Photographing the Southwest: A Guide to the Natural Landmarks of Southern Utah & Southwest Colorado

Rating:
Summary: Great Info but...
Review: Martres throughly researched the photographic possibilities for this book, and covers virtually every photogenic spot in the region. Having used his book on four separate trips to southern Utah, I appreciate all the new places I learned about in his book, and I can vouch for the helpful descriptions and tips for finding the ideal times and locations for the best photographs.

A major shortcoming of the book, however, is the total lack of maps of any sort. Yes, there are written explanations of how to reach the discussed places, but it is hard to believe that a guidebook would not have one single map in the entire book!! The book would have been improved immensely with some basic maps showing where the various places were, so that trip planning and time on the road would go more efficiently. It was inconvenient to constantly be switching from book to a large separate map.

Another shortcoming is that the recommended shooting times usually do not consider seasons. Many locations have a much different lighting angle on a winter morning versus summer, and oftentimes the recommended times for ideal photography did not work as discussed in the book.

The other small complaint is that the photos in the book are all in black and white, making it more difficult to appreciate the grandeur of the various spots. Color photos would have been more effective.

Rating:
Summary: Go with a camera in one hand and this book in the other
Review: Martres's two books on photographing the Southwest are remarkably useful, sensible, and affordable. He keeps his directions--both geographic and photographic--brief, relevant, and precise. Even if you don't take a camera, these books can help you reach remarkable places of which may never or only vaguely have heard of. I even enjoy just "armchair travelling" with these books.

Rating:
Summary: Great for photographers and non-photographers alike
Review: My husband and I have always enjoyed our annual trips to the desert, but this book has not only awakened the sleeping photograpy bug for us, but also given us a new appreciation for all four seasons in the desert. The book has good photography tips, but like the author says, you need to have an appreciation for the desert to make your photos shine (and to enjoy yourself while you are not taking pics). I would highly recommend this to any photographer and to those who enjoy desert landscapes without taking any pictures.

Rating:
Summary: The best travel guide for this region.
Review: Photographing the Southwest is the best travel guide. Before our 11 days trip to Southern Utah we looked through many books and guides around, but after all this one was our major source of information about unique and interesting places. The information is accurate and completely reliable. Advices are extreamly valuable and usefull.
The only suggestion I can make is to add maps. Just simple low-detail map with reference to each place could be very helpfull.
But again, overall it is simply the best.

Rating:
Summary: fabulous books
Review: Photographing the Southwest, both volumes one and two, are absolutely wonderful. The information is accurate and completely reliable. I had occasion to call Mr. Martres with a few questions and he could not have been more helpful. He was very friendly and most knowledgeable. These books are two of the first of their kind that I felt really lived up to their advanced booking. My hat is off to Mr. Martres for the valuable service he has rendered to photographers.

Rating:
Summary: fabulous books
Review: Photographing the Southwest, both volumes one and two, are absolutely wonderful. The information is accurate and completely reliable. I had occasion to call Mr. Martres with a few questions and he could not have been more helpful. He was very friendly and most knowledgeable. These books are two of the first of their kind that I felt really lived up to their advanced booking. My hat is off to Mr. Martres for the valuable service he has rendered to photographers.

Rating:
Summary: "Off the beaten track" locations, rock art and more
Review: Photographing The Southwest, Volume 1: Southern Utah & Southwestern Colorado by experienced photographer Laurent Martres is a thorough and "user friendly" guide to the wondrous natural landscapes found in the southern regions Utah and Colorado -- especially for casual photographers looking for unforgettable scenes to capture with shutter and memory. Extensive site descriptions, black-and-white photographs, tips, tricks, techniques, and a great deal more of interest and value for both amateur and experienced natural photographers solidly pack this guide to "off the beaten track" locations, rock art, early Native American dwellings, all major national parks, monuments, state national parks. Also very highly recommended for any dedicated photographer's personal or professional reference shelf is the companion volume: Photographing The Southwest, Volume 2: Arizona & New Mexico (0916189090...).