“Discover the Stunning Visions of Yellowstone: Exclusive Showcase by Renowned Photographer at The Waypoint”

Tom Murphy’s trio of visits to Big Sky will feature the debut of a new biographical film

By Jack Reaney SENIOR EDITOR

Tom Murphy, a landscape and wildlife photographer from Livingston with over 45 years of experience capturing the essence of Yellowstone National Park and various natural marvels worldwide, will present his work and interact with the Big Sky community during three events at The Waypoint this winter.

Murphy, who takes pleasure in his winter photography, will display images from all four seasons, and attendees will experience the premiere of the film “Frozen Frames: Murphy’s Yellowstone,” which illustrates Murphy’s journey, career, and artistic philosophy as a conservationist. The events are scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 16, Feb. 13, and March 6, with tickets available for purchase online.

“The purpose I see with the film is to continue inspiring my work,” Murphy expressed to EBS. “… I aim for people to recognize how extraordinary this place is.”

Murphy spent his childhood on a cattle ranch in South Dakota. During a visit to Cooke City in the 1970s, he was captivated by Yellowstone National Park’s vastness and relocated to Livingston in 1978 for easy, year-round access to the park’s North entrance. He reflects on his desire to be outdoors and in Yellowstone as much as possible, especially in winter.

In the winter of 1985, Murphy skied solo across Yellowstone—remarkably, he was believed to be the first individual to ski such a vast distance.

The film was initially planned to retrace his journey as an adventure narrative, “Because no one has ever attempted it before or since, and it’s a tremendously challenging excursion,” Murphy noted. Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Allison Argo, it evolved into a 27-minute biography focusing on Murphy’s career, his winter endeavors, and his appreciation for the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

At the premiere of “Frozen Frames” at Bozeman’s Ellen Theatre, YNP Superintendent Cam Sholly surprised Murphy with an award recognizing his lifelong dedication to the park. Murphy expresses his gratitude for the acknowledgment but asserts he is merely doing his part to help a place he cherishes.

Following his skiing expedition in 1985—and a summer selling photographs in New York City—he applied to operate a tour company in Yellowstone, which became the first photography instruction venture in any U.S. national park.

“Now there are approximately 150 of them,” Murphy remarked. Over the past four decades, he has contributed back to the park by donating photography to visitor centers and serving on the board and advisory council for a nonprofit organization currently known as Yellowstone Forever. He also played a vital role in establishing the Park County Environmental Council, located in Livingston.

Murphy’s endeavors have taken him to Antarctica on ten occasions, Alaska forty times, Africa several times, as well as the Galapagos Islands and Costa Rica. Nevertheless, he insists that Yellowstone remains his preferred destination. A statistic he finds particularly intriguing is that the park’s 450 miles of roadways only encompass 8% of its total area—he believes he has only explored 65% of the park in his 45 years there, and he aspires to spend 100 days each year in Yellowstone.

Murphy holds the belief that visitors come seeking a connection to the untamed wilderness, encompassing the possibility of witnessing rare wildlife. He aspires that his photography conveys the significance of safeguarding Wilderness territories that permit these creatures to flourish within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

He noted that Yellowstone transforms during the winter months, becoming simple and “elemental” when covered in snow, distinctly different from the park’s lively summer atmosphere.

months, it’s calm.   

“You’re going to escape from the clamor of society,” Murphy stated.   

Wildlife have three options during the winter: to migrate elsewhere; to sleep or hibernate; or to withstand, Murphy clarified. “I’m always really fascinated by those that remain and endure,” he remarked. Bison, for instance, illustrate resilience.    

No matter the season, Murphy is captivated by the intelligence and existence of animals. He hopes to utilize photography to narrate their stories.   

“They genuinely have lives, personalities,” Murphy noted. “… The narrative behind them is ultimately far more compelling than simply, what are they.”   

Waypoint General Manager Ben Axe expressed his eagerness to see Murphy’s work resonate with Big Sky locals who value the importance of preserving nature.  

“The preservation aspect is significant for me, attempting to give back to nature,” Axe stated. “As a fellow enthusiastic outdoorsman, there are many wonderful nonprofits dedicated to giving back… but that one person and his life’s work’s aim to return to Yellowstone is a truly remarkable thing.”   

Axe mentioned that it’s beneficial for the Big Sky community to deepen their understanding of the ecosystems they inhabit, especially against the backdrop of Big Sky’s swift development. Murphy concurs.  

Murphy’s enthusiasm lies in the conservation and safeguarding of federally designated Wilderness regions within the GYE. Presently, he advocates for total Wilderness protection for the Gallatin Range, located east of Big Sky—the Gallatin Range encountered alternative conservation suggestions in 2024.  

“It’s crucial for the well-being of Yellowstone Park,” Murphy articulated, elaborating on the relationship between untouched land and healthy, extensive habitats for the park’s renowned wildlife. “It’s not merely conservation of Yellowstone Park; it’s this entire ecosystem.”