I mentioned a while ago that I was planning to read The Elephant Whisperer.  All done.

After all the hype about this book I just had to read it.  The subtitle to the book is ‘Learning about life, loyalty and freedom from a remarkable herd of elephants’ and it describes the story in one short sentence.  The journey on which Lawrence Anthony takes you is a whole different matter and makes for a easy yet thoroughly entertaining read.

After being asked whether a ‘problem’ herd of elephant can be moved to his game reserve, Lawrence takes us through the trials and tribulations of getting the new herd moved to Thula Thula, getting the reserve ready for the relocation and then deal with the elephants varying moods and unpredictable behavior as the settle into their new home. In between all of this he has to deal with poaching, quarrels with the local communities and running a lodge on the reserve.

The human emotions that Lawrence sees in and attributes to the elephants that might seem to border on anthropomorphism but if you have ever sat watching elephants for an extended period of time you will now that there is something about them that leaves us wondering.  Leaves us with thoughts and feelings that you do not get with other animals.  Lawrence explores these feelings as he bonds with the various ellies in the herd and watches them grow into themselves and into their new home.

The various highlights, and lowlights, gets told with a great deal of humor as Lawrence has to deal with matters as diverse as elephants breaking out of the reserve and land claims.

This book is a mist for anybody who loves Africa.  Actually, it is a great read for anybody who loves animals.  It is the perfect X-mas gift for pretty much anybody who has been to an African Game Reserve or live abroad and miss Africa.

You can buy your copy of The Elephant Whisperer from Amazon by clicking here or, if you live in South Africa, from Kalahari.net by clicking here.

On a slightly different note, I have also just finished reading John Smit’s, Captain in the Cauldron.  The Springbok rugby captains autobiography is brilliantly written with a open and honest approach to the inner workings of the Springbok rugby team.  I know this has nothing to do with wildlife or photography but this book is an absolute must for any sports fan.  Great book by an absolute legend of the game.  Get your copy from Kalahari.net by clicking here.

During the next few weeks I will be looking at some wildlife and photography blogs so check back for some interesting links and reviews.

Gerry

This is not only a book review but also includes some shameless self promotion!

I have just completed an updated edition of ‘Wildlife.  Photography.  And everything in between.’ The book, which I self published through Blurb, now consists of 198 pages and features well over 200 African wildlife & nature images taken during a 6 month period in the Madikwe Game Reserve.  As the title says, the book has been divided into two parts of which the contents can be seen below.

The Wildlife section of the book showcases images focusing on the African Icons rather than only the famous Big 5.  Animals include Cheetah, Wild Dog, Giraffe and Zebra.

General game species such as Kudu and Wildebeest are all shown under the General Game chapter along with other animals that complete an African safari experience.  Birds, sunsets and sunrises are also shown and in between all the image there are numerous facts and interesting information pertaining to the various images.

The second part of the book focuses on Photography.  General photographic principles such as shutter speed, ISO and aperture are looked at in a very basic manner along with various wildlife images to illustrate the various terms.

Composition in wildlife photography is probably one of the most important things that will make a difference to your images and in the book I look at and describe various ways in which you could approach the composition of your images and show examples of how different lines and shapes can improve your wildlife images.

Below are just a few screen captures of the book as taken from the Blurb website.  You can view a full screen preview of the book by clicking here.

‘Wildlife.  Photography.  And everything in between’ is available in softcover, hardcover with dust jacket and hardcover with image wrap and depending on your choice the online cost will be between US$50 and US$70.  If you live in South Africa and you would like to order a copy let me know as I will be doing a bulk order in the next few days and will then be able to post your copy to you or meet for coffee to drop it off.  If you live outside of South Africa you can order your copy directly from the Blurb website by clicking here and it will be delivered to your home.

I have a couple of magazine articles coming up and have a few e-books that will I will be launching early in the New Year but for now, with November heading to a close and Xmas around the corner, this book could be exactly what you are looking for.  See, that is the shameless self promotion part!  It really is a fantastic feeling to hold your own book in your hands and, if all goes well, the next one  should be out mid next year but more on that later!

Until next time.

Gerry

I have quite a few field guides.  A lot actually.  Anything and everything ranging from bird and mammals to trees and frogs.  You would think that there comes an point that you don’t relaly need another one, and that is what I thought, but then this one came along.

The Raptor Guide by Ulrich Oberprieler and Burger Cillie has raised the bar for bird field guides and is an absolute must for anybody heading out into the wild places of Africa.  Yes I know there have been a lot of raptor guides in the past, and yes I have them as well, but the detail and ease of use of The Raptor Guide makes it stand out above the rest.

The book is divided into the following chapters:

1. General Biology – Includes info on bills, eyes & vision, calls and hearing, breeding behavior and conservation problems and solutions.
2. Raptor Groups – Including details on how to identify different groups of raptors.
3. Species Accounts – A detailed account of each individual species.
4. Confusing Birds – Comparisons and ways to differentiate between confusing species.
5. References – Sections on raptos groups, raptors in flight and a quick index.

The introductory section of the book covers, in amazing detail, an introduction to raptors and proceeds to look at how a raptor’s senses work.  Attention to food and hunting methods van make an incredible difference when you are viewing raptors in the field.  By differentiating between terms such as soaring, stooping, quartering and surprise attack you will be in a much better position to identify raptor purely on the way they search for and attack prey.

In the section group called Raptor Groups each group of raptors get looked at in a general but detailed way.  Common prey and behavior per group will make it easier to start narrowing things down when you do see a raptor out in the wild.  From here you can proceed to the Species Accounts where you can read up on pretty much anything you ever wanted to know about each individual species.  Each species has has been given a double spread.  On the right hand page you will find some amazing photographs of each species showing different plumages and variations that you might find such as in breeding or juvenile birds.  On the left of page you will find all the standard info you would expect in a field guide and more.  The layout makes it easy to use and very informative.

This field guide really takes that next step when you get to the References section.  One of the most difficult aspects of identifying raptors is when they are circling high up above. The Raptor Guide includes a complete comparison, per raptor group, that shows each species, including juveniles and variations which will make identification a whole lot easier.  Yes, many field guides have comparisons of raptors in flight but the difference here is that species are shown in flight as you would normally see them.  Large raptors normally get seen from underneath so you to compare them like this.  Smaller raptors such as goshawks and harriers are show differently as you normally see them darting around between trees.  So simple and a huge help when trying to identify raptors in the field.

Another great, and very helpful section, is one on Confusing Species.  Each possible confusing species, such as a Martial Eagle and a Black-Chested Snake Eagle, are looked at with various pointers that you could use out in the field.  Easy to use and extremely effective.  Follow the numbers step by step and you will know which species you have your binoculars pointed at.

If you work in a game reserve, visit lodges often or are just looking to get a great field guide to the raptors of Southern Africa you need this book.

The Raptor Guide is available at Kalahari.net and any good book store.   Click here to get your copy from Kalahari.net immediately.  By using this link you will not only be able to order the book, for less than R200, and have it delivered to your doorstep but you will also be helping me to earn a few cents for the referral.  I reckon if 100 people use the link I could perhaps buy a Coke?

On a slightly different note, I am almost finished reading No Stopping for Lions.  Still an absolutely amazing ride through Africa.  I received an email from Tracy recommending ‘The Elephant Whisperer’ by Anthony Lawrence.  Great call Tracy as I already have the book ready and waiting and I will post a review soon!

If you have have any recommendations for books or blogs that relate to wildlife, photography or anything ion between let me know!

More soon!

Gerry

This might not be a photography book but if you have ever thought of traveling through Africa, for photography or not,  you have to read it!

I have only just begun reading No Stopping for Lions by Joanne Glynne but already I know that this is a winner.  Never having been too keen on travel diary type books this one had me hooked from the beginning.  Whether this is because I have a passion for Africa or whether Joanne’s style of writing is fun, easy and colorfully descriptive is not important.  What is important is the way in which Joanne tells the story of her one year adventure through Africa along with her husband Neil and their trusted Toyta Land Cruiser ‘Troopy’.

Starting in Cape Town and traveling north towards Namibia, Joanne take you along for the ride as they stop in small towns, meet strange people and have to deal with challenges both on the road and in their relationship.  You feel as though you were sitting in the back of the car with them.  As I am still reading this book I am looking forward to the trip as we travel to Tanzania, Kenya and Mozambique.

Now if you have ever been to Africa you will know that it has a way of getting under your skin.  Combine the descriptive adventures in this book and you end up with an overwhelming urge to travel and photograph the scenes you are reading about.  To photograph the wide array of colorful characters that you meet in the book.  To photograph Africa.

If you are looking for an easy to read, funny and visually descriptive book you cannot go wrong with this one.

To get your copy from Amazon click here, or if you are in South Africa you can get a copy from Exclusive Books by clicking here.  Strange, could not find this one on Kalahari.net?

Until next time.

Gerry

Starting now, every week I will be posting some of my favorite books and photography related blogs.

For this first edition I have decided to go with Within the Frame by David du Chemin.  I have just started reading it for the second time.  Yeah, it’s that good.

This book is way more than a travel photography book and goes much deeper than just showing you a bunch of great images and the technical specs for you to try and make up something similar.  There are many of those books that, even though they might teach you a lot, leave you asking for more.  And then came Within the Frame.

David proceeds to lead you on a visual journey around the world while sharing not only the how of photography but also the why.  Photography as a craft has become very technically orientated and it is amazingly refreshing to read a book that shares passion, vision and inspiration.  The book shares ideas and thoughts on how to approach your subjects and to not only take images but to start making images and telling stories.  Is that not our ultimate goal?

Even though David states that this is not a travel photography book, it leaves you with quite a serious and undeniable urge to travel.  Not only for the sake of traveling but also to try and see people, places and cultures in the same way as David explains and tries to show in this book. You will not only want to travel but you will want to photography.  No, you will need to photograph.

Whether you read this book for the amazing images or for the inspirational and easy reading photography advise it will definitely be one of the best photography books you ever purchase and you will never look through your viewfinder in the same way again.

If you are in the US click here to purchase a copy from Amazon or click here if you are in South Africa and want to purchase a copy from Kalahari.You need this book in your collection!

When you purchase your copy of Within the Frame you can also pre-order a copy of Visionmongers which is David’s new book and will be released towards the end of November.  Have mine on order already!

While you wait for your copy of Within the Frame to arrive you can check out David duChemin’s website, PixelatedImage.  Here you can check out his portfolio and follow along on his blog.  The same easy reading yet profound photographic advise is definitely worth a read again and again and again…

If you have any books or blogs you think people need to know about let me know!

Till later.

Gerry