Photographer's Guide to the Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Your photographic trip to the Grand Canyon and northern Arizona will be much easier and more productive if you follow a few simple guidelines..." (more)
Key Phrases: Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Fuji Velvia (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Photographers can find a wealth of wonderful images in the landscapes of the Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona: spectacular canyons, towering spires, picturesque arches, and colorful dunes. Now they can make the most of their visits to the parks with the help of the expert information in this first-ever guide to the Grand Canyon and northern Arizona especially for photographers. Where and when to go, how to find the best shots, what equipment to take and techniques to use, park rules and regulations, how to avoid the crowds-all illustrated with brilliant color images.

From the Publisher

Inside information on getting the best shots illustrated with stunning Arizona scenes. Includes expert advice on equipment and techniques.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Stackpole Books; 1st edition (January 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811729001
• ISBN-13: 978-0811729000
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #193,579 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you need to know to photograph this area, March 22, 2002

By	Judit Fabian (Colchester, VT United States) - See all my reviews

This book is the third in the author's arsenal, and it is just as useful as the other two. The author is a wonderful photographer, just the images in the book would be worth the price, but the reader gets a lot more:
Detailed descriptions of where to go for the best shots, and the best times to go there. For some of the areas, you get a mile-by-mile log, and even some compositional suggestions. Even if one has been to these places previously, this book contains extremely valuable information for the serious photographer.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Don't Take Advice From a Poor Photographer, July 22, 2008

By	John Guilbault - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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I don't see what the other reviewers found so helpful about this book. It contains technically poor, uninspiring photographs and advice that is readily available on the web.

One thing every old-school photographer knows is that, when you use filters, especially color-enhancing filters, you must do so sparingly, or else your work becomes predictable and boring. This author uses enhancing filters on EVERY SINGLE PICTURE! Every shot has an unnatural reddish-orange tint. Now, I'll admit I use a polarizer on most outdoor work, but enhancing filters should only be used when the subject needs that extra saturation to look right. The terrain of the Grand Canyon is red enough, and doesn't need that weird orange glow each of the pictures in this book has due to the constant use of enhancing filters.

If that were the only problem, I'd say that the author is just lacking in creativity. But it's not. He also seems to have a penchant for taking photos in light that creates contrast far exceeding the dynamic range of his film, leaving the highlights well exposed, but the shadows dark and nearly featureless. Waiting for the right light is part of being a pro, and settling for shots with large areas of blocked-up shadows is not. He shoots alot on clear days, which doesn't provide the diffusion of sunlight that partly cloudy days can. Just look at the cover photo and you'll see. Most shots in the book are just like the cover.

To be honest, I haven't read all of the text in this book, and I don't plan on doing so. Taking photographic advice from someone who doesn't take good photographs just doesn't make sense. I'd stay away from this book and find something else.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the best, February 16, 2006

By	Y. Chen "photoshopper" (MD USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am planning a photographic trip to Arizona and so bought a few books on this subject. This one is definitely the best. The quality of colorful pics is awesome. The author gave a lot of useful information on traveling, lodging, and taking pictures. Reading this book is not only a task of trip planning, but really a big enjoyment. You have my very high recommendation.