Visions of Paradise: American Wilderness

Visions of Paradise: American Wilderness is a singular, timeless publication-a photographic tour de force celebrating the extraordinary majesty and rich legacy of America's wild places, as seen through the eyes of one of the country's foremost wilderness photographers, Jon Ortner, and conveyed through the transcendent medium of black-and-white film. Ortner has always been fascinated with the natural world, particularly as an avid hiker in the American wilderness. This luxurious book collects in a large format his inspiring landscape images, forming a passionate tribute to the American wilderness. In this sensational portfolio of 250 black-and-white images, Ortner has rediscovered and reinterpreted the compelling beauty of many of his most cherished wilderness locations with remarkable portrayals of their sublime, dramatic, tranquil, and transcendent aspects. Join Ortner as he guides us through his visions of paradise. AUTHOR: One of the world's leading nature and scenic photographers, Jon Ortner is the acclaimed author of seven internationally published fine-art books on such wide-ranging topics as the icons and architecture of Manhattan, the beauty of the human form, the sacred places and people of Southeast Asia, and the landscapes and geological wonders of the American Southwest. Ortner was born in Great Neck, on the north shore of Long Island. Throughout his youth he was fascinated with insects, plants and animals and became an avid naturalist and wilderness hiker. He continued his studies in ecology, eastern philosophy, and photography during his university years. In 1978, he moved to Manhattan to start a commercial photo studio with his wife and business partner, Martha McGuire. They divide their time between exotic locations around the world and assignments for corporate clients. Ortner's photography and stories have been published in numerous magazines such as National Geographic, Outdoor Photographer, Travel & Leisure, GEO, and Architectural Digest. SELLING POINTS: . Adorned with glorious images that capture the majesty of America's wild places, this magnificent volume celebrates the unique legacy and beauty of these breathtaking and sacred lands . Compelling introduction by Jon Ortner, with personal insights into each region of American wilderness selected . Beautifully presented with thoughtful craftsmanship, the stunning images (including three generously sized gatefolds) are coated in glossy spot varnish to enhance the vibrancy of the tones, while the linen cloth cover underneath the jacket adds to the luxurious feel of the book

Table of Contents:
8 Introduction Jon Ortner 12 Foreword Michael Ernest Sweet 14 Yosemite 44 Californian Redwoods 64 Vermilion Cliffs 84 Glacier 124 Canyonlands and Monument Valley 152 Hudson Valley Mountains 176 Bryce and Zion 204 Death Valley and Inyo Bristlecones 224 Capitol Reef and Cedar Breaks 252 Yellowstone 303 Acknowledgments 304 Index of images 311 Equipment List

About the Author :
One of the world’s leading nature and scenic photographers, Jon Ortner is the acclaimed author of seven internationally published fine-art books on such wide-ranging topics as the icons and architecture of Manhattan, the beauty of the human form, the sacred places and people of Southeast Asia, and the landscapes and geological wonders of the American Southwest. Ortner was born in Great Neck, on the north shore of Long Island. Throughout his youth he was fascinated with insects, plants and animals and became an avid naturalist and wilderness hiker. He continued his studies in ecology, eastern philosophy, and photography during his university years. In 1978, he moved to Manhattan to start a commercial photo studio with his wife and business partner, Martha McGuire. They divide their time between exotic locations around the world and assignments for corporate clients. Ortner’s photography and stories have been published in numerous magazines such as National Geographic, Outdoor Photographer, Travel & Leisure, GEO, and Architectural Digest.

Review :
"The 230 beautifully rendered black & white images in the book provide a compelling tour of America’s wild places and national parks, from Yosemite and Yellowstone to Death Valley and Utah’s Canyonlands to the Hudson Valley in New York and beyond." - Black + White Photography "Jon’s achievements as an artist, scholar, and adventurer are especially reflective of a life committed to passionately exploring the wonders and treasures of the natural world, these are reflected in his most recent international fine art publication presented here, Visions of Paradise: American Wilderness." - The Eye Photography """For Jon Ortner, earning it meant years of hiking through rugged landscapes, braving extreme weather, and navigating some of the most remote corners of America. Each photograph in Visions of Paradise is the result of physical endurance, careful planning, and a deep connection to the land."" ""From towering redwoods in California to the remote canyons of Utah, his work shows us not just what these places look like, but what they feel like to those who dare to go."" ""His use of black-and-white photography adds another layer, stripping away distractions and focusing on the raw forms and textures of nature. But why does this matter? Because these are the places that remind us what it means to be human—connected to something bigger, more enduring than ourselves.""" - About Photography Author has written a piece which featured Visions of Paradise for Shadow & Light Magazine - Shadow & Light Magazine "Visions of Paradise: American Wilderness is a singular, timeless publication—a photographic masterpiece celebrating the extraordinary majesty and rich legacy of America’s wild places, as seen through the eyes of one of the country’s foremost wilderness photographers, Jon Ortner, and conveyed through the transcendent medium of black-and-white film."" ""Ortner’s use of black-and-white film and large-format cameras for Visions of Paradise unveils the true essence of the natural world. By peeling away color, he forces us to immerse ourselves more deeply and see anew America’s breathtaking sites through the purified language of light and shadow, form and texture, shape and pattern. These rare, distinctive photographs are further enhanced with informative essays that provide a window onto the scene and its artist-observer.""" - VIE Magazine