Ray Tysdal's striking black and white photographs of the American buffalo and other western wildlife create an instant connection between the human soul and the animal spirit.

Many of Ray's subjects roam the prairies and woodlands of Custer State Park in western South Dakota's Black Hills. He works out of his studio in the tiny village of Whitewood, a small village in the foothils near the historic mining camp of Deadwood. Before becoming a full-time professional photographer Ray was a gold miner and a newspaper reporter.

In an age of digital photography Ray continues to use film. He does all his own darkroom work and produces every print, even those in unlimited editions, in his studio.

Ray has been Artist In Residence at The Game Lodge in Custer State Park and in 2003 the Journey Museum in Rapid City produced a major show of his work.