One Hundred Years of Arizona Highways Magazine
Arizona is renowned for its incredible landscapes and diversity of cultures. From the saguaro cacti-studded Sonoran Desert in the southern part of the state to the mighty Colorado River cutting through the depths of the Grand Canyon, there is no shortage of amazing scenery to inspire creative minds and energize the soul.
Since April 1925, the State of Arizona has published a monthly magazine called Arizona Highways. The magazine is renowned for its exceptional photography and travel journalism that highlights Arizona's natural beauty and splendor. Established in April 1925 by the Arizona State Highway Department, the publication was initially a 16-page magazine focused on road construction and infrastructure. Over the years, it has evolved into an award-winning magazine celebrated for its stunning photography and stories promoting Arizona’s landscapes, culture, and history.
Throughout its history, Arizona Highways has featured the work of notable photographers such as Josef Muench, Ansel Adams, Esther Henderson, Jack Dykinga, David Muench, Derek von Briesen, Jerry Jacka, Barry Goldwater, and Ray Manley, whose images have significantly contributed to the magazine's acclaim. Its enduring commitment to high-quality journalism and photography has made it a beloved publication among readers worldwide.
The April 2025 issue of the magazine celebrates its 100th anniversary. The issue is packed full of stunning photography, beginning with the cover photo by David Muench. Beginning on page 48 is a portfolio titled One Hundred Years: Photography, featuring a selection of images that have been published in the magazine. On page 67 is my photo of a summer thunderstorm over the Grand Canyon, which I had entered into the magazine's photo contest and won in 2013.
Over the years, I've had numerous photos published in the magazine, two portfolios, and six covers. In 2017, the International Regional Magazine Association awarded me as the Photographer of the Year for Photographic Contributions to Arizona Highways Magazine. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have my work in the magazine.
I want to give a special thanks to the entire team at Arizona Highways Magazine, including Jeff Kida and Lisa Altomare, who selected my photography for inclusion in this special issue. Here's what they wrote in the magazine to accompany the photograph titled Purple Rain.
"Adam Schallau first caught our attention in 2013, when he won our annual photo contest with this stunning image of a monsoon storm at the Grand Canyon. And while many of our contributing photographers shoot at the Canyon, Schallau has been dedicated to that place since he was an artist in residence there in 2009. After that experience, he moved to the Flagstaff area so he could be close enough to get there quickly during storms or other noteworthy events. His consistently excellent work is an example of what can happen when an artist focuses on the subject that most speaks to them."
Thanks again to everyone at Arizona Highways Magazine for appreciating my photography of the Grand Canyon and beyond.