Essick

In 1938, Ansel Adams published Sierra Nevada: The John Muir Trail, a limited edition book of 50 photographs. The book documented the stark beauty of the Sierra wilderness, helped in the creation of Kings Canyon National Park, and launched the career of the now legendary photographer and environmentalist. After Adams' death in 1984, the Minaret Wilderness, where Adams took many of the photographs in his landmark book, was renamed in honor of this visionary figure in nature photography and wilderness preservation.

The landmark Wilderness Act of 1964, which marks its 50th anniversary in 2014, was the realization of a dream for Adams and other conservationists. As a result, we now have 110 million acres of protected wilderness in the United States.

A native Californian with a lifetime appreciation for California's High Sierra treasure – the Ansel Adams Wilderness – led National Geographic photographer Peter Essick to create this series of extraordinary photographs. Essick states, "Throughout my career, my photographs have embodied meaning related to the time and effort that went into their making. This new landscape series holds even deeper significance for me, as the images connect intrinsically to my memories of being alone with my camera in a place as rare and spectacular as the Ansel Adams Wilderness. They also are reminders of what an inspiring presence Ansel Adams has been for me and so many other photographers."

Essick's reverence for this untrammeled wilderness –and for the renowned photographer for whom the territory was named – radiates from every image within this stunning exhibition. These images illuminate the majesty of mountain peaks, deep lakes, alpine trees and changing weather. In short, the solitude and striking beauty of uninhibited land unique for its geological qualities.

Essick continues, "My goals for my new book, The Ansel Adams Wilderness, were to celebrate the same wilderness values that Adams did with his publication over 75 years ago, while also adding my personal interpretation in the digital age."


Peter Essick (born 1957) was recently named one of the 40 most influential nature photographers in the world by Outdoor Photography magazine. He has been a frequent contributor to National Geographic magazine for 25 years. Essick has traveled extensively over the last two decades making photographs that move beyond mere documentation to reveal in careful compositions the human impact of development as well as the enduring power of the land.

Essick has a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Southern California and a master's degree in photojournalism from the University of Missouri. He has won many journalistic awards and his photographs have been exhibited throughout the United States and in Europe. He is the author of two books; Our Beautiful, Fragile World and The Ansel Adams Wilderness. He lives in Stone Mountain, GA with his wife and son.