Gary Crabbe - Photographing California - Vol. 1: North: A Guide to the Natural Landmarks of the Golden State

Mount Shasta & rural highway

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Its been said by some that California should be split up into two states, Northern California and Southern California. With all political leanings aside, Ive frankly found myself agreeing on more than one occasion with those who would espouse dividing this great state in half. So with a slightly gleeful twinkle in my eye, Im delighted to present this book as if Northern California were its own state. Fortunately this book is presented as part of a series, which includes a unique title dealing with photographing Southern California, so no one needs to worry about missing out on anything this great state has to offer.

Having grown up, lived, and gone to school here for most of my life, I feel I can say with some authority that Northern California is as much about a state of mind as it is a state of place. The history and diversity of its people and culture mirror the diversity and beauty of its topographical features and natural wonders. From the hallowed cathedrals of quiet redwood forests, to the eternal rolling of ocean waves on coastal beaches, to the glistening granite peaks of the Sierra as they reach ever skyward, Northern California is a magnet for photographers, enticing each of them with visions of grandeur waiting to be captured.

Since Ive been the principal photographer on six books about California, I figured the best way to share my love of the state and my experience would be to present this book as if it were one grand photo tour. Well start our journey along the coast south of San Francisco, and work our way northwards toward the Oregon border. From there, we will travel south through the great Sacramento Valley before turning eastward toward the Sierra and its crown jewel, Yosemite National Park.

I also want to take a moment to make clear what this book is not; it is not a comprehensive travel guide, nor is it going to be a comprehensive photographic guide. There is just no way to list all of the possible places where nice photos can be taken throughout this part of the state. The emphasis of this book is on the great natural history and landmarks of the state. On occasion I will be including certain non-natural elements which I feel would be of significant interest or importance related to the traveling outdoor & nature photographer. My goal in sharing this information with you is that you use this book as a source of information and inspiration as you research and seek out your own personal visions. I understand some photographers may use the images in this book as a blueprint to go out and make similar images, i.e. what many might call the trophy shot. I always encourage photographers to seek out the greatest reward by following their own inner vision and not just trying to mimic an image theyve seen printed in a magazine or a book. Certainly this book and the images presented here, along with those that you find in your other areas of research are, and should be, a great starting point. However, my recommendation at the outset to treat this book and the information contained herein like a compass that steers you in a general direction, not like a mapping program which clearly dictates a route saying you must take A then B then C then D. As with any great journey, be informed, be prepared, be responsive, and be flexible. Remember, no matter what, the journey is its own reward.