Rowell, Galen. "Roofs of the World: Galen Rowell shares his 'down-to-earth' techniques...

... to bring home sky-high mountain photography, from 'California's Sierras to Nepal and Tibet,'" by Steven Werner, in Outdoor Photographer, June 1985.  Premier issue of magazine, article on pages 24-31, 68-69, 73. [Extensive interview with Galen Rowell (1940-2002), one of the great mountain photographers before his untimely death, illustrated with color photographs. Entire issue of magazine, 74 pages. Also includes article with photographs of wild animals by Leonard Lee Rue III, characterized as "the foremost wildlife photographer," with text by Rue. Very good with minor signs of use, no marks.  

Galen Rowell (1940–2002) was an American wilderness photographer, adventure photojournalist, mountaineer, and author who pioneered the concept of "participatory" landscape photography. Raised in Oakland, California, Rowell began climbing mountains in his youth and sold his automotive business in 1972 to become a full-time photographer, quickly landing high-profile assignments for National Geographic. Known for his energetic approach to capturing dynamic natural light and atmospheric optical phenomena, he favored lightweight 35mm cameras on demanding expeditions across the globe, including Yosemite, the Himalayas, and the polar regions. Rowell authored 18 books—including the influential photography guide Mountain Light (1986) and In the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods (1977)—and received the Ansel Adams Award for Conservation Photography in 1984 for his environmental and advocacy work. He and his wife, Barbara, tragically died in a plane crash in 2002 near their home in Bishop, California, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the definitive outdoor photographers of the late 20th century.

The premier issue of Outdoor Photographer (June 1985) marked the launch of a groundbreaking publication dedicated entirely to nature, travel, and wilderness photography. Founded by Steve Werner, the debut issue sought to merge the technical world of camera gear with the spirit of outdoor adventure.

The highlight of the issue is a comprehensive, nine-page interview with legendary wilderness photographer and mountaineer Galen Rowell, conducted by founder Steve Werner.

• The Archetypal Reader: Werner chose Rowell as the debut feature because he perfectly embodied the magazine's target audience—a "fairly even blend of outdoorsman and photographic artist." Rowell’s elite athleticism allowed him to take a camera where traditional landscape photographers could not go.

• Participatory Photography: The interview explores Rowell's signature philosophy of "participatory photography" and his pursuit of the "dynamic landscape." He discusses capturing fleeting, dramatic natural light by physically running to align his compositions.

• Equipment Philosophy: At a time when serious landscape photography was dominated by heavy, large-format cameras, Rowell advocated for the use of lightweight, 35mm SLR systems. This allowed him to remain mobile, fast, and unburdened during strenuous mountain expeditions.

Launching a Legacy

The success of this premier issue solidified a lifelong partnership between Rowell and the magazine. It launched his highly popular, long-running column "Photo Adventure," which he later used as the building blocks for his seminal photography books. The debut established the publication as the definitive voice for a new generation of active, environmentally conscious field photographers.