Customer Reviews

Images of the Wild: Photography and Stories

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have bought & borrowed many wildlife books and out of all of them this is the best one I have ever seen. The photography is excellent, and the colors are so vibrant they make you fell as if you are watching the animals live.

All kinds of different animals are featured in this fascinating book. A turtle is shown with a mosquito on its nose and a baby dear is pictured while it sleeps. A squirrel eats a dandelion stem & mice gather around an ear of corn.

Other images show egrets fighting in mid air & butterflies resting on a flower. You will even find adorable baby bears caught climbing a tree. There also is a gorgeous field of sunflowers & a single elegant water lily floating in a pond.

You get a glimpse at the northern lights & snowcapped mountains against a brilliant blue sky as well. The index in the back is a great bonus; it lists each plate, the location it was taken at & the photographic settings that were used.

I had the opportunity to participate in an interview with Carl Sams and Jean Stoick at their home studios here in Michigan. We (Michigan Magazine Television) were amazed at the time and dedication that went into producing such a fine publication as Images of The Wild. The startling impact this collection has in photographic detail and wonderful stories along many of the photos makes it MUCH more than a mere "coffee table" release. The time and engergy this photographic team take in becoming part of the enviroment of each of thier subjects, to gain the animal's trust, before taking the opportunities to capture their image is a story in it's self. Their dedication and patient persistance along with an undeniable kinship with "Lady Luck" makes for pure "eye" candy.

The team of Carl Sams and his wife Jean Stoick is known for their breath-taking books for children. Here we see some of the images from those books along with other wildlife photos.

Missing here are the composite images used in the story books, which of course are more appropriate there. I would love to see another book showing how they did those though. I think their work is quite marvelous. They spend a lot of time in the woods getting to know the animals with a resulting intimacy that makes the animals look almost like family members. At the same time they have expert technique and use light beautifully.

The quality of the printing is high and the layout pleasing. Very well done!

Although one may question if these images are "wild", the layout and quality of this book will be difficult to beat. It is apparent that the publisher has assembled a first class book with the highest quality photographs to be found. If you are looking for true, unmanipulated wildlife photography, there may be better choices. However if a colorful coffee table book with lots of stories is what you are after, this is the book for you.

This book is a great example of how tame and captive animals can be photographed and passed off as wild. The color reproduction of this book is unmatchable, as is the sharpness of the pictures. Although it may be difficult to identify the computer manipulated from those which have not been tampered with, the everyday nature enthusiast will find this book a good add for the coffee table. Good luck finding these animals in the wild!

I got to see the proofs of this book on Labor Day weekend at an art fair in Michigan. The book, quite simply, is breathtaking. Carl Sams & Jean Stoick are two of the best wildlife photographers I have ever seen. The book includes the stories behind many of the photographs. Carl Sams' photography, in particular, is hauntingly beautiful; more than two years ago, I saw one photo in particular (the big dipper glowing through the aurora in Alaska) that I thought about, remembered, and dreamed of owning until I was finally able to buy it. Now that I have the print, it still haunts me and I still get such happiness from looking at it that I can't believe my good luck. For another hauntingly gorgeous shot, look at the family of deer in the blizzard, oh, and the wolf ... you won't regret buying this book.

This book is the most beautiful wildlife book I have ever seen. Each picture comes to life. I have given this book to five members of my family or friends and each has commented on how wonderful it is and how much they have enjoyed it. This book is certainly worth owning!!!!!!!