"What I mean by photographing as a participant rather than observer is that I'm not only involved directly with some of the activities that I photograph, such as mountain climbing, but even when I'm not I have the philosophy that my mind and body are part of the natural world"

Galen Rowell's quote talks to the concept of being an active individual on the planet around us, instead of a passive observer. He believes that even when he is not straight associated with the activities he photographs, such as mountain climbing, his mind and body are still part of the natural world. This implies that he is not just a separated observer, but rather an engaged participant in the environment he is photographing. He is not just taking photos, however rather experiencing the world around him and capturing it in a manner that conveys his own personal connection to the topic. By being an active individual, he is able to record the appeal of the natural world in such a way that is more meaningful and authentic.