Tom Murphy’s three visits to Big Sky will include premiere of new biographical film
By Jack Reaney SENIOR EDITOR
Tom Murphy, a Livingston-based landscape and wildlife photographer with more than 45 years of experience capturing Yellowstone National Park and other natural wonders across the globe, will share his work and meet the Big Sky community during three events at The Waypoint this winter.
Murphy, who takes pride in his winter photography, will showcase scenes from all four seasons, and attendees will see the film premiere of “Frozen Frames: Murphy’s Yellowstone,” depicting Murphy’s life, career and philosophy as an artist and conservationist. The events will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 16, Feb. 13 and March 6, and tickets are available online.
“The goal I see with the film is continuation of my motivation for doing a lot of my work,” Murphy told EBS. “… I want people to understand how spectacular this place is.”
Murphy grew up on a cattle ranch in South Dakota. During a 1970s visit to Cooke City, he was enthralled by the emptiness of Yellowstone National Park and moved to Livingston in 1978 for its close, year-round access to park’s North entrance. He recalls wanting to be outside and in Yellowstone as much as possible, especially during winter.
In the winter of 1985, Murphy skied alone across Yellowstone—to his knowledge, he was the first person ever to ski such an extensive route.
The film was originally intended to retrace his route as an adventure film, “Because nobody’s ever done it before or since, and it’s a really tough trip,” Murphy said. Directed by Allison Argo, an Emmy-winning filmmaker, the film morphed into a 27-minute biography of Murphy’s career, winter work and his understanding of the value of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
When “Frozen Frames” premiered at Bozeman’s Ellen Theatre, YNP Superintendent Cam Sholly surprised Murphy with an award recognizing his lifetime contributions to the park. Murphy says he’s grateful that people noticed, but he’s just doing what he can to support a place he loves.
After his ski expedition in 1985—and a summer selling photographs in New York City—he applied to run a tour business in Yellowstone, and it became the first-ever photography instruction business in any U.S. national park.
“Now there’s about 150 of them,” Murphy said. In the 40 years since, he has given back to the park by donating photography to visitor centers, and serving on the board and advisory council for a nonprofit organization now called Yellowstone Forever. He also helped create the Park County Environmental Council, based in Livingston.
Murphy’s work has brought him to Antarctica 10 times, Alaska 40 times, Africa a handful of times, as well as the Galapagos Islands and Costa Rica. But he says Yellowstone is still his favorite place. His favorite statistic is that all 450 miles of park roads only cover 8% of the park—he believes he’s only seen 65% of the park in his 45 years, and he aims to spend 100 days each year in Yellowstone.
Murphy believes visitors come for the connection to wild country, including the chance to see rare wildlife. He hopes his photography communicates the importance of protecting Wilderness areas that allow those creatures to thrive in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
He said Yellowstone changes shape in the winter. It’s simple and “elemental” when blanketed in snow, and unlike Yellowstone in the bustling summer months, it’s quiet.
“You’re going to get away from the noise of civilization,” Murphy said.
Wildlife have three choices in the winter: to migrate away; to sleep or hibernate; or to endure, Murphy explained. “I’m always really intrigued by the ones that stay and endure,” he said. Bison, for example, exemplify toughness.
In all seasons, Murphy is fascinated by the intelligence and lifestyles of animals. He aims to use photography to tell animals’ stories.
“They actually have lives, personalities,” Murphy said. “… The story behind them is ultimately more interesting than just, what are they.”
Waypoint General Manager Ben Axe said he’s excited to see Murphy’s work resonate with Big Sky community members who appreciate the value of preserving the outdoors.
“The conservation aspect for me is important, trying to give back to nature,” Axe said. “As a fellow avid outdoorsman, there’s a lot of great nonprofits that try to give back… but that one person and his life’s work’s goal is to try to give back to Yellowstone is a really cool thing.”
Axe said it’s valuable for Big Sky community members to learn more about the ecosystems where they live, especially amidst concerns of Big Sky’s rapid development. Murphy agrees.
Murphy’s passion is the conservation and preservation of federally protected Wilderness areas in the GYE. Currently, he supports complete Wilderness protection for the Gallatin Range, east of Big Sky—the Gallatin Range saw alternative conservation proposals in 2024.
“It’s integral to the health of Yellowstone Park,” Murphy said, explaining the connection between untrammeled land and healthy, expansive habitat for the park’s famous wildlife. “It’s not just conservation of Yellowstone Park, it’s this whole ecosystem.”
