Customer Reviews

Photographing the Southwest: A Guide to the Natural Landmarks of Southern Utah & Southwest Colorado

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Martres throughly researched the photographic possibilities for this book, and covers virtually every photogenic spot in the region. Having used his book on four separate trips to southern Utah, I appreciate all the new places I learned about in his book, and I can vouch for the helpful descriptions and tips for finding the ideal times and locations for the best photographs.

A major shortcoming of the book, however, is the total lack of maps of any sort. Yes, there are written explanations of how to reach the discussed places, but it is hard to believe that a guidebook would not have one single map in the entire book!! The book would have been improved immensely with some basic maps showing where the various places were, so that trip planning and time on the road would go more efficiently. It was inconvenient to constantly be switching from book to a large separate map.

Another shortcoming is that the recommended shooting times usually do not consider seasons. Many locations have a much different lighting angle on a winter morning versus summer, and oftentimes the recommended times for ideal photography did not work as discussed in the book.

The other small complaint is that the photos in the book are all in black and white, making it more difficult to appreciate the grandeur of the various spots. Color photos would have been more effective.

As others have said, this is a great book, both for photographers and visitors interested in "off the beaten path" advice. Laurent really helped me to find some of the most beautiful parts of this country, particularly in the escalente area, bryce, zion, and avoid some of the more crowded and touristy places. Wether you take pictures with an SLR, disposable, or just with your eyes, you can benefit from his advice on where to start your day, and which directions to travel for the best light.
One morning, when Kathy and I woke before dawn and headed to the back of the zion museum to photograph The Towers of the Virgin at sunrise, one of the many, many tips in this book. Practially in the dark, a man walked up to me and asked "do you want me to sign your book?". Took a few minutes before I realized it was Laurent! Very nice guy -- we talked for quite a while and enjoyed the magnificent sunrise refected on the cliffs. Of the two other, more serious photographers there at dawn, one of them had his book also!
Consider it a blessing if you can spend from a few days, like me, or weeks and weeks following the magnificent paths through the southwest that Laurant suggests. And don't miss his wonderful photography at the gallery in escalante...

BTW, early october is PERFECT time to see Utah. Great weather, and much less crowded. And if you make it to Boulder, Utah, do yourself a great favor and stay at the Boulder Mountain Lodge. It's a gem we accidently found, tucked away in a garden.

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Are you going to red rock country? Do you want to get good photos? Buy this book! Simple as that.

I just got back from a trip during which I had only a couple of days in the Needles area of Canyonlands National Park, so didn't have time to scout and re-visit the many attractions. Thanks to "Photographing the Southwest", I knew right where to go, and what time of day to be there, in order to photograph a number of the highlights of the area. I also showed the book to several photographers who were very familiar with the territory, and they were impressed with the information, the detail, and the extent of the coverage.

My conclusion: Laurent Martrés' guides are essential equipment for any photographer wanting to capture great images of the natural landmarks and fantastic geological formations of the U.S. Southwest.

I have found this book, and its companion (vol. 2), invaluable in locating fantastic sites to visit, photograph, and enjoy. Many of them are off-the-beaten-path hidden wonders, and the beautiful photos, detailed descriptions, and specific directions make these books indispensible for any trip to the Southwest, whether a photographer or not. For those who do wish to take pictures (and who could leave these wonderful places without!), there is also a lot a very helpful information on photo techniques -- useful for both the amateur and the experienced photographer. If you have any interest in the natural monuments or Native American ruins that abound in the Southwest, buy these books.

A truly great travel guide. I've been to Utah 4 or 5 times and have read many guides to the area. This guide had many new places for us to visit. Last fall we went back to Utah and visited many of the smaller places he recommended. I was very satisfied with his directions to the hard to find places and his ratings of the places were very good. His picture taking suggestions were also very helpfull.

Photographing the Southwest is the best travel guide. Before our 11 days trip to Southern Utah we looked through many books and guides around, but after all this one was our major source of information about unique and interesting places. The information is accurate and completely reliable. Advices are extreamly valuable and usefull.
The only suggestion I can make is to add maps. Just simple low-detail map with reference to each place could be very helpfull.
But again, overall it is simply the best.

I have never written a review of any book that I liked. However,I recently purchased and used Laurent Martres' "Photographing The Southwest" volume 1, and I found it to be simply the best photo guide book I have ever used. In fact, This guide book would also be ideal for non-photo purposes like touring and exploring this enchanting area. There are many locations, suggestions, and details that were not included in any of the other area guides I used. Martres' love of this wonderful part of the world is evident in the plentiful images that grace the pages. However, what really sets it apart is the fact that he has spent years in the area, and has come to know it intimately.If he suggests a particular route or location, you can be sure that he has been there. The access information and detail is indespensable. If you are planning on visiting the Southwest, you owe it to yourself to take Laurent Martres' book along to increase your enjoyment.

Photographing The Southwest, Volume 1: Southern Utah & Southwestern Colorado by experienced photographer Laurent Martres is a thorough and "user friendly" guide to the wondrous natural landscapes found in the southern regions Utah and Colorado -- especially for casual photographers looking for unforgettable scenes to capture with shutter and memory. Extensive site descriptions, black-and-white photographs, tips, tricks, techniques, and a great deal more of interest and value for both amateur and experienced natural photographers solidly pack this guide to "off the beaten track" locations, rock art, early Native American dwellings, all major national parks, monuments, state national parks. Also very highly recommended for any dedicated photographer's personal or professional reference shelf is the companion volume: Photographing The Southwest, Volume 2: Arizona & New Mexico (0916189090...).

I came across this book by accident, but it has now become an indispensible part of my library. The book describes canyon country with such complete detail that I can rely on it for all my travel planning. With the help of Mr. Martes and his excellent book, I have created some of my best photographs in many years. But even if you are not a serious photographer, this book is perfect if you just want to appreciate the beauty of our Southwest. I recommend it highly!

Photographing the Southwest, both volumes one and two, are absolutely wonderful. The information is accurate and completely reliable. I had occasion to call Mr. Martres with a few questions and he could not have been more helpful. He was very friendly and most knowledgeable. These books are two of the first of their kind that I felt really lived up to their advanced booking. My hat is off to Mr. Martres for the valuable service he has rendered to photographers.