Scott Hein is a freelance nature, wildlife, and conservation photographer whose passion is photographing the native plants, wildlife, and landscapes of the American West. Although his explorations have taken him from Alaska to Antarctica, the wild lands and parks surrounding Mount Diablo and sustaining Diablo Range near his home in Northern California remain his favorite photo locations. He strives to be a naturalist first and a photographer second, and believes that the best way to become a better nature photographer is by improving your knowledge of natural history.
His images have appeared in many local, regional, and national publications including Bay Nature, Diablo Magazine, California Wild, Outdoor California, and in newspapers ranging from the San Francisco Chronicle to the New York Times. His images have also been used in several books, including Rare Birds of California, and Fifty Places to Go Birding Before You Die.
Scott’s images are used by several non-profit conservation and environmental organizations to support their conservation work. Since 2003 he has served on the Board of Directors of Save Mount Diablo, a land conservation organization based in Walnut Creek, California. Scott received Diablo Magazine’s Threads of Hope award in 2007 in recognition of his volunteer efforts supporting land conservation.