Galen Rowell

Additional information is available in an audio report linked off of http://www.395.com/

I am without words.

A radio report can be found <a href="http://www.395.com/">here,<a/>. A truly tragic loss.

He is one of my most respected photographers. Not only his photography but also his delication to nature conservation inspires me. My sympathy goes to his and her family.

I have found inspiration in Galen's OP columns, books and photos. The world of photography will certainly awaken tomorrow all the poorer for their loss.

The FAA preliminary report...

http://www.faa.gov/avr/aai/B_0812_N.txt

Go down about mid-page.

This seemed so unbelievable that I treated it with the usual amount of skepticism that I reserve for news on the internet (and tabloids). However, it is confirmed on www.mountainlight.com - Galen Rowell's company's website. Strange how one can feel such a sense of loss over the passing of someone whom I've never even met. It is a sad day...

This is one of the most terrible pieces of news I have heard. :( I was fortunate enough to attend Galen's 3-day workshop in May this year, and to spend time with him, and also to meet Barbara a few times during the time.

I learnt more in those three days with Galen that I might have in a year on my own. His energy, enthusiasm and the sheer quality of his vision were inspiring just to watch. One time, we headed out to photograph the petroglyphs near Bishop, and had to climb a 1000 feet. Now I run 12 milers every week, but I was panting like a dog by the time I reached the top with my gear. After we had all reached the top, we noticed that one of the workshop participants was making her way back to the car, having given up trying to climb the hill. Galen said that he would carry her gear leaving her free to climb, and said "I'll be back in three minutes." It had taken me a good 15 minutes to climb the hill, so I was going "There's no way he can make it back in three minutes." Well, Galen raced down the hill, and I mean RACED, and he was at the participant's side within a minute. Turns out she wasn't interested in making the climb anyways, so Galen raced back up at a pace I didn't think possible. Including the conversation with the participant, he was back in 4 minutes! An absolutely astonishing physical specimen! :)

During the 3 days, Galen shot with us, and had no problems showing his slides during the critique sessions. Well, Galen did not have the best photos of the class in almost all the sessions, but that was the point he was trying to make - that even the most successful photographers do not always come back with a masterpiece in every shoot, and that anybody with a vision can capture a unique moment on film as good, if not better, than the masters.

For a few of the meals, Galen sat at my table, and we had some nice discussions on Tibet, the Siachin Glacier, and editorial policies at National Geographic. Galen struck me as being very, very well informed on many different subjects, but never displayed even a hint of arrogance.

The times I met Barbara, I got the impression of her being an extremely warm and friendly person. She designed the Mountain Light Gallery in both Emoryville and Bishop, and by any standards she had done a classy job - the Bishop gallery is just beautiful (the Emoryville gallery has been closed down).

Galen and Barbara will be missed dearly. Rest in Peace!

Mahesh Srinivas

My first read of Galen Rowell's classic book, "Mountain Light", sealed my interest in photography, and I have continued to learn from and enjoy both his photography and his writing. His passion for the wild spaces he brought to us, combined with his considerable energy, leave us a legacy of environmental consciousness and photographic vision. Tragic indeed.

Galen Rowell's classic book, "Mountain Light" was also one of the first photography books that I read. "Inner Game of Outdoor Photography" being the last with several in between. I admire his philosophy of life more than the merits of his great photographs.

As Bruce has noted, I too am feeling a strange loss for a man I never met. I am greatly sadden.

May their souls rest in peace!!

A very sad day for photography. I have not met Galen, but was very much influenced by his photography. I know that he is a great teacher and a man of many facets.

Chandra Kuchibhotla

Here is a link about the news from SF Chronicles .

This is such tragic news. Galen Rowell has inspired me with his stories and photos since I was in high school and became interested in wilderness adventure. Galen was not just an amazing photographer, but he was a fantastic writer as well. I would read his adventure essays over and over and over about all his crazy climbing trips to the highest mountains of the world. To me he was the embodiment of my dream life. He had recently moved to Bishop, CA, my dream town where I spend much of my time, using it as a home base while adventuring in the splendor of the magestic High Sierra. Last fall a friend and I stopped by Galen's gallery on Main St. in little 'ole Bishop and I had asked one of the gal's working there about a particular photo. It was a photo of a double waterfall in Glacier National Park. I asked her if she knew where this beautiful photo was taken. She said she didn't, but she'll run and get Galen. I'm like, "uhhh, no, that's okay, I don't wanna bother Galen, I was just curious is all". She said nonsense, that's what Galen is here for, and she went and got Galen Rowell himself. Understand that Galen is a photo god to me, and when he came up smiling to me and my friend I could hardly believe we were talkin' to him, casually, like it was nothing at all. Galen spent a good 10 minutes explaining how he had taken this photo... how he had to climb a peak and descend down some crazy ridge just to access the waterfalls, then he told how he placed his tripod in the middle of the creek and used a gnd filter and that the first time he went there he wasn't happy with the results and returned later on another trip to get the wonderful shot that's now hanging in his gallery. He was so kind, so patient, so humble. I have spent much of my lunch hour crying over this horrifically sad news. I wanted to take one of his courses, more so for the honor to spend time with him than for any technical information I would have learned. Although his life was tragically cut short, his legacy will live on and on. I never had the opportunity to meet Barbara. I will pray for their children through this extremely difficult time. I still can't believe this happened.

The man was one of my heroes. I'm to shocked to say anything else.

Galen, I did not know you but I felt like I did. Your images and words have taught me so much and will always be dear to me. May you and Barbara rest in peace.

Absolutely heartbreaking news. At least they went doing something they loved - returning from a photography workshop in the Arctic, according to AP. A tragic loss for all.

I was having dinner less than 1 hour ago when I heard the news on NBC. I'm still in shock.

Mountain Light was the book that recharged my interest in photography during a low point of my life. Since that time, I have looked forward to Galen's new images and books.

As others have said, it is very strange to feel such emotion for a person that I have never even met, but I believe that this is a testimony to the power of his images.

They will both be missed. My condolences to their families.

-Peter

I heard about it on an Olympus forum less than 10 min ago. It hasn't sunk in yet, and it will be while before it does. Though I never met him personally, I have long been an admirer of his style and work. What a tragic loss to the photographic community! I will look forward to a special edition on Galen from Popphoto.
-Tim

I'm stunned. His travels and his ability to write inspiring pieces with his photographs captured my imagination. His willingness to share and teach was a gift. His personality will be missed. His gift to us will live on.

FYI, there is now a press release on Galen's web site.

The last time I felt this way was when Lennon was shot down.... I'm speechless.....

I have read a number of his articles in OP and learned a thing or two from those enjoyable writings.I have certainly enjoyed his photographic work, and can only hope that I ever create anything as beautiful. They will be missed.

Shock and sadness...........

He gave back a lot in his books and seminars.

It was not his or Barbara's time. It's just hard to believe that such a prolific and inspirational photographer and person is gone along with Barbara, succsessful in her own right. Looking at Galen's photos was like listening to your favorite band for the first time, it just grabbed you, he was that good. In this day, when there's millions of pictures floating around, many of them outstanding, he still managed to shine through and wanted to share his ability with others freely.

You will be missed, and remembered with warmth,

Pete Chipman.

P.S. I was searching the net earlier this evening for news on the crash when I came across an "Earth Island Journal" online posting (published before the crash) in which a reader was complaining to the editor about the choice of a Galen Rowell picture that was selected for the cover of one of their issues:

"I wanted to write to you about the cover photo for the Summer '02 issue. It is colorful and eye-catching but if you look at it carefully you will see that there is something really wrong. The lighting is most unnatural. If you look at, or photograph a sunset there is no way that you will see vivid greenery in the foreground. Also there are no shadows to indicate where the light is coming from. It looks to me like the photographer pasted two pictures together taken at two different times of the day. This kind of manipulation with a computer can indeed create colorful pictures but they are unnatural like a cloned sheep or "star link" corn. In my humble opinion they detract from (and even parody) the important mission of the Earth Island Institute."

Well, as those familiar with Galen Rowell know, Galen managed to take pictures that captured light so fantastically and so skillfully that it managed to fool many (such as the person writing to Earth Island Journal) into falesly thinking that they were viewing some sort of photo trickery. What a tribute to a master!

Galen was ALL real, and managed to capture magic in nature that few others have been able to match. Time for me to get back out into the mountains in the wee morning and evening hours with the camera and wait for the colors. Thanks, Galen!

His images were so peaceful and complete. His use of colour was uncanny and it is such a shame to have clicked on the link on photo.net homepage, and then to find out he's no longer among us. Requiescat en pace.

I'm shocked, saddened, and heartbroken. This is a terrible loss for the Rowell family, friends, associates, photographers, and fans of nature and conservation.

It was Galen's work that inspired me to resume photography after many year's abstention.

It was one of Galen's archival prints that became my first acquisition of other photographers' works.

It was a chance meeting of Galen, in person, that touched me deeply when I expressed admiration of his work and his writing; he took time to chat with me about my photography and my progress as an artist.

He was a gentleman, artist, and teacher rivaled by few. He and Barbara were beautiful spirits and examples for all of us to follow in revering and protecing the environtment.

The world will be less beautiful without Galen and Barbara Rowell.

david@mavenphoto.com

May he rest in peace. He inspired so many.

I am so sad that this tragedy happened, and so happy that Galen and Barbara lived life to the fullest and have positively influenced so many in their 62 and 54 years respectively. Thanks and Peace.

i never met Galen or Barbara but i have visited their gallery many times when it was in Emoryville. His books and images were such an inpiration.

I had so much wanted to take a class for many years but could never really afford to until recently. That's when i found they had moved from Emoryville to Bishop thus not making it possible to take his class again. Now i wish i had made that extra effort.

Photography has definitely lost a great artist.

Without his inspiration, I'm not sure where I would be today. Galen has influenced my vision more that any other photographer. We can all learn from his example. He has taught us the power of color nature photography. He has shown us how much emotion can be squeezed into a single frame. He has shared selflessly the philosophies of his success. With passion for nature and purity of vision you can communicate so much.

Nature lost one of its true champions today. But through his example and teachings, Galen's influence will be everlasting.

News like this reminds me that each day is a Gift and I should use it wisely.

wow, im blown away. i discovered Galen for the first time because of one of his cover pictures for outdoor photographer and became an admirer of his work instantly after reading one of his books. he is the god of athleticism. reading him describe his adventures was enough to make my head spin and make me re-evaluate my own pictures. when i saw one opening for one of his workshops a few months ago i had an urge to sign up for it, but decided against it because of my financial aid situation and grad school. the other day i was having thoughts of signing up for one next year, man you never know when your last opportunities can pass you by for sure. peace out.

As a French climber and photographer, I had heard about Galen in mountaineering magazines and later discovered his work and website.

France will miss him - and though I have never met him, I will, too.

two rocks stand in the desert wind chuffs the sand in the scrub riffles the nest, telling the sun time to rise.

two shapes move against the lightening sky. breakfast is nothing but the air against body, windshield, wing moving forward into the day, checking the lay of the two rocks.

the two rocks see the day come sit quiescient under the noon while the endless blue eye drives the small creatures to shelter.

keep the heat while the day flees, ribbons of light following at the high vantage while the red sink of atmosphere trails into dark.

Rain graces the night once a year And seeds quicken, life flows Desert light blossoms on the mountains.

only a few will brave the shadows the world throws up between granite and film, dream and flight.

The two rocks lean close, watch the night Remembering the lovers who circled them briefly They whisper with the slow wind of eons

The eastern sky brings a light That sets flame to hearts behind glass Across a small planet.

Two rocks sit in the fleeting dawn And laugh to recognize its passage.

We have all lost something beautiful now. I think perhaps they would be best remembered by taking up the torch that was lit. Become champions of America's wild places. Do not let their work stand alone.

The world will not be less beautiful without Galen and Barbara. However, the world has lost any future insight and revelation that they would have had to offer. Others must step in to fill the huge void that they have left. The world needs quality people with communicative vision such as theirs.

They and only 2 others have been a source of boundless inspiration on my photographic journey. My vision has changed markedly after seeing the beauty that they have put together from nature.

Galen, Barbara: You will be sorely missed.

Their life and works were an inspiration.

Galen and Barbara were not just outstanding artists, they were wonderful people, helpful and sharing. We can be certain that the Lord has accepted them into His kingdom.

When I clicked on the cnn.com headline "Nature Photographers Killed In Plane Crash" my first thought was "I hope it wasn't Galen Rowell..."

My prayers be with them and their family... It's a sad day when such revered photographers and most importantly human beings pass in such tragic circumstances.

The story Peter Chipman related about Galen Rowell's photos being so beyond most people's concept of the limits of photography brings to mind this quote:

"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." --Arthur C. Clarke

Galen's study of cognitive psychology, visual perception, and the illusionistic qualities of light, combined with his love of Creation and phenomenal athletic ability allowed him to advance his photography to the level of a truly artistic magician.

You can almost imagine a life force as strong as Galen Rowell's surviving death. Certainly he has achieved immortality through his photographs. Beyond the magical quality in his work with light, many of us were captured by his accessibility. He had no secrets about his work: get up early, be ready to run and brace the camera. Sounds so easy until you try to pull off a few 4:30 mornings. An absolute inspiration as a person and a photographer. Condolences to his immediate family and the family of photography.

National Public Radio (NPR) had a piece this morning about this tragic loss, including an interview with Frans Lanting. You should be able to listen to it here: Rowell story on NPR

Galen was an extraordinary individual who built a career on being in the right place at the right time, and rarely by accident. I can only believe that he left the world he captured so beautifully by design as well.

Two hours after hearing the news I continue to feel devastated. Though I knew Galen and wife through images and the written word, I feel that I knew them personally.

Galen in particular was a constant inspiration over the years. Certainly one of the giants of our time. Together, they were an extraordinary team.

My condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends.

I wrote a few paragraphs about Galen yesterday afternoon here, about his work, his life, and how both had affected me through his photographs, his writing, and his workshops. I shall miss him greatly.

I also used to visit his gallery in Emeryville. I was impressed with the quality and vigor of his work. He showed me and others native to the San Francisco Bay Area how much natural beauty exists in our community. Like Adams, the Bay Area will miss him.

I didn't know Galen Rowell, and I never took one of his workshops, but I certainly knew enough of his work to realize what a sad day this is for photography and nature conservation. My prayers are with his family at this time, and may his work live forever. I too am one of countless thousands he inspired.

Annus Horribilis. They shall be sorely missed. May they rest in peace.

A tragic loss. Condolences to the family and friends of all who perished. It has been said that a good photograph has a message and that it can inspire for eternity. Galen has left behind a good amount of both.

I took two workshops with Galen. I ran with him a few miles early one fine spring morning in a Marin workshop. I observed his vigor and focus firsthand--not just while photographing, but in all interactions--a performance to be savored and to learn from.

The combination of Galen's deep life experiences, dignity, humbleness, passion and sense of purpose have yet to be equalled by anyone I've met. He was an able and engaging teacher. He had no pretensions and always had time for people. His wife Barbara had a special poise and charm--they were a graceful combination of souls.

Galen's combination of philosophy, photography, and physical excellence would have continued to produce outstanding contributions to the understanding, enjoyment and preservation of the natural world. While his legacy is huge, it saddens me to see this future potential disappear while in the prime of his life (even at 61!).

I will miss him deeply.

When I saw the news, it became a sad day. If only I can become 1/10 of the photographer and person he was...........

Thanks for posting this information. I saw the news on CNN while eating dinner and am in total shock. What outstanding photographers, what outstanding human beings. May their spirits live on through the millions of people's lives they have touched through their grace and generousity.

As I heard the news and read the outpouring of grief and emotion on this page, I think to myself, What else can I add? All that needed to be said about Galen and Barbara has been said. To many of us who never knew them personally, the grief is just as real, if not more so, since we never had, and never will have, the chance to do so.

Galen touched countless lives with his images and essays. Essays not just on the technical aspects of making an image, but on how to live life to the fullest, something he definitely did.

He will be very sorely missed. My thots and prayers go out to the families of all killed in that tragic crash.....

I was very surprised to hear about the Rowells' deaths. By the comments mentioned above, its plain to see the impact Galen had on the photographic world. I admired Galen's nature photographs that I've seen in various places as beautiful works of imagery. Despite the busy schedule of seminars, appointments and photographic trips, Galen and the others had an appointment that nobody is allowed to cancel: "it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27, KJV)". Every one of us has this appointment to keep without exception.

Galen's eternity is sealed but, if you're reading this, you can still alter yours. If you want to find out what this judgement is all about turn in your Bible to Revelation 20:11-15. To find out who fails at judgement time turn to the following: Revelation 21:8, Ephesians 5:5-7, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Romans 3:23, Romans 3:10, Luke 12:2-3, & Romans 6:23. To find out how to enter into God's Kingdom (far surpassing this Earth's beauty) read the following: Luke 13:3 (look up definition of Repent), John 3:3, John 3:16-18, John 14:6, Romans 10:9-11. God's desire for you: 2 Chronicles 30:9 (last portion), Jeremiah 3:12-14, Hebrews 2:17, & Matthew 9:13. (All verses taken from the KJV)

Friend and fellow photographers don't let your meeting with God be a greater shock to you than Galen's death. Clear your record with God while you still have the chance by receiving the gift that Jesus made available on the cross at calvary. Receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior and remove any doubts you have about how your judgement day will turn out. God yerns for you...

This past Sunday, I returned from a workshop led by Galen, along with wildlife photographer Frans Lanting, on a three week cruise around the Bering Sea. On Monday morning I learned the terrible news that both he and his wife Barbara had perished in the light plane bringing them home from this workshop. As many of you have already noted, few photographers have lived a life more fully, or shown us the beauty of the natural world in as profound a manner as Galen Rowell. He had remarkable energy, insight, and compassion, and was an immense source of photographic knowledge. All 35 of us who participated in what would be Galen's final workshop were inspired by his work and ideas, and all of us were shocked beyond words this week to learn of this tragedy. Ironically, Galen's wife Barbara was a pilot of a light aircraft, and she told us that she had just written a book about her adventures aloft which was due to be published shortly.

I found the Rowell's to be gracious and giving people, dedicated to sharing their art and experiences with others. All of us who love photography, and the many around the world who have simply enjoyed and learned from Galen's remarkable imagery, mourn their deaths.

The 35 students in his last workshop have been sharing their grief with each other via email over the last few days. Wilderness Travel, the company that arranged our trip to the Bering Sea and put together this remarkable three week workshop led by Galen and his friend and colleague wildlife photographer Frans Lanting on Society Expediton's "New World Discoverer", has invited us to share some of pictures we made of Galen and Barbara during what would be his final workshop. They will eventuallyappear as a memorial to Galen and Barbara on the Wilderness Travel website, www.wildernesstravel.com.

May they rest in peace.

Phil Douglis

I so much enjoyed his images, articles and books...most recently his featured work in the OP 2002 Landscape Annual; I was floored by the news. He will be sorely missed.

I heard the news on a bay area radio station in the afternoon. I came home and my wife commented on how I looked "ill." I told her my one true hero was killed in a plane wreck today.

Not Galen Rowell! she said.

may he and his wife rest in peace....

Dave

"Hero" seems like an often-misused attribute in the current world of pop culture and celebrity worship. In contrast, Galen Rowell was a true hero to me and will always remain so. He taught and inspired me through his photography and writing. I see the world differently because of his influence.

Expressing my perceived loss seems trite next to that of the people who knew and worked with Galen and Barbara personally. Lacking a fitting tribute, I would just like to add my condolences to all of the family and friends.

Sean - very, very, very, very, very gauche. Proselytizing your personal flavor of spirituality under these circumstances is dissonant with everything that Galen (and Jesus) lived for, which is what this thread is all about.

Thank you, Ed.

Galen and Barbara Rowell gone... I cannot believe it.

I am a generation younger than Galen and although I never had the chance to meet him or participate in his workshops, I felt I knew him as a result of our shared passions - climbing, the outdoors, and photography. I became first aware of Galen when he made his mark on the Yosemite climbing scene. I followed his career as he moved from that of climber; climber who takes pictures; a photographer who climbs; an adventurer and through his photography a reporter of what he experienced on his adventures; advocate for change, perspective and understanding; and finally an avidly read author, conservationist, philosopher, teacher and visionary who used his camera and words to communicate what and how he saw to so many. I also enjoyed seeing Barbara's images and hearing her voice in several aviation related publications; I avidly awaited her first book. I looked forward to seeing what the future would bring from these two active, creative and influential minds. Now these voices are gone. A sad day indeed.

Galen and Barbara - in whichever valley, mountain peak, or wild place you now find yourself, may your presence enrich those in this new surrounding as you have enriched ours here on earth.

The world has lost a human being who showed us how "nature photography has great potential" and "to celebrate the planet and turn people toward stewardship". Galen, you did it. Thank you for your inspirational art and personally I will miss your thoughts. May you and Barbara rest in peace.

I read through some of my books from Galen again and was reminded why I bought them, because I admired the way he approached photography with a higher meaning and a respect for the environment and cultures, steering people away from the common pitfalls which cloud our heads with equipment related issues. This is a huge loss to more than photography.

Well, here's another article about Galen from National Geographic by Gordon Wiltsie. I can't imagine what it must be like for this guy, he was also a close friend of Alex Lowe who was regarded as the best mtn climber in the world until he died in in an avalanche in 1999.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/08/0814_020814_rowell2.html

Very nice article with pics in today's LA Times.

http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-lv-rowell15aug15.story

Very sad news and my condolences to the friends and family of all those on the plane. My comments are an echo of those before. I didn't know Galen, but his photography and writing were a huge source of inspiration to me. On photography trips I would sit up the night before reading "Mountain Light" and then before dawn the next day I would be up, out of bed and off to a location. On trips where I couldn't carry books then Galen's ideas, philosohy and the inspiration his words provided me would be my companions. He packed a lot into his life, but I feel sure he still had a tremendous amount left to offer. I have been surprised at how deeply the death of someone I never met has affected me and I think that this is a testament to Galen's work and the person he was.

I don't know what to say. It came as such a shock on Monday. I had just returned from my own trip to Alaska, with much of the time spent in light planes, making it feel even closer to home. It saddens me that I never got the chance to meet or learn from Galen or his wife, or spent more time looking into his work before this. After reading the outpouring of grief and praise on this site, however, I know I'll be going back and learning more about the work they did, in the hopes of learning more about them and from them. What I've read here is a fitting tribute to their memory. Thank you all for sharing your thoughts.

I met him once at a slide show in Portland. The projector went on the blink. It even happens to the pros. More seriously, he has been my motivator for high technical quality, a sense of adventure, and integrity. A suggested response and tribute to Galen Rowell would be to do a special photo shoot by yourself or with a friend or two, with the idea of trying to achieve the high quality he exemplified, and reaching for that "fourth level" of photography he described in his latest column in Outdoor Photography magazine (which see).

Tragic. My main reason for buying the OP was for Galen Rowell's articles. Never met him. His articles will be a constant source of inspiration, always.

The light is gone.

May god rest their souls in peace.

When I was a young photographer 30years ago, I heard of a Galen Rowell who was lecturing at the local sierra Club meeting. I decided to go and listen. We talked briefly afterward and I was swept away by the images and the man. I joined the Sierra Club, started hiking and climbing, and most of all, began shooting nature shots. It changed the way I see the world. I always credited him for this, but didn't think about it much over the next 30 years. Last Sunday as I was heading for the Sierras, I saw a billboard advertising his gallery in Bishop. Stopping to look, I was again overwhelmed by his talent and skill. The girl at the gallery told me he would be back on Sunday and I made plans to stop by and tell him how my life evolved because of our meeting. I never got the chance. Erv Nichols

Such sad sad news. I know him only from OP and the Nikon ads. My condolences to his children, family and friends.

Wow. I can't believe I just now heard the news. I'm sitting here in my cube at work, tears in my eyes, wishing I were in Yosemite this very minute to take in the sights and sounds and beauty of life that Galen was able to enjoy. We'll miss you and Barbara, Galen. Be at peace, and rest knowing that you've had an immeasurable impact on photographers...nay, human beings, everywhere.

I have no words, this news is too shocking. There is a story in The Inyo Register, a local paper, that has a photo of the wreckage.

August 13, 2002 http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=5039645&BRD=2270&PAG=461&dept_id=468891&rfi=6

August 16, 2002 http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=5072981&BRD=2270&PAG=461&dept_id=468891&rfi=6

My condolences to the families of those who died in the crash.

I'm one of Galen Rowell's admirers. When people say landscape photography, his name and Ansel Adams comes to my mind. He did in color what Ansel Adams did for black & white landscape photography.

What is most important to me is that he inspired me to go out there to take pictures. I'd pack my camera bag with just a Nikon FE along with the 24mm and 75-105mm lens, and of course the graduadted ND filters. I'd go back excited from the shots upon returning from the hike. However, the photos never really came close to the same standards as his. But, that was not really the important thing for me. It was about setting a goal of shooting like Galen Rowell and working towards it. It was also about the hike, and the appreciation I get being in touch with nature. In some cases, I'd see nature the way he would have photographed it.

Those experiences I will always remember, and so with Galen Rowell and his work.

Galen, You led me to light. Thanks. Mike Banks.

although this thread is a few years old; I want to add something here that I hope brings a new dimension. I was not aware of Galen Rowell until a few days ago when I accidentally typed cnn.com in the photo.net search box and this came up. I read this thread and was suprised by the outpouring of emotion. I looked into the life of Rowell (and his wife) and discovered I was familiar with some of his images.

I have now read most of the articles on his company site (taken from outdoor photography mag) and I have read up here and there. A remarkable person; with remarkable energy. Truly inspiring;

thanks everyone for sharing their thoughts and introducing me to the Rowell's and the knowledge they have left out in the world for me to discover.

James Jones
photographyri.com