John Stember is a photographer based in Missoula, Montana, who focuses on rural communities and the environment across the American West.

His work grows out of a decade on the move—listening, sharing meals, and engaging with people whose lives reflect the many identities that shape America. Drawn to movement, he’s bicycled across large stretches of the continent and worked as a dog musher in the Arctic.

Committed to staying connected to the the region, John pursued a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism at the University of Montana, where he focused on the human-dimensions and ecology of prairie grizzlies.

He also worked on Boyd’s Station Project 306.36 in Kentucky, a long-term historical archive inspired by the Farm Security Administration. The goal of the project was to document a snapshot in time in rural America as it changes over the next 10 to 20 years.

He has contributed to publications including The New York Times, Grist, High Country News, Atmos, and more. John maintains a Part-107 commercial drone license, HEAT training for journalists, and previously worked in emergency medicine.

CONTACT: jstember1@gmail.com | 971-678-3173

“You know there are moments such as these when time stands still and all you do is hold your breath and hope it will wait for you” — Dorothea Lange

AWARDS, GRANTS, FELLOWSHIPS

Institute for Journalism and Natural Resources Crown of the Continent Workshop 2025
The Alexia Foundation Student Conservation Grant 2025
National Press Photographer’s Foundation Bob Baxter Student Scholarship 2025
Portfolio Award of Excellence in College Photographer of the Year 2024
Society of Professional Journalists Mark of Excellence Award, National Winner in General News Photography 2024
Boyd’s Station Visual Storytelling Grant Recipient 2024
1st place for Montana Newspaper Association Best Feature Photo 2024
1st place in Business and Economics Reporting for Society of Professional Journalists 2024, “Montana’s Stubborn Childcare Conundrum” with reporter Alex Sakiarassen at Montana Free Press
Missouri Photo Workshop 2024
University of Montana Photo Workshop 2024
Bertha Morton Graduate Scholarship 2024
Eddie Adam’s Workshop 2023
Institute for Journal and Natural Resources Wildfire Science & Policy Workshop 2023
VII Agency Foundry Photojournalism Workshop 2022

EDUCATION & TEACHING

M.A. in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism, University of Montana 2025
Adjunct Photography Professor, School of Visual Arts and Media, University of Montana 2025

EXHIBITIONS

Grizzly Bears Moving onto the Great Plains, Knowles Gallery, 2025

LICENSES

Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) for Journalists 2024
Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot License 2023
EMT 2023-2025