After a rewarding hour reviewing John Dersham’s marvelous new book portraying life and places in Alabama, I was reminded of advice from renowned photographer Alfred Stieglitz, who noted that any great photograph contains two seemingly opposing elements: “a maximum of simplicity and a maximum of detail.” John is the rare photographer who makes the extra effort to be up hours before dawn, ready with camera and tripod, or to linger long after the sun has set. His keen eye for composition and technical skills distill and refine nature’s infinite colors into images that leave the viewer breathless.

If you are lucky enough to travel all the counties in Alabama, you would experience firsthand the heart and soul of our state. If not, just turn the pages of John Dersham’s book of photographs instead. You will discover the beautiful diversity of the Alabama landscape, from the mountains in the north to the Gulf Coast beaches of the south and the waterways that connect them. Dersham has spent a lifetime photographing Alabama. His new book speaks to his love affair with the state, a place where scenic beauty awaits you around the next curve in the road every time.

John Dersham’s breathtaking and inspirational photography is getting its long-deserved recognition in a fitting collection that only he could master. My Alabama – John Dersham Photographs a State is sure to be a treasured photography book for the ages.

In the tourism industry, no words ring truer than “a picture is worth a thousand words.” We rely heavily on quality images that accurately reflect the essence of a destination for our printed promotional pieces and for online promotions and advertising. When I asked John to photograph all there is great about North Alabama, he exceeded my expectations in capturing the spirit of North Alabama’s beauty. I consider every image of his a work of art. His new book will be treasured by all of us in tourism for the state of Alabama.

John Dersham is one of the nation’s finest professional photographers. His talent is evident in the richness of color and detail that he captured during his sojourns in every Alabama county. This volume belongs on every coffee table in Alabama.