13 Facts About Galen Rowell

Galen Avery Rowell was an American wilderness photographer, adventure photojournalist and mountaineer.

Galen Rowell began taking pictures on excursions into the wild so that he could share his experiences with friends and family.

In 1972, Galen Rowell sold his small automotive business and became a full-time photographer.

The story originated from an invitation by fellow photographer Dewitt Jones to help him on an assignment, when Jones was called away and Galen Rowell suggested an ascent of Yosemite National Park's Half Dome that he documented by himself.

Galen Rowell won the Ansel Adams Award for Conservation Photography in 1984.

Galen Rowell had numerous photographic assignments for Life, National Geographic, Outdoor Photographer, and various other publications.

Galen Rowell was a highly regarded writer on subjects ranging from photography, humanitarian and environmental issues, human visual cognition, and mountaineering, publishing numerous magazine articles and eighteen books in his lifetime.

Galen Rowell was particularly keen on seeking out and photographing optical phenomena in the natural world.

Galen Rowell referred to his landscape photographs as "dynamic landscapes," due to both the fast-changing nature of light and conditions and his energetic pursuit of the best camera position at the optimal moment.

Galen Rowell conceived a technical approach of extending the dynamic range captured on film.

Galen Rowell developed a set of graduated neutral density filters produced by filter manufacturer Singh-Ray.

Galen Rowell mastered the technique of using balanced fill flash, allowing him to subtly lighten the deepest shadows to match the relatively narrow dynamic range of color reversal film.

Galen Rowell was not certified for carrying passengers at night at the time of the accident.