Thorson Images

Bruce Thorson is an award-winning photojournalist and seasoned educator based in Phoenix, Arizona. With over four decades in the field, Bruce has made significant contributions as both a professional photographer and a dedicated professor.

Professional Experience

Bruce’s career in photojournalism spans 25 years, during which he served as a photographer, photo editor and director of photography. His work has been featured in prominent publications such as Sports Illustrated, People Magazine, USA Today, Oregon Business and Nebraska Life.

In Oregon, Bruce spent 14 years at the Statesman Journal in Salem, where he honed his skills as a photojournalist and photo editor. He also served as the deputy director of photography at the St. Paul Pioneer Press in Minnesota.

Academic Career

In 2006, Bruce joined the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Journalism and Mass Communications as the Buffett-Mangelsen-Sartore Chair of Photojournalism.

Over his 16-year tenure, he taught courses in digital photojournalism and advanced photojournalism, and founded the Global Eyewitness program, engaging students in international documentary projects on critical global issues.

The Global Eyewitness program was instrumental in providing students with immersive international experiences, allowing them to develop compelling multimedia stories that highlight how communities worldwide are addressing significant challenges. Under Bruce’s leadership, the program garnered numerous accolades, including recognition from the Nebraska Alumni Association for its impactful projects.

In 2022, Bruce transitioned to Arizona State University, where he continues to inspire students as a professor of photojournalism at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.