Learn Where and How to Photograph the Scenic Beauty of the American West

US Route 89 is called America’s most scenic highway for good reasons. National parks and monuments are just the beginning. Miles and miles of two-lane highway pass through landscapes ranging from lush desert to rocky plateaus and towering mountains.

My new guidebook introduces photographers to the wonders photographing along US Route 89. I have logged over 20,000 miles between Mexico and Canada to discover both well-known and off-the-beaten-path places to photograph. The book describes these locations, illustrated with photographs and captions that detail where, when and why the photos were shot. By looking over my shoulder the reader will gain insight into the making of landscape and nature photographs.

The e-book is for:

  • Beginning to advanced travel photographers who want to improve their craft.
  • Anyone looking for outstanding places to photograph in the American West.
  • Photographers seeking little-known locations away from the crowds.
  • Anyone planning a road trip on US Route 89.
  • Those who enjoy landscape and nature photography.

“Amazing photographs. The descriptions and especially the history were very educational and well done.” Doug Groppenbacher

“Just downloaded your new e-book. Impressive! The narrative was just long enough to not be boring. Lots of good information as to why you took the pictures and at the different times of day.” Ron Melancon

“I think this eBook is well done and dividing the route into three geographical zones is smart, logical and makes this more than a park or monument guide…but a comprehensive…continuous guide to the variety and beauty found along this route. Sometimes I think people get real focused on the end-destination rather then the whole trip from home and back. This emphasizes the whole tour. Linking the various opportunities along the road is something I think many people have forgotten about. The small towns, museums, and out-of-the way visual attractions are too easily by-passed on the efficient but bland interstate. A book such as this could spark the thought of linking points of interest rather than just hell-for-bent driving to a single spot.” Randy Schaffer

“Thank you for US 89 Photography Guide. I have been on much of US 89, and I am truly enjoying your guide. Excellent work!” Gerald Mcilvain

“Being a regular visitor to Arizona, and a very amateur photographer, I have a particular interest in trying to convey the feel of the desert, mountains, the overall terrain of the southwest. Sometimes I succeed. You have a real talent for it. I particularly like the geology overview you give. It is of assistance in orienting yourself as to what to expect on your travels.” Georgeann Vleck

“Your new e-book is a great addition to the saga of route U.S. 89. Beautiful pictures and very good narrative. I highly recommend the book to anyone with an interest in the mountain west but particularly those planning to explore route 89.” Doug Taylor

“I think that the book as a whole will do the job of inspiring people to seek out and travel US 89 – it has me…The photographs are stunning and I liked the off the beaten track tips about where and when to get shots. I particularly liked the pictures of Glacier and Grand Teton parks—a real sense of space and a chilling, brooding quality.” Steve Tippell

You’ll learn insider tips about photographing along US Route 89 as you travel through these landscapes:

  • The Basin and Range of Arizona filled with desert vegetation against a backdrop of jagged mountains. The journey here includes Spanish missions, Saguaro National Park and off the beaten path treks to the Tumacácori Highlands and the Red Rocks of Sedona.
  • The Colorado Plateau of Arizona and Utah is a series of horizontal rock strata marked by colorful sheer cliffs. The rocks are shaped by wind and water into fantastical forms and enormous canyons giving the photographer an endless variety of places to shoot including Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks.
  • The Rocky Mountains of Wyoming and Montana are an iconic landscape including Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. The challenge for a photographer is to find a unique vision of these often photographed places.

The e-book displays 30 photographs along with the story of where, when and why I made each one. Here’s a sample photo page:

US Route 89 Photographer's Guide Vermillon Cliffs Photo Page

The book is formatted for the computer screen. You can easily download and read it in any PDF reader.

Border to Border on US Route 89: A photographer’s guide to America’s most scenic highway is ready for you to download for just $7.

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About the Author:

James Cowlin started his career as a photographer 40 years ago when he moved to Phoenix, Arizona, and opened a commercial studio. He began traveling around Arizona to photograph the landscape. His work was rewarded with an Arizona Artist’s Fellowship which he used to fund a month backpacking and documenting the length of the Verde River. Since then he has produced several portfolios of photographs from all corners of the state. For twelve years, he spent as much time as possible at the Grand Canyon and in 2006 was included in a book and exhibition celebrating 125 years of Grand Canyon photography entitled Lasting Light.

Ten years ago, Cowlin started working on his current project on US Route 89 between Mexico and Canada. In 2007 he closed his commercial business in order to work full-time on fine art nature and landscape photography. He has now logged over 20,000 miles on highway 89 photographing in well-known scenic locations and discovering many hidden gems along the way.

To view galleries of his fine art photographs and purchase prints, go to James Cowlin Photographs.