Galen Rowell: A Retrospective

One of my biggest influences in photography was Galen Rowell. I discovered his work through his books, and his style immediately caught me eye as unique. To be honest, I didn’t completely “get it” initially until I read his book, Galen Rowell’s Vision. In that book, he talks about how to see light and pre-visualize images before they actually happen, then going out and seeking the right conditions to make the images happen. “Participatory Photography” as he called it. Once I understood that, my life changed.

Now, four years after his tragic death in a plane crash, Sierra Club Books has released a biographical narrative / tribute in honor of Rowell with contributions from important figures in his life ranging from family, colleagues and celebrities. The images presented in this book are by far the finest reproductions that I’ve seen of his work. They did a great job at presenting his photographs along with well-written, insightful text on his life and achievements.

I would recommend Galen Rowell: A Retrospective to anyone with an interest in art, photography and the outdoors. Reading this coffee-table sized book gives great insight into how a man turned a passion for rock climbing into something much more meaningful over the course of a lifetime. One can see the evolution in Rowell’s photography and priorities throughout the course of the book. Galen Rowell eventually came to be a very influential photographer and dedicated environmental crusader. If you haven’t discovered Mr. Rowell's work yet, be forewarned, you might be tempted to quit your day job after reading this book.

For more information on the book and Galen Rowell, click this link