

Laurence's images are exceptional examples of true understanding of the photographic medium, as it relates to nature. The image displayed above is one of the American Southwest, which Laurence captured at just the right moment. This image is a beautiful example of analogous color and flawless composition through the use of several elements in the frame. The harmonious color exhibited within this image is just one example of several in Laurence's portfolio.

The portfolio of Laurence Parent is truly one of the most beautiful renditions of the American Southwest we have seen anywhere. Browse through the images in Laurence's portfolio and enjoy the beautiful scenery only a master could produce!,Laurence Parent was born in New Mexico and raised in several southwestern states, primarily New Mexico. After receiving a petroleum engineering degree at the University of Texas at Austin in 1981, he practiced engineering for six years before becoming a full-time freelance photographer and writer specializing in landscape, travel, and nature subjects. His love of the outdoors was inspired by his parents, Hiram and Annette Parent, who took him on numerous hiking and camping trips when he was young. Because his father was a National Park Service ranger, he grew up in some of America's most beautiful places. Among other tasks, Laurence's father did photo work for the National Park Service and occasional freelance jobs on the side. His mother periodically wrote magazine articles, often on travel subjects. Although Laurence had no conscious desire to photograph and write until he was already a practicing engineer, as he grew older he was drawn to the photographic profession by his love of the outdoors and a desire to work for himself.

Laurence travels all over the United States and to other countries in pursuit of exceptional images. He has gathered stock from 46 states and provinces and several other countries. He typically spends half of the year or more on the road. Through patience and planning, he tries to capture his photographic subjects at the perfect moment of light and weather. He hopes that the photographs produced by his efforts will inspire people to protect our world's beautiful natural and historical heritage.

To get the best possible image quality, Laurence specializes in large-format 4x5 images of the natural and human landscape. He also uses a 35mm camera to capture images that are impossible to get with a 4x5, such as outdoor sports. In recent years he has begun to collaborate with his wife, Patricia Caperton Parent, on book and magazine projects. Laurence and Patricia make their home in the Austin, Texas area.