Tom Hansen

Tom Hansen, owner of Rustic Road Gallery, is a Nature Photographer and Wisconsin Master Naturalist. His photography studio is named Cooper Hansen Nature Photography in memory of his mother who's maiden name was Cooper.

Hansen grew up along the Mississippi River and fished / hunted both the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers extensively as a kid. In the early 1960’s he began chasing Muskies with his dad most every weekend from Hayward, Wisconsin to Ontario, Canada. Hunting, fishing and camping have always been a major part of his life. He still enjoys camping and sharing experiences around a campfire, getting out on the water with family and friends to “wet a line”, but in 2019 he traded his hunting gear for camera gear.

His interest in photography goes back to the early 1970’s when he took a couple of photography classes. He never took the time to pursue that interest until reaching retirement age when he purchased a good mirrorless camera with several “pro-quality” lenses. He now uses decades of outdoor experience to put himself in a position to capture special images of wildlife. The year-around season for photographing nature has increased both his interest and appreciation for the non-game species.

He very much enjoys sharing his nature photography with others, particularly his kids and grandkids. He hopes that his work will help to increase a broader appreciation for the natural world and that it will help to encourage conservation practices that PROTECT WILD PLACES!