About.com’s State & National Parks portal has written a great feature on the book as well as providing some useful information about several of the parks featured in the book. The article delves into Ian Shive’s beginnings as a photographer in Montana and the culmination of his career thus far in the book. Click here to read the story.
Tonight I read a review of my book that – on a whole, felt pretty good. It was written by Kyle Wagner of the Denver Post. You can read it here. In the piece, Ms. Wagner made mention of something that has been a common topic of conversation – not only in the numerous interviews I’ve given – but in many of the lectures and book signings I’ve given. That subject is digital alteration and while Ms. Wagner falls just short of actually calling it that, she did label some of my photos in the book, including one of the opening spreads of Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, Utah, as “unnatural” in it’s contrast and saturation. One must wonder how well the book was reviewed as an entire page in the book was dedicated to discussing the strong use of color as well as my techniques for capturing it.
Since I was never invited to an interview by Ms. Wagner, I couldn’t comment or discuss this topic with her, however I’ve decided to post a graphic of my entire digital capture that evening in Arches National Park. As you can see, I stayed out until the very last of the winter light hit the arch. At first the color was boring – perhaps what many editors are accustomed to seeing. But as the clouds, haze and last light of the day moves in – you can clearly see the colors becoming more vibrant, full of shadow and contrast and truthfully – seemingly unnatural. It is exactly this reason why I spend so many late, late hours in the parks, often photographing far beyond sunset. It’s because I realize that almost always I’m out there alone, cold, tired but patient and unrelenting in capturing something that so many people miss because they pack it in early. I’m there to bring these spectacular colors that are natural into your home. As always, I’m happy to share my RAW files with anyone to share the moment as purely as it comes so you, too, can see what I saw that night and know that it wasn’t adjusted or faked or “unnatural.”
The final, circled frame was what was used in the book. Click the graphic below (screengrab from adobe bridge) to see a larger version of how the nights light took shape.
Ian Shive’s photography assignment is a featured story in the Fall 2009 issue of National Parks magazine, the member benefit magazine of the National Parks Conservation Association. The story follows along the trail of the Kentucky/Tennessee National Parks such as Cumberland Gap, Mammoth Caves and Big South Fork. Sign up today for the magazine and be sure to get your copy to read this feature.
The story is written by Amy Leinbach Marquis who also has an essay in Ian’s new book, The National Parks: Our American Landscape
On Monday morning’s Good Day Sacramento on The CW, Ian Shive joined the three morning hosts to discuss his new book as well as go on an impromptu photo shoot with them! Watch the clips below:
I’m excited to be heading up to the San Francisco Bay Area to discuss and share my new book, The National Parks: Our American Landscape
Saturday, September 26
2:00pm – 3:00pm - Borders Union Square Book signing and presentation
400 Post Street between Mason and Powell, San Francisco, CA 94102
Sunday, September 27
2:00-3:00pm – Borders San Rafael Book signing
588 Francisco Blvd. San Rafael, CA 94901
Monday, September 28
8:30am – Live TV interview with Good Day Sacramento – CBS/CW
12:00pm – The Hornet Book Store Signing @ Cal State University Sacramento
6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819
Lonely Planet Magazine’s August 2009 issue calls The National Parks: Our American Landscape
The National Parks: Our American Landscape
Don’t know where to buy the book? Click right here and buy it online for over 30% off cover price and expedited shipping!
The National Parks: Our American Landscape
Sample pages:
This past Wednesday was a great night as my new book, The National Parks: Our American Landscape
If you enjoy the best in California wines and the nightlife of New York City, then join me at a cocktail hour and book launch party at Su Casa in NYC this coming Wednesday from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. Deep Sea wine from Conway Family Vineyards will be poured as we lead up to the book signing at Barnes & Noble Greenwich Village at 7:30. Details below, be sure to RSVP to events@youareonthelist.com. Hope to see you there!
