Norm Clasen

California-born Norm Clasen’s passion for photography grew from his love of nature, which he’d had since a young age. His choice of studies at University of Colorado and also choice of residency in Aspen in the 1960s also shows his obsession with the natural world. 

His love for photography took a professional turn when he founded a small advertising agency, which later got him in touch with Leo Burnett Worldwide on their Marlboro campaign. Clasen would go on to spend the next thirteen years of his life as a principal photographer for the campaign, with a great focus on horses and the cowboy way of life. 

His work with horses and action-based photography in natural environments has set the tone for his photographic style in travel, abstracted scenery, outdoor fashion, and portraiture. Clasen is currently semi-retired, but still commits to assignments surrounding the Great American West.