A Photographer´s Companion
Your guide to the finest travel images
Do you want to capture show-stopping shots for your photo album during your trip to the USA?
The Photographers Companions reveal what standard travel guides leave out: all the tips and tricks you need to transform magnificent American subjects into your most stunning vacation photos!
During my numerous travels throughout the Western United States, I took a great many photographs and gathered information wherever I went. Eventually, simply making prints to look at and managing a growing archive was no longer enough for me; I wanted to create something that would be useful to others as well. At the same time, the opportunity arose to have books printed—comparatively inexpensively—either on demand or in small editions, and to be able to distribute them. This presented the perfect opportunity, and thus the German edition of the PhotoFührer USA was born—a series that would later evolve, through English translation, into the Photographers Companions.
A journey through the USA is an experience that one cherishes and talks about for a long time to come. Everything there is big and vast—simply on a colossal scale. Thorough preparation is essential to ensure you don't miss any highlights once you arrive. Distances can be easily calculated from home to avoid overpacking your itinerary. However, for the photography-minded tourist—whose goal is to get a feel for the visual landscape and return home with as many great photos as possible—conventional travel guides often leave them out in the cold.
To avoid this, one must expend considerable effort. One must pore over guidebooks, coffee-table volumes, maps, and websites to pinpoint potential subjects. One must apply to them the well-established maxims of "the good photograph." One must know in advance precisely what lighting conditions prevail—and when—at such prominent subjects as the buttes of Monument Valley or El Capitan in Yosemite National Park: Backlighting heightens contrast, even to the point of creating a silhouette effect. Frontal lighting flattens out the shadows that provide a sense of depth. Raking light from the side enhances the three-dimensionality of the subject. Only with this knowledge can you strip both subject and lighting of their randomness—and thereby capture first-rate images.
The Photographers Companions take this laborious preparation off your hands. Their particular strength lies in their visual approach. Natural landscapes take center stage in the site descriptions—compiled during numerous research trips—and in the specially developed maps. This allows you to gain a feel for the visual potential of each location while still at home, enabling you to creatively envision truly powerful images in advance. This photographic perspective is rounded out by a wealth of practical photography tips and pointers—essential tools for making the most of your precious travel time.
I created the Photographers Companions—covering the major scenic regions of Southern Utah, Northern Arizona, and Central California—as the only German-language publications of their kind. I have now updated the texts, translated them into English, and published them for a worldwide audience via Kindle Direct Publishing and Amazon.
With these Photo Guides, rental car vacationers, dedicated amateur photographers, and ambitious photo travelers alike can find the most rewarding locations and vantage points at the very best times of day. After all, it matters little whether you are shooting with a professional DSLR or a handy digital point-and-shoot camera. The key to a great image lies in knowing the right place and time—and knowing exactly what to expect. — “Luck favors the prepared mind,” as Galen Rowell once wrote; and with these Photo Guides, you will be exceptionally well-prepared. — People will envy you for your spectacular photos of the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, and San Francisco! And even non-photographers will benefit from the precise descriptions of these breathtaking vistas.
It explains in detail when, where, and how to take the best photos.""
All the benefits at a glance
- Detailed descriptions of all scenic highlights and photo opportunities
- The best times of year and day for your visit to the major National- and State Parks
- Reliable and up-to-date directions to mysterious ghost towns, enigmatic Native American rock art, and other gems off the beaten path.
- Practical tips on photography equipment and techniques
- Tips for creative composition, exposure, and challenging subjects
- Useful appendix with climate data and a light calendar (sunrise and sunset times, full moon days)
The USA is a land of limitless photographic opportunities. Without proper preparation, however, there is a significant risk of missing out on the very best spots while on the road.
The Photographer´s Companion series presents the scenic attractions of a given region as cohesive units. This makes it easier for you to cherry-pick your personal must-see destinations from the vast array of options and to optimally tailor your travel itinerary accordingly. Furthermore, the accompanying online image galleries help you pinpoint those specific locations that are guaranteed to take your breath away.
If you aren't a photographer at all...
...and are traveling "solely" for the sake of your soul, you will still benefit from the Photographer´s Companions. Thanks to detailed tips, you will discover the most beautiful viewpoints at the best times of day and year—ensuring you a dream vacation filled with unforgettable moments! Furthermore, thanks to these guides, you will be better prepared and more familiar with your surroundings than tourists relying on conventional guidebooks.
Currently, there are three volumes covering Southern Utah, Northern Arizona, and Central California.