Iris Apfel with Nate
At the age of fifteen, Thom began his studies under renowned National Geographic photographers, Dan Dry and Melissa Farlow. The following year he was invited to spend the summer working in the New York studio of Sing-Si Schwartz. There he would document the costumes for an upcoming Martha Graham ballet production - created by the young upstart fashion designer Halston. Through Halston, Thom had the opportunity starting that same summer to meet and work for Andy Warhol both commercially and to document Andy and his entourage socially.
These early photographic experiences set the stage for a love of photography, a unique vision and a career that few have equaled.
Thom’s early career was spent working for major metro - daily newspapers along with clients such as National Geographic Traveler, Fortune, Forbes and German Playboy. His iconic images of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center were featured in Time Magazine, as well as other publications around the world.
Recently, Thom collaborated with author Sally Van Winkle Campbell to produce the award-winning coffee table book, SAVING KENTUCKY.
