Previous professional endeavors include more than a decade each in health professions: Ann as a registered nurse (medical-surgical, obstetric, and psychiatric nursing, and clinical instructor in a B.S. nursing program); John as a physician assistant in family medicine, with experience in pharmaceutical clinical research, and medical laboratories. But in the early 1980s they embarked on a career together that focuses on the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Widely published, their credits include: Audubon, Backpacker, National Geographic, National Wildlife, Natural History, Newsweek, Outdoor Photographer, Outside, Sierra, Smithsonian, and many others. They are the authors and photographers of the books Lake Superior: Story and Spirit and Wild Lake Michigan. Over 200 of their color photographs are featured in the book, The Northern Lights: Lighthouses of the Upper Great Lakes.

As authors and publishers of Lake Superior: Story and Spirit, John and Ann received Lake Superior Magazine's Achievement Award.

The couple produce multi-media shows for public presentation, including “Lake Superior: Story and Spirit,” “Wild Lake Michigan,” “Isle Royale and Beyond,” and “Great Lakes Lighthouse Odyssey.” ("Great Lakes Lighthouse Odyssey is now available on videotape.)

When not out on the water, in the forests, or on the islands, the Mahans live in the Northwoods near Gaylord, Michigan. They have two daughters, Jennifer and Kristen, who traveled with them for many years as they were growing up and are now embarking on their own adventures.

Professional organizations:
ASMP (American Society of Media Photographers)
Society of Environmental Journalists

Listed in:
Michigan's Arts & Humanities Touring Directory 2000-2003
AGPix (Green Book Participant)