Customer Reviews

On This Earth: Photographs from East Africa

5 star:		(45)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was privileged to attend a gallery show of Nick Brandt's work during a recent trip to Los Angeles, where I saw an advance copy of this book. Of course, no book can capture the full glory of the photos on the walls, just as no book can capture an artist's colors and brush strokes, but it still remains the most remarkable book of wildlife photography I have ever seen. Initially, I was drawn to the noble poignancy of the cheetahs and lions, but the most unexpectedly beautiful photo - a vision of a lost Eden - was of hippos in a tree-encircled lake. That this is rapidly becoming a lost world is apparent. The photos capture what words cannot, so I won't attempt to describe the beauty, sadness and dignity evoked by these images, except to say that this is a much more than a coffee table book. You will go back to it again and again and feel your own soul expand.

Nick Brandt's compilation of his photography of Africa and her wildlife is an amazing work of art. The book is beautiful and the photography transcends all cultures. It exposes not only the beauty of the wild animals but the fragility as well. He captures what appear to be ordinary moments and exposes the majesty of the animals and the danger of the weather. I look forward to seeing more of Mr. Brandt's work.

Recently picked up a copy of this extraordinary book at a gallery. The tension and intimacy of these incredible wildlife photos is unparalleled. If you've ever even dreamt of seeing the wildlife of Africa, this is the next best thing. All done without telephoto lens, Mr. Brandt somehow brings out the individuality and personality of these magnificent animals. The composition and mood of the "Cheetahs" is breathtaking.

Nick gives back the dignity to the animal kingdom. If you are ever considering acquiring a book about animals in their habitat, this one should be it.

Respect for all the species and the lesson on how we can all survive. At the end we are all inter-dependent species in one way or the other...

Like the previous poster, I recently bought Nick Brandt's latest book, ON THIS EARTH, A SHADOW FALLS, from one of the galleries that represents him. I was similarly blown away by the amazing printing of the book. I especially love having all the best photos from his first two books in one large single book. Although it's a shame that the only place you can buy what is by far Nick Brandt's best book is through his galleries, I highly recommend you do so - like the previous poster said, considering the size, the quality of printing, and being signed, it is well worth the $125.00.

If you are looking for another comparison to ON THIS EARTH, check out the photos from A SHADOW FALLS, Nick Brandt's second book. The photos in this book are generally much better, and more sophisticated. In fact, now when I look at my copy of ON THIS EARTH, it looks kind of pathetic by comparison - badly printed, small, cheap, and really does not do Nick Brandt's stunning, emotional photos justice. Simply put, I would not waste your money buying ON THIS EARTH when you can purchase one of his more recent books.

In these days of digital photography it is seldom that we see a collection like this of black and white photographs with sepia and blue highlighting. And even more rare to see a collection of animal photographs that touch the soul like these. Mr. Brandt further concentrates on the animals themselves, usually at rest. Although looking into the eyes of that cheetah as he stares into the distance makes you glad that you are not a small antelope that he might convert into his dinner.

I don't believe that I have been struck by a set of photographs since Ansel Adams. You might call Nick Brandt the Ansel Adams of animals. As Mr. Brandt says in the Afterward, 'I am not interested in creating work that is simply documentary or filled with action and drama, which has been the norm in the field of the photography of animals in the wild. What I am interested in is showing the animals simply in the state of being.'

In this Mr. Brandt has done a superb job.

this book is a wonderful display of the power of photography. every image carries with it a tremendous amount of impact. with an awe-inspiring artistic eye, nick brandt managed to display the heart and soul of each and every image he set out to capture. these are not your average wildlife photos. these are intimate portraits of animals you only thought you had seen photographed before. the incomparable Jane Goodall even writes his praises.

Absolutely beautiful! Has the feel of the 1800's when things were more wild and unknown. The colour form of the photo's enhances this feeling. Presents a close look at how majestic and beautiful the animals are! Such a joy to look at when you're tired of the city, people and the constant rat race of life. A peaceful calming experience! Loved it and look at it often.

If I could give Nick Brandt's book more than five stars I would. He takes a subject which is certainly not uncommon - African wildlife - and puts it in a entirely new light. His blending of wildlife photography and portraiture results in extremely evocative photographs that touch the soul. Simply put, this is photography at it's finest.

This book of animal photograph's is simply stunning. You get to see and feel the animal in it's habitat. These photo's show that animals do indeed have souls, just look into their eyes, how could they not?