The title was aptly selected as this is Dykinga's own vision of a land that many photographers, tourists and even those who reside in this state will never see, even though they may walk in the same locations. It isn't just the use of light or Dykinga's ability to compose. It is his true love for this place that he effectively conveys in his images that leave the viewer so emotionally attached to his work. Only someone who truly has an emotional connection with a subject can convey the beauty and stir such feelings as is done in this extraordinary photographic compilation.

Whether it's the cover image with gorgeous light shining down from the heavens on the rugged terrain of Arizona or Dykinga's image of the colorful fragile poppies taken at the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, the viewer wants to see more, see it up close and in person. I doubt that any photographer can view this book and not instantly begin dreaming of visiting this robust land to make an attempt to capture the same beauty seen in these images.

Each image in this book is a photographic lesson. They challenge the photographer to look beyond the obvious, to see with your heart and use your mind both technically and creatively to "make a photograph". They all have the same Dykinga style: simple, pure and perfect.

Many times when viewing books I find myself mesmerized by the images, and the text leaves me disappointed. This was far from the case with the accompanying text in this book. Dykinga's personality comes through as clearly in this writing as it does in his images. It was refreshing to read of his experiences in the field while he was visiting the places in this book. His writing gives insight to his love of Arizona, his personality and his sense of humor.

Having been an admirer of Dykingas' work for many years, I had high expectations even before I opened this newest book. This artist has always had a knack for showing the southwest in a creatively unique and beautiful style. Jack Dykinga's Arizona is simply his vision of the beauty he observes there. Dykinga is one of the few photographers of this day that can use film to show us what he sees. This book far exceeded my expectations of what this artist could do. As I closed the back cover, I felt a wonderful new challenge to increase my own photographic abilities and perhaps attempt to follow in the footsteps of this master of the craft.

Editor's Comment: Let us know what you think! Please email the Editor to let us know your thoughts.