Peter Beard, born on January 22, 1938, in New York, is a renowned American photographer known for his African-themed collections of photography. His work has been exhibited in major venues such as the International Center of Photography in New York and the Centre National de la Photographie in Paris.
Before Fame, Beard completed his degree in Art History at Yale University before embarking on a journey to Africa, where he began his photography career. He captured images of dying and deceased elephants at Kenya's Tsavo National Park, which would become a recurring theme in his work.
Peter Beard was born to Anson McCook Beard, Jr. and Roseanne Hoar Beard. He comes from a distinguished lineage, being the great-grandson of James Jerome Hill, the founder of the Great Northern Railway. Beard spent his youth split between New York and Alabama, where he developed a love for nature and wildlife.
Beard's photography career took off with his African collections, most notably, "The End of the Game" in 1965 and "Zara's Tales: Perilous Escapades in Equatorial Africa" in 2004. His unique style captured the beauty and fragility of African landscapes and wildlife, with a focus on elephants.
Aside from photography, Beard also participated in various film projects, including "Hallelujah the Hills" in 1963 and "The Bicentennial Big Foot Blues" in 1976. His creative pursuits extended beyond photography, showcasing his multifaceted talent.
Beard's personal life was marked by his marriages, particularly his unions with socialite Minnie Cushing and model Cheryl Tiegs, both ending in divorce. He later married Nejma Khanum, with whom he raised a daughter named Zara, who would go on to inspire one of his photography collections.
Alongside his photography, Beard was a passionate advocate for African elephant conservation. He, along with Scottish photographer David Yarrow, used their art to raise awareness of the plight of elephants and the importance of preserving their natural habitats.
Throughout his career, Peter Beard's work has left a lasting impact on the world of photography, capturing the beauty and vulnerability of African wildlife. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of photographers and conservationists.