Dean Sauvola began to study the history and operations of railroads during high school in his hometown of Hancock, MI. He continued to create railroad art and photography while attending the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. During college his photographs began appearing in railroad magazines. After graduating from MCAD he went to work for Pentrex Publishing on magazines Passenger Train Journal and Pacific Rail News. He continues to work as a graphic designer along with the avocation of photography and art. He has authored numerous articles, and this is his first book. He lives in New Richmond, WI, with his wife, Rachel, and daughters, Abigail and Iris.