Backpacker Magazine November 2009 Cover
Posted onThe November issue of Backpacker is coming out and I have the cover for the 2nd time this year! I photographed these petroglyphs 4 years ago in Saguaro National Park in Arizona. I lived in Tucson from 1990-95 while studying at the University of Arizona (I have a BS in Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering, in case anyone wants to know), and while I was a student I spent a lot of time hiking & bike riding in this part of the Tucson Mountains, though I never visited these glyphs. I have been to this location several times while visiting the last 9 years and this is the nicest morning that I photographed.
Beautiful image! I actually lived in Phoenix for 4 years and somehow never made it to Saguaro NP. I have a road trip coming up that’ll bring back down to the area so I’m hoping to make it there once and for all. Either way you’ve definitely got me inspired to!
Great image Jon. Glad to see you are rockin’ the editorial uses. Keep up the great work!
Note-I (Jon) am posting this wonderful compliment that Guy emailed me last month. He sent this message to Backpacker after seeing my image as a potential cover. Guy’s generosity as a photographer matches the beauty of his own work.
As of a few minutes ago, I am once again a subscriber to Backpacker after a long hiatus. I wanted to share with you my reasons for renewing, and for previously discontinuing my subscription. At the time I felt as though Backpacker had lost its way. Like other fine publications, it felt like you were fast becoming yet another catalog in disguise, targeted at those who drive spotless shiny SUVs and wear brand-name outdoor gear on “casual Friday”, rather than those of us who backpack for the love and the spirit of the outdoors. I remember being particularly peeved when you ran a story about global warming preceded by an advertisement for a V8 urban assault vehicle (brand escapes me).
So what changed my mind?
I don’t quite recall how I got to be on the advisory panel which asks me periodically to offer feedback on cover designs, stories, and headlines. At first I thought this was an attempt to placate me as a reader, but it became clear to me that my feedback actually seemed to make a difference.
Among the recent covers I was asked to review, one stood out from the rest – an image of majestic natural beauty. The kind of place I would hike for miles to get to, mosquitoes and blisters be damned, just for the chance to experience a moment such as the one portrayed. I did not know at the time that this image was made by fellow photographer Jon Cornforth. Earlier today I heard from Jon that his image will be the next cover, and I knew it was time to become a paid subscriber once again. Thank you for keeping true to your mission!
That’s terrific, Jon – congratulations!
– Jack
Weird… I have a degree in engineering. Maybe there is something in the wiring with engineers and photography.