Growing up on a farm in the Midwest instilled an appreciation for the land. This innate passion has continued into Bell’s life and translates as the work you see today. His life has been filled with exploration. It is this solo time in the wilderness that allows him to connect with the land and create his personal interpretation of the landscape. Bell’s photos represent an opportunity to consider the subject – almost apart from its meaning or function. Whether that be the inner folds of a plant, a sand-swept dune, or a distant coastline, he focuses on an intimate view, narrowing the scope and allowing his audience to see only chosen elements of the whole.

Bell is noted for his long-exposure black and white photography. With a slow shutter speed, his work takes on a mediative quality. Water becomes an ethereal element. He prefers to capture his images under a cover of soft clouds, resulting in exquisite tonal quality.

Bell is the recipient of a multitude of awards (see his website). He was chosen to receive the Ansel Adams award, presented by the Ansel Adams Center, in 2010. He has lead his Lake Superior Workshop for five consecutive years. His work has been included in numerous magazines, including 12 issues of Black and White magazine. He self-published a 144-page hardcover portfolio book in 2022 titled “Quiet Contemplation.” His work has been exhibited in a multitude of galleries throughout North America.