Galen Rowell (1940-2002) was a pioneering mountain climber turned adventure and landscape photographer. Born and raised in Berkeley, California, Rowell was at the forefront of the 1960's climbing revolution in Yosemite Valley and beyond. His climbing talent led to a National Geographic assignment in 1972 which landed Rowell the front cover. That kickstarted his legendary career which spanned several genres.
In addition to being a renowned world adventurer, Galen Rowell in latter years focused on more traditional landscape photography in his own unique style. With a move fast and interactive style of photography, Rowell coined his style as "Participatory Photography". The photographer is not just a passive observer in this style but an active participant in combining the elements in a photo together that wouldn't have happened if not for pre-visualization.
In the early 2000's, Galen and his wife, Barbara, relocated their San Francisco Bay Area office and gallery to the small Eastern Sierra town of Bishop, California. Located in a former bank building, the Mountain Light Gallery was an ideal venue to showcase Rowell's best work. I had the pleasure of visiting the Mountain Light Gallery several times over the years and easily spent over an hour in there each time. A notable point about Galen Rowell prints is that they were made from 35mm slide film. Photo prints from 35mm are not common due to the small size of the film and noticeable grain when blown up to exhibit print size. After initially utilizing traditional photographic print processes, Rowell discovered digital printing (continuous tone Lightjet prints on Fuji Crystal Archive paper) in the 1990's which is what the bulk of the prints at Mountain Light Gallery consisted of.
Galen and Barbara Rowell tragically passed away in a plane crash just outside of Bishop in 2002. Mountain Light Gallery carried on for another 15 years before closing up in late 2017. I had the pleasure of purchasing a large Galen Rowell print prior to the gallery's closing and this print now hangs in my home office. Galen Rowell was my photography idol and one of the main inspirations for me.
Famous Galen Rowell Prints
- Rainbow Over The Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet (1981) - While leading a workshop in Tibet, Galen Rowell spotted a rainbow developing off in the distance. He saw an opportunity to line the rainbow up with the famed, Potala Palace, so he ran for a mile at extremely high altitude in order to line the rainbow up with the palace. This was the model example of what "participatory photography" is all about.
- Split Rock and Cloud, Eastern Sierra, California (1976) - The Eastern Sierra is known for the lenticular clouds in the afternoon. This particular lenticular cloud took on the shape of a UFO so Rowell drove around dirt roads until he was able to find a suitable foreground subject to pair the cloud with. This iconic photo became the cover of his best-selling book, "Mountain Light".
- Clearing Storm Over El Capitan, Yosemite, California (1973) - There are an infinite amount of El Capitan photos that have been done but Galen Rowell's Clearing Storm Over El Capitan is the best rendition that I have ever seen. None really come close.
- Last Light on Horsetail Fall, Yosemite, California (1973) - The now-famous annual Horsetail Fall phenomenon was popularized by Rowell in the early 1970's. This Galen Rowell print is arguably still the best photo of this scene even today. There's something to be said for creating with original artist vision vs. copying someone else's vision.
- Porters at Concordia, Karakoram, Himalaya, Pakistan (1975) - From the failed American expedition attempt of K2, this photo showed an interesting contrast between unexplored wilderness and human encroachment. This scene is no longer pristine wilderness as it has since been developed. Let this be a reminder that there is an environmental toll to human exploration.
Galen Rowell Prints For Sale
I get contacted from time to time by Galen Rowell collectors who are looking to sell their limited edition prints or seeking an appraisal for the artwork. I have no financial interest here nor the owner of these prints but I've agreed to share them here in case anyone is interested in purchasing the artwork. Please contact me if interested and I can put you in touch with the seller.
- The daughter of Dr. Robert Schaller (one of Rowell's expedition climbing
partners and friends) reached out to me in regards to selling a limited edition
set of the world's 12 highest mountains that she had inherited from her
now-deceased parents. Each print comes with a signed certificate of authenticity by Galen
Rowell and is numbered 7/50. The set is accompanied by a personal letter
written to Schaller's wife. The asking price is $6,950 and I believe has been professionally appraised.
Galen Rowell Limited Edition Set: World's 12 Highest Mountains
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
- An art collector who splits his time between Sonoma, California and Rapid City, South Dakota, is looking to sell Galen Rowell's famous "Rainbow Over The Potala Palace" print #278/300. The print is 20"x30". He is also looking to sell his "Last Light on Horsetail Fall" print #157/300. Potala Palace was Rowell's best selling print which has long since sold out, while Horsetail Fall was arguably his most influential photo.
Galen Rowell's Rainbow Over The Potala Palace Print'
Galen Rowell's Last Light on Horsetail Fall Print
Thoughts About Galen Rowell Limited Edition Photography Prints
Galen Rowell's website is no longer active so it appears that the only way to acquire his prints these days is on the aftermarket. Some of the prints are priced modestly as well so they can be a bargain in my opinion. The more rare prints however can command at least a five-figure price tag. If you're interested in purchasing or selling a Galen Rowell print then I would suggest looking at sites like eBay or Invaluable.
If you're looking for something a little bit different, then consider purchasing my fine art landscape photography and nature photography prints. Galen Rowell was a big influence on me but our styles of photography are quite different. I'm more into making unique interpretations of accessible scenes and locations whereas Rowell was more into mountain adventure and climbing. Some of my top photos were made at the local beach down the street from my home for example. An artist doesn't necessarily need to travel to the ends of the earth to make meaningful art.
