What on Earth is Down Window?!
What it is, technically, is a publishing company, and it's
made up of just two individuals. But it is also a beginning
-- the name represents how The
Islands of San Francisco Bay book really
got moving.
To preface -- James and I (click photos at below left for bios)
are "big-time" rock-climbers,
as well as photographers. We're also explorers, roaming
around like curious kids fascinated by... pretty much anything.
It's great not
to 'grow up' in some ways.
On a long return trip after photographing Yosemite and Bodie,
we took Sonora Pass as an alternate route home. The truck
was struggling to make the pass, and using the air conditioning
to defrost the windows after the rain wasn't helping its sluggishness
at 9,000 feet elevation! With the rain no longer falling,
one of us had the bright idea to roll the windows down ...and
things have never been the same.
The air was unbelievably fresh, and what transpired after the
windows were down was about 15 minutes of frantic remarking
at the wonderful aroma, as well as repeated questions why
we
"didn't roll them down earlier?!". (Drenched conifers
and granite beats Febreeze any day, hands down.) We continued
our characteristically endless chatter after the pleasant
aromatic shock settled, and James began talking about his
long-dreamt book project on the Islands of the Bay.
Something about all that oxygen rushing in through down windows,
he asked if I'd design his book.....
My initial response was something akin to: "dude,
I don't know how to do a freakin' book." James'
response:
"well, I mean, you're good with computers and I need
someone to design everything". The fact was that
I was never trained in photography or web design either,
but I had still built both a portfolio and a website
for my photos. Another fact was, and is, a guiding tenet of
life: if someone else can do something, why can't you?
Weeks later, I accepted, and so began the truly enriching partnership
that comprises Down Window Press.
Everything in this Press company started with James' initial
vision, and his tremendous drive. His and my collaboration
to produce something people will value and share with others
is what we hope you will take away from each page of The
Islands of San Francisco Bay. --
mtl
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