In 2020, amidst the chaos of the pandemic, professional photographer and Sony Artisan Andy Katz embarked on a new adventure in photography – capturing the beauty of 63 stunning U.S. National Parks. The project, a true labor of love for Katz, has culminated into the release of his book, A Walk In The Park. Read more as he shares his journey below, and catch Katz at the Unique Photo Expo on June 6, 2025, where he’ll give a talk on mastering natural light while sharing his travels around the globe.
Photo by Andy Katz. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 24-105mm f/4 G. 1/3200-sec., f/8, ISO 200
The Journey Of A Lifetime
At the onset of COVID, the world stood still. People were dying, fear gripped the country, and uncertainty filled the air. As the streets emptied and the pace of life slowed, I saw an unexpected opportunity – a chance to reflect on over 50 years of photography. I began sifting through decades of images, imagining a retrospective. For the first few days, it was exciting. But by the fourth, I felt the itch again—I needed to be out shooting.
One dream had always lingered in the back of my mind: creating a book on America's National Parks. So, I acted. I found an RV I liked in Denver, bought it, and five days later, I hit the road.
Photo by Andy Katz. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 20-70mm f/4 G. 1/50-sec., f/5, ISO 200
What followed was the journey of a lifetime. I spent the next three years exploring the most breathtaking corners of America, capturing its natural beauty through my lens. From the towering peaks of the Rockies to the quiet canyons of Utah, every moment behind the camera reaffirmed my love for this craft.
Landscape & Nature Photography With The Sony Alpha 7R V
Over the course of the several years I was shooting the project, I used cameras like the Sony Alpha 7R IV and Sony Alpha 1, but my constant companion on the trip was the Sony Alpha 7R V. Its remarkable sensor, boasting megapixels to spare and incredible dynamic range, allowed me to produce massive 40x50-inch prints with stunning clarity. At 72, traveling light was essential, and with its 8-stop image stabilization, the A7R V made it easy to leave the heavy tripod behind – an absolute game changer.
Photo by Andy Katz. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master. 1/500-sec., f/10, ISO 250
I'm using a tripod a lot less than I used to because the image stabilization system in these Sony Alpha cameras are so incredibly good. If I have to shoot at 1/15-sec. or 1/30-sec., what I'll do is I'll shoot five or six images, exactly the same images, and bracket to my steadiness. Instead of bracketing for exposure, I'll bracket for my steadiness. So even at a 1/8-sec., especially with the Sony Alpha 7R V, it's unbelievable. I could shoot it at 1/8-sec. and shoot 10 images and be really confident that one of those images could be sharp as a tack.
Photo by Andy Katz. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master. 1/80-sec., f/14, ISO 400
A Walk In The Park
Toward the end of the project, I received a call from an old friend—John Kosh. Kosh, arguably the most iconic record designer alive, whose legendary work includes Abbey Road, Hotel California, and countless other albums from The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and beyond, wanted to see what I was working on. I sent him a few JPEGs. He called me back and said, "I'm designing your book." And he did.
The cover of Katz's book, A Walk In The Park
This project has been a labor of love, born from a time of fear but fueled by a lifelong passion for photography, nature and storytelling.
Read more in Andy Katz Takes On All Of The US National Parks.
Learn more about his book, A Walk In The Park, HERE.
Register for Andy Katz’s talk at Unique Photo HERE.
