Tom Casalini

Tom Casalini is a first-generation Hoosier, born and raised in Logansport, Indiana. The youngest of seven children born to Italian parents, he not only preserves his heritage through his words and images but also nurtures a closely-knit family.

Casalini attended Indiana University and earned his degree from the New York Institute of Photography in 1972. After a period of freelance work in Atlanta, Georgia, he returned to Indiana as the official state photographer. In November of 1973, he opened his studio in downtown Zionsville, Indiana, located approximately 10 miles north of Indianapolis, in a historic two-story building on Main Street. Here, he focuses on portraits for both local and national clientele, including his signature black and white portraits, exploring new horizons in the art of photography.

Since the early 1980s, Casalini's work has gained recognition in the commercial advertising field. He has created images for national clients such as Chevrolet Cars & Trucks, McDonald's, Timex, Eli Lilly, John Deere, Life Magazine, Fannie Mae Mortgage, Schaffer Pens Worldwide, and many others. Additionally, his fine art photography, inspired by his Italian heritage and travels across the United States, is displayed in major corporations and private collections around the country.

Now a publisher and author of the book "Ordinary Heroes: A Tribute to Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients," Casalini tours the nation delivering presentations on the inspiration and stories behind the book. The uplifting message of heroism potential in all of us is an outgrowth of his year-long experience in 18 states and 52 cities photographing living Medal of Honor recipients. A museum-quality exhibit of these portraits now tours museums and galleries nationwide. Casalini also continues his commissioned project for the new Indiana State Museum, creating portrait studies of famous Hoosiers such as Red Skelton, Joyce DeWitt, Florence Henderson, and many others. Book signings are available upon request.