David Stoecklein launched his photographic career taking lifestyle shots of skiing, fishing, hiking, and biking, landing assignments for companies such as Coca-Cola, Ski Magazine, L.L. Bean, Reebok, Timberland, and Scientific Angler. It was not long, however, before he turned his lens to his neighbors on the great ranches of the West.

David's fascination with the ranching heritage of the American West led him to befriend, and subsequently photograph, the men and women still breathing life into the mythical figure of the cowboy. David's passion for preserving the traditions and beliefs of the country's honest, hard-working cowboys and cowgirls gradually earned him their respect. With that respect came an open invitation to share in their lives, and the great responsibility to honor their trust.

David's personal mission soon led to more assignment photography for companies including Chevrolet, Jeep, Daimler-Chrysler, Marlboro, Kodak, U.S. Tobacco, Ford, Eddie Bauer, Budweiser, Remington, Outdoor Photographer, and others. His client list of today includes JanSport, Dos Equis, Bayer Animal Health, Idaho Potato Council, Columbia Sportswear, Wrangler, Intervet, Agri Beef, Vogt Silversmiths, Ryan Michael, Western Horseman, Big Sky Journal, Nestlé, Platinum Performance, Ariat International, Roche Pharmaceuticals, Canon USA, Sony Pictures, Justin Boots, 20th Century Fox, United Artists, and more.

Stoecklein Photography houses an extensive stock collection encompassing both lifestyle and western images, and supports a gallery of fine art prints and western memorabilia in Ketchum, Idaho. Stoecklein Publishing produces an annual line of western calendars as well as a series of western coffee-table books that grows every year.

Dave Stoecklein is one of the accomplished master photographers in Canon’s “Explorers of Light” education and inspiration program and for the past three years, he has been recognized by the editors of True West magazine as the “Best Living Photographer of the West.” The distinguished award is given each year as part of the magazine’s “Best of the West” issue.

David Stoecklein resides in Idaho with his wife, Mary, and their three sons, Drew, Taylor, and Colby, where they split their time between their home in Sun Valley and their ranch in Mackay.