John Ward was born in Washington, DC in 1943 and grew up in Denver, Colorado. After receiving degrees in physics from Harvard University and the University of Colorado (Boulder), he taught at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. In 1972 he turned his full attention to photography in which he is self-taught and has become nationally known for both color and black and white work. His prints are processed to archival standards, singed and numbered. Color prints are made using the Kodak Dye-Transfer process.

The use of large format 4x5" and 8x10" view cameras is essential to Ward's vision wherein design is supported by a respect for detail and tonal gradation impossible to achieve with smaller cameras. In addition to the pristine landscape seen both near and far, he works extensively with the relics of mankind, principally Indian and mining ruins. His interest is in the ephemeral nature of civilization and the work is often presented with considerable abstraction.

Ward's prints have been widely exhibited and are included in numerous public and private collections. The El Paso Museum of Art located in El Paso, Texas recently acquired the entire "American Landscape" prints exhibited in Latvia in 1991. Publications include Photography Annual (1981), Colorado Magnificent Wilderness (Westcliffe Publishers, 1984), an annual Rocky Mountain Park Calendar and credits in various national magazines, books and calendars. Portfolio One: Landscape, an edition of 50 sets of 12 16x20" original black and white prints, was published in 1981.

John and Susan Ward currently live in Estes Park, Colorado and divides his time between traveling, printing, publishing and photographic research.