Laurence Parent

Noted photographer and writer Laurence Parent will present his newest book at the Book Festival,Death in Big Bend, published by Iron Mountain Press. The book gives a historical overview of fatalities and dramatic rescues in Big Bend National Park and includes stories of accidents and deaths that could have been prevented, as well as those that were perhaps inevitable.

Laurence Parent grew up in his native state, 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. Hundreds of his photos appear in calendars every year.

Parent's article and photo credits include National Geographic Traveler, Men’s Journal, Outside, Backpacker, Sierra, Natural History, National Parks, Newsweek, Arizona Highways, Travel & Leisure, and the New York Times. He contributes regularly to regional publications such as Texas Highways, Texas Monthly, New Mexico Magazine, and Texas Parks & Wildlife.

Laurence has completed 39 book projects. A large-format book of color photos, Big River, Rio Grande, was released in the fall of 2009. Another large-format book, Portrait of Austin, was released in October 2008. Additional books and credits are listed at www.laurenceparent.com.