By Nana Wu 
In the digital age, where images are consumed in fleeting scrolls and double-taps, the enduring power of a physical photography book remains a rarity. For travel and nature photographer Jake Guzman, the transition from viral Instagram sensation to published author is not merely a career milestone—it is a culmination of a decade-long odyssey. His new 256-page volume, Otherworldly America, serves as a sprawling, visual love letter to the United States, documenting the raw, untamed beauty that persists from the glacial fjords of Alaska to the sun-drenched canyons of the American Southwest.
Main Facts: A Journey Across the Continent
Otherworldly America is a meticulously curated collection of hundreds of photographs captured over the last two years. Published by Penguin Random House, the book represents a departure from the ephemeral nature of social media, forcing the viewer to slow down and appreciate the intricate textures and expansive scales of the American wilderness.
The book spans 17 states, showcasing diverse ecosystems that define the North American landscape. While the collection is vast, its thematic core remains constant: a reverence for the natural world and a profound curiosity about the environments that shape human experience. For Guzman, who has built a professional following of over a million people on Instagram, this project is the most significant achievement of his career to date.
Chronology: From Goodwill Finds to Global Recognition
The trajectory of Jake Guzman’s career is a quintessential modern success story. Like many of his contemporaries, Guzman’s foray into photography was born from a desire to share his hiking experiences with friends.
The Humble Beginnings
"When I was 18, I started taking photos of my hikes with my iPhone and posting them on social media," Guzman recalls. "I wanted a new camera but couldn’t afford one, so I bought a used film camera at Goodwill for $10 and slowly taught myself how to use it."
This modest start, characterized by trial and error, laid the groundwork for an aesthetic defined by natural light and dramatic composition. By 2016, Guzman transitioned to full-time professional photography. This period was marked by the "hustle"—taking on odd jobs and unpaid gigs to keep his equipment running and his creative momentum alive.
The Pivot to Cinematography
As his portfolio expanded, so did his skillset. Recognizing the synergy between still photography and moving imagery, Guzman dedicated himself to mastering commercial video production. This shift proved pivotal. Not only did it provide financial stability, but it also served as a safeguard against the creative fatigue common in the high-pressure world of professional content creation.
"Being able to go back and forth between photo and video has been a huge help," he explains. "I think photo and video go hand-in-hand. For video, I try to compose every frame as I would my photos."
Supporting Data: The Craft Behind the Lens
The production of Otherworldly America was a logistical feat. The project began as a collaborative idea between Guzman and Alexander Rigby, an editor at Dorling Kindersley. Once the green light was given, the team spent two years in development.
Technical Precision
Guzman’s approach to landscape photography relies heavily on the concept of scale. He frequently employs long telephoto lenses—specifically the 70-200mm range—to compress backgrounds, creating a sense of depth that makes mountains and waterfalls feel monumental. By placing a small, solitary subject within these vast frames, he highlights the relative size of the landscape.
His current gear lineup reflects his professional evolution, anchored by the Sony a1 II. His lens kit, which includes the 14mm f/1.8 GM for wide-angle vistas, the versatile 24-70mm f/2.8 GM, and the long-range 200-600mm and 400-800mm lenses, allows him to capture everything from intimate wildlife encounters to sweeping geological formations.
Data Management
Selecting the final images for the book was a daunting task. Guzman’s Lightroom catalog holds approximately 400,000 images. Whittling that down to the final selection required a rigorous editorial process, ensuring that the book told a cohesive story rather than simply acting as a "greatest hits" compilation.
Official Responses and Creative Philosophy
In discussing his creative process, Guzman emphasizes that his work is intended to bridge the gap between the observer and the environment. "For me, photography is about showing people the beauty, wonder, and fragility of places they may never have the chance to experience themselves," he says.
The Influence of Nature
Raised in Washington State, the Cascades served as the primary classroom for his photographic development. Exposure to publications like National Geographic at a young age instilled in him a desire to replicate the visual storytelling that defined his youth.
His trip to Alaska for this project serves as a prime example of this philosophy. Spending four weeks in the Last Frontier, he encountered the raw, unfiltered reality of wilderness, including a transformative experience in Katmai National Park. "I’ve never shot or seen a bear in the wild until that trip," he notes. "When I landed in Katmai and they were everywhere, I was mind-blown. I felt like I was in a BBC nature documentary."
Video vs. Photography
Despite his success in video, Guzman maintains a distinction between the two mediums. "Video allows you to tell more of the story you want to portray," he says, "but I think both are equally challenging." He admits, with a laugh, that video remains significantly more tedious in post-production, reinforcing his appreciation for the singular, decisive moment of a still photograph.
Implications: The Role of Imagery in Conservation
The release of Otherworldly America carries an implicit message regarding environmental stewardship. Guzman believes that by documenting landscapes—particularly those facing climate pressures or human encroachment—photographers can foster a deeper public connection to these areas.
Changing the World Through Sight
Guzman is modest about the direct impact of his art. "I don’t think photography changes the world on its own, but it can change the way people see the world," he asserts. His goal is to move the viewer toward a state of appreciation. By making these places accessible through his imagery, he believes he is planting the seeds of advocacy. "When enough people care deeply about something, meaningful change becomes possible. My goal is to inspire people to fall in love with these places first, because people are far more likely to protect what they value and understand."
A Shift to the Physical
For a creator who gained his fame on the screens of smartphones, the physical book represents a return to the tactile. The process of curating his work into a printed volume has been, in his words, "surreal." It marks a departure from the metrics of "likes" and "shares," moving toward the permanence of a legacy project.
"I’ve done many things throughout my career," Guzman reflects, "but creating a body of work and turning it into a book has been my favorite thing so far."
Conclusion
Otherworldly America stands as a testament to the idea that the United States remains an inexhaustible subject for the dedicated artist. Through his commitment to scale, his technical proficiency, and his deep-seated love for the outdoors, Jake Guzman has provided a window into the sublime.
As the book finds its way into the hands of readers, the hope is that it will do more than simply decorate coffee tables. It serves as a reminder of the fragility of our ecosystems and the necessity of keeping these places "otherworldly." Whether one is a seasoned landscape photographer or someone who simply enjoys the beauty of the outdoors, Guzman’s work invites a re-examination of the American landscape—not as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing entity that demands our protection and respect.
Otherworldly America is currently available for purchase through major retailers for $40. For those interested in the behind-the-scenes process and future expeditions, Guzman continues to document his travels via his Instagram account, @jakeguzman.
Ali Ikhwan 
Reynand Wu 
Dwi Wanna 