Galen Rowell's Vision: The Art of Adventure Photography [Paperback]

Galen Rowell (Author), Steve Werner (Foreword)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

What makes Rowell one of the world's top photojournalists and sets him apart from others in the field? Steve Werner, editor of Outdoor Photographer, says the magazine's most popular columnist pursues his art the way a mountain climber pursues a peak: "planning the logistics, overcoming the hardships and conquering the unknown." The text, based on Rowell's monthly column for the magazine, is accompanied by images "chosen to illustrate concepts" rather than exhibit his best work -- or so he claims. Don't believe him; the pictures will blow you out of the water as surely as a well-placed stick of dynamite.

From School Library Journal

YA-An eclectic collection of 60 essays, based on 6 years of Rowell's columns written for Outdoor Photographer. His erudite selections range from the general and ruminative to the esoteric; they are tied together by the belief that the key to creating great pictures is a photographer's inner vision. While nonphotographers will find his thoughts on foreign cultures, environmentalism, and other topics quite captivating, the book caters to shutterbugs who have achieved a degree of proficiency but who stand to benefit from the author's artistic insights. Anyone, however, should appreciate and enjoy the photographs. Over 140 astounding, full-color shots illustrate the concepts Rowell sets forth and truly give the volume its power.
Christopher Solomon, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Sierra Club Books (April 11, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0871563576
• ISBN-13: 978-0871563576
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #365,617 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ... the words paint pictures too !, March 16, 2001

By	Yeoh Siok Kee (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Galen Rowell's Vision: The Art of Adventure Photography (Paperback)

It cannot be helped ... I'm partial to Rowell ... have been, ever since I started serious photography in '89 ... His photographs have always left me in awe ...

So you can imagine my surprise, when I found myself reading the words with as much care as I was looking at the photos ... Rowell carefully describes his preparations, his thoughts and preferences ... he writes as he photographs ... in a direct manner, with few affectations and no gimmicks ... The reader learns not so much about f-stops or apertures, but is introduced into the mind set of an adventurer, an exceptional photographer ... whose approach to image making is both pragmatic and inspirational ... the photographs are more instructional than usual ... but an exceptionally good read!

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Adventure, Aesthetics, and Photography, January 16, 2001

By	John Ellsworth (Northport, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Galen Rowell's Vision: The Art of Adventure Photography (Paperback)

If you wish to become an active, thoughtful photographer, one who is conscientious about seeing, especially from another point of view, and you are willing to take the time and effort to get a shot, this book is for you.

Galen Rowell's essays are richly entwined with clear strands of philosophical, technical, and artistic perspectives.

Like Galen has done most of his life--explore and adventure--the book is an exploration of inner and outer realms. Throughout the 60 essays, we explore the outer, physical world, as well as the inner thoughtful and emotional world that accompanies aesthetic photography.

Galen becomes our guide as he shows us new pathways of exploring photography. We learn to think about creating visual order out of chaos. We see the relationship between thoughtful preparation and capturing an image. While commonsense techniques are suggested, we learn to validate old technology as well as recent innovations. We are apprised of ethical issues when shooting. And most important (for me) we explore the resonance between spirit, content, and form through photography.

This book, with its exquisite images and stories behind them, will likely help you see better, become more contemplative as a photographer, and encourage you to capture that which you see with greater emotional integrity and technical competence.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Post-beginner book, September 10, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Galen Rowell's Vision: The Art of Adventure Photography (Paperback)

Galen Rowell's columns are a lot of fun. They explore the whys and hows of photographys, but more importantly, provide insight to how the best photographers work. This densely packed volume range from equipment tips to philosophical discussions, and is highly recommended as a beginning Outdoor Photographer's second book