Travel guidebook needs a cover photo
I’ve been sorting through hundreds of photos that I took while traveling throughout Arizona to research my book. I now have to pick 10 to send to my publisher for cover photo ideas. I’m mentally fatigued and could use your help in deciding which photo to recommend as the final pick. I have nine already in a file.
Of the three photos I’ve copied below, which would you think represents an Arizona backroads guidebook? Keep in mind that I’m writing about places you won’t see in Arizona, unless you get on some back roads to get there.
If you’ll help me pick this final choice, I’ll put your name in a drawing to win a free bottle of aromatherapy pillow spray from The Westin Kierland Resort. The lavender scent comes in a little blue bottle with a copper satin pouch.
To respond, post your comment as follows (photos are in a-b-c order):
a) Aravaipa Canyon Trail
b) Prescott Lake Trail
c) Young Windmill
Thanks for your help.
(Photos used with permission by Jackie Dishner.)
14 Comments
By the way, the deadline for the drawing is December 21.
Without seeing what you’ve picked for the other nine pics, I would vote for c), the Young Windmill. Why? Because it’s the most unexpected.
Hi, Jackie,
I’m leaning towards the canyon trail photo first (letter a), and then the windmill (c) and then the Prescott trail (b) third. The first, to me, looks like Arizona, which you probably want, if it’s a contender for the cover; plus, having people in the photo is a good thing (it makes it more of an action shot). But they’re all great photos, and I can see why you’re stuck. And this is a great problem to have. It’s terrific that you’re getting to the point in your book where you’re thinking about the cover. -Geoff
I’m leaning toward C.
I like the windmill and the hills in the background. I’m just not sure it’s “backroads” enough for the cover.
I’d say ‘a’. They are all nice though.
Thanks, everyone! You should see my other shots. I have water shots, road shots, desert mountain vistas, overhead shots, and I want to send a photo of a brown cow looking right at me because it’s so cute. Fun stuff but so much to think about…
Need rest but must write and write and write.
Thanks again!
Jackie
I vote for b, the Prescott Lake Trail.
I haven’t a clue what Arizona looks like but that trail is very inviting looking and it’s obviously off the beaten track and the way the picture is taken it kind of leads the eye into the trail.
But they are all great and none would be “wrong”.
Ann
This is fun to read your comments. Keep ‘em coming. Send your friends. I’d love to be able to share more of Phoenix and Arizona with you.
Thanks for visiting.
Jackie
Hi Jackie,
I vote a) Aravaipa Canyon Trail. Why? I like that the photo shows action plus it most represents what Arizona looks like. Or, should I say the part of Arizona where I live. Plus, it includes desert, vegetation and the mountains.
Good luck,
Donna
Donna,
You’d be amazed at what Arizona looks like from all four corners of the state then. It’s hard to say, “This is what Arizona looks like.” The differences are sometimes so subtle, you don’t notice them right away. Then you look up and see juniper bushes where it used to be cactus. And then the juniper disappears behind a forest of pine.
Arizona’s wide open spaces make you feel so small, especially in the canyon wilderness areas where you can get lost in trails of cottonwoods and saguaros.
I love this state.
~Jackie
I like the second photo. Of the three, it most makes me want to go there.
Jackie: Although Aravaipa is one of my favorite out-of-the-way places in Arizona, the photograph of the Prescott Lake Trail is my pick for the book. I think it pictures a lovely spot, but also a vegetation type that may not at first spring to mind for people not familiar with Arizona. I like the Aravaipa shot, but don’t think it really shows the essence of the steep-walled narrow canyon. And I like remote windmills, but don’t think most people think they are worth a side trip. Picking a photograph is like picking your favorite child, however. Impossible to favor one over another.
Jackie,
I pick B, Prescott Lake Trail. With that on the cover, it would make me pick up the book to take a look. Also, I think people think of Arizona as all cactus, so this offers a question of what else might be here.
With these 3 photos and more, I can see why you’re having trouble with picking just one! Good luck.
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