Born in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, in 1957, Ron Tarver earned his B.A. in journalism and graphic arts at Northeastern Oklahoma State University. In his 14 years as a staff photojournalist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, he has earned numerous fellowships, grants, and awards. He has been honored by the National Society of Professional Journalists, the National Press Photographers Association/University of Missouri Pictures of the Year competition, and World Press Photo Awards. Last year he was named one of the Philadelphia area’s “50 Rising Stars” by Seven Arts magazine.
A fellowship from the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts and a grant from the National Geographic Society enabled Tarver to concentrate and expand his documentary project exploring the lives of modern African-American cowboys. Tarver’s exhibit “The Long Ride Home: The African-American Cowboy Experience in America,” has been widely exhibited.
Tarver lives with his wife, son, and daughter in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
