A limited number of copies are available now that the pre-order phase has ended.

A photo book of the American bargain with nature

This book explores America’s relationship with nature through the lenses of land use, energy, infrastructure, and persistence. How do we decide which resources to use? Which places do we protect? What do we consider sacred, or even make iconic? It looks at the push and pull between growth and preservation, economy and environment, the individual and community, today and tomorrow. I believe the outcome of those choices, including the trade-offs, are the truest expression of our collective priorities. Ideally this book will encourage thought and discussion about how those priorities align with our values.

The Book

This book is a big step forward in my dedication to these topics and my work. It will include nearly 50 photographs created between 2009 and 2025 when I traveled across much of the western United States and made over 150,000 pictures with professional cameras.

This will be the first time many people see my photographs, so I’m really focusing on the book’s quality. It will be a limited edition of 150, with a linen-wrapped and foil embossed hardback cover. It will measure 12 inches tall and 9 1/2 inches wide with 100 pages plus custom color endpapers. Paper is uncoated super smooth 100lb text weight/148gsm, a fully opaque grade that should feel great to the touch. I’ve worked on selecting, pacing, and arranging the images for months and am focused on them looking their best. The book will also include an essay by the journalist and environmental writer Gregory Barber.

Image sequencing is complete and the design process is finalized. The book will go to press on or before June 15, 2025 and ship by October 2025. I look forward to updating you when the book moves through its various production steps. Keep an eye on my Instagram too, I'll post more images and commentary there about book’s content and status!

The book is being printed in the United States using exclusively FSC-certified paper. The hardback board is also FSC-certified and 100% recycled, and the plastic-free packaging is made of recycled and recyclable paper material. Ground shipping avoids the impacts associated with high-altitude emissions.

Your Support

Thank you for backing this campaign at any level you can. And if you know someone else who would be interested in this project please share it with them too. I truly appreciate your support, and thank you for supporting the visual arts community.

Thank you to everyone who ordered during the pre-order phase. It was successful beyond expectations! I am excited to announce that your support allowed for the largest production run possible. Congratulations also to the first 20 people who ordered and will have their names in the book.

About The Author

Jon McNeal is a photographer and architect based in San Francisco, CA. His professional experience and training in architecture helps him identify potential subjects and place them in context, while also informing his approaches to framing and light.

Jon’s images have been exhibited at the de Young Museum and throughout the Bay Area, and his work acquired by The City of San Francisco and private collectors worldwide. His photography has also been featured in architectural monographs by Lars Müller Publishers and Phaidon.

For the composition of Canaries, Jon draws on deep experience with photography and design books, having recently completed a workshop by TBW Books featuring the acclaimed photographer Todd Hido. 

In addition to his work in art photography, Jon has led many renowned cultural and civic projects as an architect and construction leader including the San Francisco Museum of Art Expansion with Snøhetta, and the California Academy of Sciences with Renzo Piano Building Workshop in San Francisco, among many others.

Book depictions are simulated using photographs of actual material samples. Book will be sent to press after pre-orders are complete.