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Galen Rowell's Inner Game of Outdoor Photography
The grand master of adventure photography reveals the art, craft, and philosophy behind his images. In sixty-six essays based on his popular column in Outdoor Photographer , and in more than one hundred and sixty color photographs, Galen Rowell shows how he transforms what he sees into vivid, memorable works of art. He clearly explains why "pre-visualizing" a photograph before exposing any film is one key to making an arresting image rather than a mere replica of what we see through the viewfinder. Along the way he also offers advice on practical and technical matters such as how to pack camera gear; what to leave behind when you've got to travel light; pushing film to extremes; and when and how to use fill flash, smart flash, and remote smart flash.
This is a how-to book by an artist who has made adventure and photography a way of life. It is both an inspired manual to taking better photographs and an inspiring journey of discovery into the creative process. 160 color photographs
This is a how-to book by an artist who has made adventure and photography a way of life. It is both an inspired manual to taking better photographs and an inspiring journey of discovery into the creative process. 160 color photographs
288 pages, Hardcover
First published June 18, 2001
12 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Galen A. Rowell
58 books17 followersGalen Avery Rowell (August 23, 1940 – August 11, 2002) was a wilderness photographer, adventure photojournalist and mountaineer. Born in Oakland, California, he became a full-time photographer in 1972.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 5, 2016
Galen Rowell's Inner Game of Outdoor Photography is a book that I have been meaning to review for some time, but with the recent, tragic death of the author in a light plane crash, its time to put pen to paper. For my money this is one of the outstanding books on photography philosophy, and should be part of every photographer's library.
Galen Rowell was one of the outstanding adventure photographers of our time. A major proponent of "participatory photography", Rowell's unique approach was based less on equipment and technique, and more on vision and philosophy. Participatory photography is an approach where the photographer is not a passive observer of the subject, but someone who is interacting with the environment and the subjects. Rowell was an active participant, and as such was a noted mountain climber and hiker, skills that allowed him to get a unique perspective that most photographers don't even get close to.
Most of us have seen those photos of a climber hanging delicately from a cliff face, and marvelled at the extreme situation in which that climber has got themselves into. Yet few of us stop to think about the photographer, who is right there in the same place taking that photo. Many times that photographer was Galen Rowell.
His remarkable photographs have been featured in National Geographic, Outdoors and Outdoor Photographer. He wrote 18 books; some of them coffee table books, others more instructive about his approach to photography, and some of them about climbing.
The Inner Game of Outdoor Photography is one of Rowell’s most recent books. Inner Game is a compilation of various articles that Rowell has written over the years for Outdoor Photographer magazine.
Many photographers have an extensive library of books on our subject. Many of us read up on photographic fundamentals, landscape photography, macro photography, street photography, underwater photography and so on, due to the parallels between techniques and approaches. This book is different – it focuses on the philosophy and approach. These are aspects independent of environment.
The Inner Game of Outdoor Photography is a superbly written and beautifully illustrated book. I would recommend this book highly to underwater photographers, landscape photographers, and indeed to any photographer who understands the importance of vision in image creation.
Galen Rowell was one of the outstanding adventure photographers of our time. A major proponent of "participatory photography", Rowell's unique approach was based less on equipment and technique, and more on vision and philosophy. Participatory photography is an approach where the photographer is not a passive observer of the subject, but someone who is interacting with the environment and the subjects. Rowell was an active participant, and as such was a noted mountain climber and hiker, skills that allowed him to get a unique perspective that most photographers don't even get close to.
Most of us have seen those photos of a climber hanging delicately from a cliff face, and marvelled at the extreme situation in which that climber has got themselves into. Yet few of us stop to think about the photographer, who is right there in the same place taking that photo. Many times that photographer was Galen Rowell.
His remarkable photographs have been featured in National Geographic, Outdoors and Outdoor Photographer. He wrote 18 books; some of them coffee table books, others more instructive about his approach to photography, and some of them about climbing.
The Inner Game of Outdoor Photography is one of Rowell’s most recent books. Inner Game is a compilation of various articles that Rowell has written over the years for Outdoor Photographer magazine.
Many photographers have an extensive library of books on our subject. Many of us read up on photographic fundamentals, landscape photography, macro photography, street photography, underwater photography and so on, due to the parallels between techniques and approaches. This book is different – it focuses on the philosophy and approach. These are aspects independent of environment.
The Inner Game of Outdoor Photography is a superbly written and beautifully illustrated book. I would recommend this book highly to underwater photographers, landscape photographers, and indeed to any photographer who understands the importance of vision in image creation.
November 20, 2011
The book is quite interesting. I can't really put it into specific category. It is most definitely not a technical book, but being about photography, especially some of the earlier chapters do talk about technique.
This is probably a `visionary' book, as Rowell himself put it. His language is fluid, easy to follow and the style is conversational. He tells you of his experiences travelling and photographing the earth. He tells you what drives him, what motivates him. He tells you the histories of the places the he has been to. He lets you know his opinions on certain `issues'. It's quite engaging.
I would have rated this book the whole five stars had it not been a couple of essays in the middle that seemed to drag on. They seemed to go nowhere, didn't seem to belong with the rest of them.
I did find the book quite thought provoking and inspiring. An eye-opener, as Ken Rockwell puts it.
This is probably a `visionary' book, as Rowell himself put it. His language is fluid, easy to follow and the style is conversational. He tells you of his experiences travelling and photographing the earth. He tells you what drives him, what motivates him. He tells you the histories of the places the he has been to. He lets you know his opinions on certain `issues'. It's quite engaging.
I would have rated this book the whole five stars had it not been a couple of essays in the middle that seemed to drag on. They seemed to go nowhere, didn't seem to belong with the rest of them.
I did find the book quite thought provoking and inspiring. An eye-opener, as Ken Rockwell puts it.
March 21, 2014
In this excellent book of advanced photographic techniques, Rowell has sections on Vision, Preparation, Journeys, and Realizations. Many stories of adventures and misadventures since the 1960's.
Also some good info on film and digital printing.
Graduated filters, polarizers, and 81A warming filters are discussed.
Best camera--Nikon N90, F100, F4.
Film--best is Ektachrome E100VS, and Fuji Velvia.
How to shoot short aerial videos with fast fixed lenses.
With many great photos of the outdoors.
Also some good info on film and digital printing.
Graduated filters, polarizers, and 81A warming filters are discussed.
Best camera--Nikon N90, F100, F4.
Film--best is Ektachrome E100VS, and Fuji Velvia.
How to shoot short aerial videos with fast fixed lenses.
With many great photos of the outdoors.
January 7, 2010
This is a decent book about one professional photographers life's achievement and his attempt to articulate what he does inwardly when composing pictures.
It also contains invaluable technical advice on taking photographs and exposure. Well worth any photographers perusal.
It also contains invaluable technical advice on taking photographs and exposure. Well worth any photographers perusal.
November 10, 2007
A bit too analytical for my tastes from Rowell. It doesn't quite capture the spirit that Rowell's "Mountain Light" captures.
November 16, 2018
This book needs a split review, the text is often great.
For people who are really serious about photography, he talks about a lot of interesting things.
As for the photos, many aren't that great, and the best ones like the polar bear playing with a dog on p252 are printed really small.
But for a guy who is trying to make money from photography, it was probably worth it for him.
For people who are really serious about photography, he talks about a lot of interesting things.
As for the photos, many aren't that great, and the best ones like the polar bear playing with a dog on p252 are printed really small.
But for a guy who is trying to make money from photography, it was probably worth it for him.
February 18, 2025
The best thing about Galen Rowell is his boundless enthusiasm for getting out and making images--if you're looking for some inspiration, or curious about what travel photography looked like in the 1990s, this is a great book.
November 28, 2023
Recommended by Ken Rockwell
May 26, 2010
I cannot say that I read this cover to cover because it is a compilation of articles that Galen wrote for Outdoor Photographer magazine. Some I really liked and others I skipped over after reading the first paragraph. However, overall I think this is a very worthwhile read and I know I will go back and review some of the articles many times.
January 26, 2012
An excellent collection of essays from accomplished outdoor adventurer-photographer Galen Rowell. As a traveler I loved his descriptions of wild and remote locations and experiences, and as a photographer I enjoyed his commentary on the purpose and particular poetry of nature photography. Needless to say, the photographs contained in the book themselves are also outstanding.
August 4, 2010
This book started out really fun. But, it moved quickly into reading like a journal someone keeps. Very random thoughts from Rowell.
April 29, 2012
Throughly enjoyed this book! Galen Rowell was an amazing climber, photographer, and naturalist.
August 18, 2016
A must read for new photographers. Even though some parts are not as relevant anymore (films and equipment) the books is a wonderful way to start seeing the world in another way.
February 15, 2013
Numerous articles of Rowell's from Outdoor Photography magazine
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews