Don Bandel has been taking pictures on a professional level since the 1970's. Being a native of Jersey City, N.J. and later, Bayonne, N.J., Don has covered the photography circuit by taking pictures at events like The New York Horse Show, as well as numerous charity events and concerts. He has photographed and exhibited in the past a lot of his work on artists like: Cyndi Lauper, The Eurythmics, Huey Lewis & The News, Tim McGraw, Madonna, Diana Ross, Liza Minnelli, Cher and Stevie Nicks. His work, for example, on Stevie Nicks has been published in a 1993 book entitled, "Stevie Nicks: Rock's Mystical Lady" by Ed Wincentsen. Don's work on Tina Turner won him a first prize award in a major photography exhibit in New Jersey, and he was also awarded a 2nd place award at the Hudson Artists of New Jersey Photography Exhibit in 2003. 

Don's fascination with Bette Midler started in 1973 when he attended one of her shows at the Palace Theatre in NYC. At that moment he knew he wanted to follow her career and photograph this truly amazing and one of a kind talent.  Don subsequently started taking professional pictures of Bette during "The Depression Tour" in 1976.  His big break came during Bette's "Intimate Evening Club Tour" at the Copacabana in NYC where Fran Vanzella (Bette's Dresser) introduced Don to Aaron Russo (Bette's Manager).  Don had the opportunity to show Aaron a lot of his previous work on Bette which led to Don getting to run "Best on Bette," Bette's only official fan club at that time.  The club ran from 1978 to 1986 and Don would be called in to photograph Bette at concerts and events such as "Bette! Divine Madness", "De Tour" and Gloria Steinam's 50th birthday bash.  On Feb. 6, 1986, Don got called to go out to Los Angeles with Linda Gentile (co-president of Best on Bette) to be a part of the Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame presentation - which Don and Linda were instrumental in getting for Bette.  In 2004 a lot of Don's work was showcased in the 2004 Bette Midler biography special on A&E.  Don now resides in Pennsylvania and still does his photography in the concert arenas.  If Bette were to ever need him again, he said he will always be ready!