About Brian Peterson
Brian has been recognized nationally and internationally for his documentary photojournalism, and has been honored nine times as Minnesota Press Photographer of the Year. He has photographed the Winter and Summer Olympic Games five times and his sports photography has been honored by the national baseball and football Halls of Fame and the National Press Photographers Association.
Peterson’s first book, “Voices for the Land,” was published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press and won three Minnesota Book Awards.
About Kerri Westenberg
About the Project
Brian Peterson and Kerri Westenberg, both native Minnesotans, share a deep affection for their homeland. That sensibility underlies every aspect of the “State or Wonders” project, which began as a series in the Travel section of the Star Tribune.
As Travel Editor, Kerri had been looking for a focused way to celebrate the abundance and diversity of the state’s natural beauty. As a staff photographer with a penchant for adventure, Brian was eager to explore every corner of the state and capture the unique landscapes and seasonal shifts that make Minnesota so special. The two teamed up to create these surprising, poignant views of the state.
Through their combined vision, springtime awakes in the northwest with prairie chicken dances and unfurling, delicate plants. Tallgrass prairies and historic American Indian lands trumpet the full glory of summer. Autumn colors dazzle the Mississippi River Valley, and winter in the Arrowhead region holds both harsh cold and exquisite beauty. Collectively, their work illuminates Minnesota’s natural glories.
© Copyright 2015
Brian Peterson and Kerri Westenberg are employees of the Star Tribune Media Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Some of the material in this book includes or is based on articles and photos first published in the Star Tribune newspaper or on StarTribune.com. Those articles and photos are copyright by the Star Tribune Media Company LLC and are reprinted here with permission. The Star Tribune Media Company LLC retains certain copyright and syndication rights for those articles and photos.