Born in New York City in 1930, Ken Heyman first became interested in photography in high school. Later, during his student days at Columbia College-which were interrupted by a two-year stint in the army-his skill as a photographer grew, but still regarded photography as no more than a hobby. Two events in college helped to direct him toward his career in photography. First, he sent off selections of his work to two national photography annuals and was pleased, indeed surprised, when both indicated they were eager to print his pictures-and did.
Ken Heyman has done photographic assignments for many magazines, including Life. He has worked for the U.S. Information Agency, photographing Alliance for Progress projects in Latin America, and for several photographic agencies, including Rapho Guillumette Agency and Magnum.
Shows of Mr. Heyman's work have been held at the Museum of Modern Art (1963), the Hallmark Gallery (1965), The International Center for Photography in New York City (1976), The Zabriskie Gallery in Paris (1995). Ken Heyman's work has brought him a number of awards including "The World Understanding award," considered to be one of the top awards in photography. It is given "to honor the photographer whose work has contributed most to a better understanding among the world's people." Ken Heyman has done many books in addition to Family and World Enough. His recent works includes twenty-two books for children written by Ann Morris. The multicultural perspective in these acclaimed books reflects Heyman's varied experience and his ability to sensitively interpret the human condition.