Louise Johns is an independent photojournalist and documentary photographer with a master’s degree in Environmental Science Journalism from the University of Montana. A National Geographic Explorer, her work examines the relationships between people, place and animals, with a particular focus on rural communities in the American West. Her work has appeared in a variety of outlets including The New York Times, National Geographic, The Washington Post, The Nature Conservancy, Patagonia, and High Country News. Her work has been exhibited locally and internationally, and has won international awards. In addition to her photojournalism, Louise works as a photography instructor, and taught photojournalism at the University of Montana.  She lives in Montana, where she pursues stories that help her understand the place she calls home.