MELVILLE, N.Y.- The best nature photographers all have one thing in common. Their respect for nature fuels their photography. For world-renowned photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen, that respect has become a passion to protect nature. That passion makes him a legend.

NikonNet's inspiring monthly, "Legends Behind the Lens," honors the work of esteemed nature photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen, a man not only honored for his images, but also his efforts on behalf of the environment.

"NikonNet is pleased to honor the images and extraordinary career of Thomas D. Mangelsen in this May's 'Legends Behind the Lens,'" said Tracy Mack-Jackson, Senior Manager of Internet Development and Programs at Nikon Inc. "His work transcends beautiful pictures because he takes responsibility for the wildlife that he photographs, as he champions the cause of the environment throughout the world."

Mangelsen, 59, began taking pictures at 21, in his native Nebraska. Since then, his work has been published in leading magazines such as Audubon, National Geographic, Life and Wildlife Art. He has been featured on television programs from The Today Show and Good Morning America, to CNN's World News. Mangelsen received an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal Photographic Society in 2002, the North American Nature Photographer Association's (NANPA) Outstanding Nature Photographer of the Year 2000 award, as well as being chosen the BBC's Wildlife Photographer of the Year in 1994.

His breathtaking images are made more beautiful by his attitude toward what he photographs. "A lot of young photographers just getting into wildlife photography don't quite make the link that they have a responsibility to protect what's out there," says Mangelsen. "We have the ability to make images that will teach people about endangered species and places needing protection, pictures that can even change minds, and we have a responsibility to do it. They don't quite understand they have the option to do more than just take pretty pictures."

While nature photography can often be the most spontaneous, Mangelsen's career has been established through his patience and detailed preparation. He spends up to nine months a year in the field documenting the wild lands and creatures he so cares about. Mangelsen has also become adept at adjusting to nature when necessary. An unprecedented great gray owl migration from Canada recently took place. With one day's notice, Mangelsen packed his bags and captured the amazing event. "You've got to be as flexible as you can be or you'll miss once-in-a-lifetime opportunities," says Mangelsen.

His successes are tempered by his concern for the landscape and the wildlife. "The best photographers, like the best people who spend time outdoors skiing or hiking or bird watching, accept the responsibility of taking care of the environment." With a background in wildlife biology, he works both in cinematography and in still photography, mediums that he believes will touch people on an emotional level and move them to love and protect these fragile places and animals.

Whether he's capturing migrating birds or publishing another best-selling book that brings attention to the environment, Thomas D. Mangelsen is recognized as a legend among nature photographers. To learn more about Mangelsen, log onto NikonNet's "Legends Behind the Lens" series at http://www.nikonnet.com/legends.