Shooting Bears: The Adventures of a Wildlife Photographer [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

by John Pezzenti (Photographer)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Here is the ultimate adventure story, told by an expert and documented with more than 140-full color photographs, of one explorer's quest to come face to face with the great bears of North America-Polar, Brown, and Black.

While numerous books in the subject of bears exist, none has approached their subjects with such drama, adventure, and extraordinary showmanship as John Pezzenti, one of the foremost wildlife photographers working today. Confronting his subjects as close as is humanly possible and still surviving, Pezzenti needs no special effects: He creates uniquely intimate portraits if these giant beasts and pulls the viewer himself into the middle of his photographic event-immersing the reader in all the action and the thrill of proximity. The result of this amazing twenty-five year passion is a collection of the most compelling and powerful photographers ever taken of bears in the wild.

Not just a photographic portfolio, however, Shooting Bears is accompanied by a riveting text that could stand alone, and that immediately engages in the ultimate wildlife adventure, by introducing the reader into the intimate life of bears in their natural settings. Descriptions of the challenges Pezzenti faced in his quest for the supreme photograph-including being mauled, stalked for five miles by a rogue bear, and coming nose-to-nose with a grimacing black bear in the dead of night-are all included. Many other equally enthralling stories detail his "up close and personal" adventures-all in the service of getting the supreme photograph.

About the Author
John Pezzenti, who lives in Alaska, is a widely published author and has written several best-selling books on the American wilderness. He lectures extensively and has had the distinct honor of being asked to present at the Smithsonian, where he is only one of four nature photographers ever to do so. Pezzenti has appeared frequently in the press, from television programs devoted to his work on the Discovery channel, to numerous interviews on NPR radio, and in print media such as National Geographic.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Rizzoli; illustrated edition edition (September 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847823784
• ISBN-13: 978-0847823789
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,050,116 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A BOOK WITHOUT EQUAL, December 20, 2001

By A Customer

Working with fish and game in Alaska,I find it refreshing in this day and age to view a work like Shooting Bears that portrays true photographic mastery: instead of being full of game farms, zoos and computer-enhanced photos. At one glance I was enthralled with the perfection of Pezzenti's work in this truly unique book of bears.

Never before have I seen more compelling photos of grizzly bears at night, or more profound images of polar bears. In several of the polar bear shots Pezzenti actually catches the glow of the sun setting on their teeth; unbelievable! There are no finer shots or more professional images of black bears and cubs to be found in the world today. The shots of brown bears still remain planted in my mindseye as I have never before seen such clarity in a nature photographer's work -- let alone with bears. The shots in this book are very gripping and compelling.

After reading the review on Shooting Bears in Shutterbug, I dropped everything and bought a copy. They called him one of the best there is; but this falls short because his photography is indescribable and obviously born of love. If his photowork doesn't make him top in the business (and it does), then his writing more than places him there.

If you desire a wilderness book full of photos that transcends anyone's work you've ever seen, this is it; but also get ready for a narrative that captures your attention completely. John Pezzenti is a true wilderness artist--in both picture and word. I loved this book immensely; it is groundbreaking work without equal.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning photos and text of our great North American Bears, December 22, 2002

By	James D. Ronan, Jr. (Keller, TX United States) - See all my reviews

In the 90's when I lived in Alaska I pursued that lands great mammals with my camera. Along the way I met John Pezzenti. Not only is he an author who captures the mystery and thrill of wildlife adventure photography through a unique voice, he is one of the best nature and wildlife photographers in the world. This stunning book adds another notch onto his Nikon. It helped me be there again, but this time sitting with a cup of tea instead of the rain, bugs, miserable weather, and other hardships that John lives with daily. Buy this book! You'll love it too!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best bear book that I have read., August 25, 2002

By	Trevor Ladbrooke (Newport, I.O.W United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

If you are interested in bears,then this is the book for you.Amazing photographs,and accounts by the author,who has spent over 30yrs working and living with these wonderful creatures.A fantastic book,thank you Mr Pezzenti for sharing your experiences with us less fortunate people.