Rating: 
Summary: Don't go there without it.
Review: -
Are you going to red rock country? Do you want to get good photos? Buy this book! Simple as that.
I just got back from a trip during which I had only a couple of days in the Needles area of Canyonlands National Park, so didn't have time to scout and re-visit the many attractions. Thanks to "Photographing the Southwest", I knew right where to go, and what time of day to be there, in order to photograph a number of the highlights of the area. I also showed the book to several photographers who were very familiar with the territory, and they were impressed with the information, the detail, and the extent of the coverage.
My conclusion: Laurent Martrés' guides are essential equipment for any photographer wanting to capture great images of the natural landmarks and fantastic geological formations of the U.S. Southwest.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Travel Guide
Review: A truly great travel guide. I've been to Utah 4 or 5 times and have read many guides to the area. This guide had many new places for us to visit. Last fall we went back to Utah and visited many of the smaller places he recommended. I was very satisfied with his directions to the hard to find places and his ratings of the places were very good. His picture taking suggestions were also very helpfull.
Rating:
Summary: Go with a camera in one hand and this book in the other
Review: As others have said, this is a great book, both for photographers and visitors interested in "off the beaten path" advice. Laurent really helped me to find some of the most beautiful parts of this country, particularly in the escalente area, bryce, zion, and avoid some of the more crowded and touristy places. Wether you take pictures with an SLR, disposable, or just with your eyes, you can benefit from his advice on where to start your day, and which directions to travel for the best light.
One morning, when Kathy and I woke before dawn and headed to the back of the zion museum to photograph The Towers of the Virgin at sunrise, one of the many, many tips in this book. Practially in the dark, a man walked up to me and asked "do you want me to sign your book?". Took a few minutes before I realized it was Laurent! Very nice guy -- we talked for quite a while and enjoyed the magnificent sunrise refected on the cliffs. Of the two other, more serious photographers there at dawn, one of them had his book also!
Consider it a blessing if you can spend from a few days, like me, or weeks and weeks following the magnificent paths through the southwest that Laurant suggests. And don't miss his wonderful photography at the gallery in escalante...BTW, early october is PERFECT time to see Utah. Great weather, and much less crowded. And if you make it to Boulder, Utah, do yourself a great favor and stay at the Boulder Mountain Lodge. It's a gem we accidently found, tucked away in a garden.
Rating:
Summary: Where in the World is Laurent?
Review: As others have said, this is a great book, both for photographers and visitors interested in "off the beaten path" advice. Laurent really helped me to find some of the most beautiful parts of this country, particularly in the escalente area, bryce, zion, and avoid some of the more crowded and touristy places. Wether you take pictures with an SLR, disposable, or just with your eyes, you can benefit from his advice on where to start your day, and which directions to travel for the best light.
One morning, when Kathy and I woke before dawn and headed to the back of the zion museum to photograph The Towers of the Virgin at sunrise, one of the many, many tips in this book. Practially in the dark, a man walked up to me and asked "do you want me to sign your book?". Took a few minutes before I realized it was Laurent! Very nice guy -- we talked for quite a while and enjoyed the magnificent sunrise refected on the cliffs. Of the two other, more serious photographers there at dawn, one of them had his book also!
Consider it a blessing if you can spend from a few days, like me, or weeks and weeks following the magnificent paths through the southwest that Laurant suggests. And don't miss his wonderful photography at the gallery in escalante... BTW, early october is PERFECT time to see Utah. Great weather, and much less crowded. And if you make it to Boulder, Utah, do yourself a great favor and stay at the Boulder Mountain Lodge. It's a gem we accidently found, tucked away in a garden.
Rating:
Summary: Buy this book
Review: I came across this book by accident, but it has now become an indispensible part of my library. The book describes canyon country with such complete detail that I can rely on it for all my travel planning. With the help of Mr. Martes and his excellent book, I have created some of my best photographs in many years. But even if you are not a serious photographer, this book is perfect if you just want to appreciate the beauty of our Southwest. I recommend it highly!
Rating:
Summary: Take this book with you
Review: I have found this book, and its companion (vol. 2), invaluable in locating fantastic sites to visit, photograph, and enjoy. Many of them are off-the-beaten-path hidden wonders, and the beautiful photos, detailed descriptions, and specific directions make these books indispensible for any trip to the Southwest, whether a photographer or not. For those who do wish to take pictures (and who could leave these wonderful places without!), there is also a lot a very helpful information on photo techniques -- useful for both the amateur and the experienced photographer. If you have any interest in the natural monuments or Native American ruins that abound in the Southwest, buy these books.
Rating:
Summary: Simply The Best
Review: I have never written a review of any book that I liked. However,I recently purchased and used Laurent Martres' "Photographing The Southwest" volume 1, and I found it to be simply the best photo guide book I have ever used. In fact, This guide book would also be ideal for non-photo purposes like touring and exploring this enchanting area. There are many locations, suggestions, and details that were not included in any of the other area guides I used. Martres' love of this wonderful part of the world is evident in the plentiful images that grace the pages. However, what really sets it apart is the fact that he has spent years in the area, and has come to know it intimately.If he suggests a particular route or location, you can be sure that he has been there. The access information and detail is indespensable. If you are planning on visiting the Southwest, you owe it to yourself to take Laurent Martres' book along to increase your enjoyment.
Rating:
Summary: Simply The Best
Review: I have never written a review of any book that I liked. However,I recently purchased and used Laurent Martres' "Photographing The Southwest" volume 1, and I found it to be simply the best photo guide book I have ever used. In fact, This guide book would also be ideal for non-photo purposes like touring and exploring this enchanting area. There are many locations, suggestions, and details that were not included in any of the other area guides I used. Martres' love of this wonderful part of the world is evident in the plentiful images that grace the pages. However, what really sets it apart is the fact that he has spent years in the area, and has come to know it intimately.If he suggests a particular route or location, you can be sure that he has been there. The access information and detail is indespensable. If you are planning on visiting the Southwest, you owe it to yourself to take Laurent Martres' book along to increase your enjoyment.
Rating:
Summary: Highly Recommended
Review: I judge travel books on how well they tell about places I have already been. If they miss on places you know about, you certainly can not trust them on new places. Based on this criteria, both of Martres' books are excellent. All of the places he describes are really great places and he will get you to spots you would never know about w/o the book. Even if you travel without a camera and don't care about photos, both of his books should be in your travel library.
Rating:
Summary: Highly Recommended
Review: I judge travel books on how well they tell about places I have already been. If they miss on places you know about, you certainly can not trust them on new places. Based on this criteria, both of Martres' books are excellent. All of the places he describes are really great places and he will get you to spots you would never know about w/o the book. Even if you travel without a camera and don't care about photos, both of his books should be in your travel library.
|
