What a joy awaited me when I got up this morning. The post van had already delivered what is turning out to be one of the best books I have ever bought, let alone read/seen. On This Earth: Photographs from East Africa by Nick Brandt has some of the most original photographs of east African animals I have ever seen. His approach would appear to be centred on an exploration of the animals as individuals rather than simple record of the creatures. His photographs are all in black and white, all though I suspect they were taken with infra red film, and let you feel the power and the simple elegance of the creature. The photograph of the elephant on the cover is a powerful example of Brandt's. The broader landscape examination of the hippos in the river also shows off Brandt's style. Here we see the hippos within their broader contexts. They seem to compliment the photograph rather than dominate it.
Usually with wild life photography colour predominates yet Brandt's approach is both refreshing and inspirational. Gone are the portraits taken in the heat of the day. It has none of the harsh shadows and blinding light that can plague this type of photography. Brandt's style is sympathetic as it is stylish. You feel the magnificence of the creatures rather than the power of the technique and equipment used. All in all a really good way to start the day.
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