WILDLIFE THROUGH THE LENS
Animal Stories from Montana and the Rocky Mountains
By: Lea Frye and Scot Bealer
Photography by: Lea Frye
Published: September 1, 2025
Publisher: Sweetgrass Books/Farcountry Press
Non-Fiction
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I love photography books on animals and nature. I was the kid who would look through National Geographic Magazine just for the photography of animals in the wild. Lea and Scot share their expertise in telling stories through words and images in this delightful look at nature in Montana and the Rocky Mountains. Dedicated to “anyone awed by the beauty and wonder of wild animals“, this book was a joy to read.
This husband and wife team have the patience of a gardener waiting for their seeds to sprout. Neither minds waiting hours for an animal to cross their path or to get just the right angle of an animal in its element. They take great care and follow the rules of the National Parks they are visiting, giving plenty of space between them and the animals. Yet, they still produce amazing images of bear cubs playing or a pine marten ( a new-to-me animal) resting in a tree.
Alongside Lea’s photography, both Scot and Lea share stories about the animals, including facts and fun observations. My favorite story was of the several Bull Elk showing off for the ladies and keeping Scot and Lea up all night. Among the stories, Lea also offers advice for future wildlife photographers. Tips on where to set up “camp”, the time of day to observe the best activity, the skill of patience, and waiting for that perfect shot are just some of Lea’s lessons.
Kids and adults alike will enjoy the real-life animal stories while also learning about the animals native to the Rocky Mountain area. Even backyard photographers will find helpful photography tips. You don’t have to trek into the wild to take great shots of animals in your area.
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Lea Frye is an award-winning, published wildlife photographer based in Helena, Montana. With a deep love for wild places and the animals that call them home, she spends long hours in the field, camera in hand, capturing the quiet moments and raw beauty of wildlife. Her images are more than snapshots—they’re glimpses into the personalities and behaviors of animals living wild and free.
Fueled by early mornings and trails less traveled, she believes that wild animals deserve wild spaces. Whether she’s chasing the light during the everchanging mountain weather or sitting patiently by the edge of a body of water with her lens at the ready, Lea strives to capture the essence of the untamed world of the Northern Rockies and share its stories with those who may never have the opportunity to lay eyes on all the beauty it holds. Her hope? That each image sparks a sense of wonder—and a desire to protect what’s left of our wild places.
Scot Bealer has been fascinated by animals since the earliest days of his childhood. As a teenager he found a way to start assisting local biologists that were banding birds, tagging foxes, and doing other natural history work. After getting his degree in Environmental, Population, and Organismic Biology at the University of Colorado Boulder, he continued to work on various wildlife research projects. While his career has taken him in a variety of directions, he has always maintained his interest conservation and learning more about animals and their behavior. He is a master story teller, and delights in getting kids of all ages interested in nature and science. These days he lives with his wife Lea Frye in Helena Montana. When he is not out helping her with her wildlife photography he can often be found out fly fishing on the local streams and lakes. He also does presentations about fishing and biology at elementary schools as part of the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks’ “Hooked on Fishing” program. This is Scot’s second book. He is also the author of “Most Trout Don’t Read”, a book with fun and instructional stories about fly fishing.
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Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.
Posted Under Book Review, Colorado, Lea Frye, Scot Bealer, animals, nature, non-fiction, photography