Land of Giants by Will Burrard-Lucas (2020)
Released as a book in support of the Tsavo Trust, this book documents wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas’s journey into Africa to document the mighty beasts — elephants. Pioneer of inventions like his ‘BeetleCam’ or a remote-control camera buggy, Burrard-Lucas has also developed sensors to detect animals and trigger his cameras automatically. His camera trap photography has set precedents for photographers around the world. His Land of Giants is a superb addition to add to your list if you want to explore this phenomenal way of connecting with nature.
The Black Leopard: My Quest to Photograph One of Africa’s Most Elusive Big Cats by Will Burrard-Lucas (2021)
The second book on our list is also by Will Burrard-Lucas and this time he documents his experience of searching for the mysterious black leopard. The black leopard that is known to wander some forests of India as well, reached mythical status in Africa for their elusiveness. The gorgeous animal is the reason for Burrard-Lucas to pick up his enthusiasm for wildlife as a child. The invention of his innovative mechanism is a direct result of his need to capture this animal in its most intimate moments. This compelling book is a fantastic testament to a single man’s talent, dedication and fascination for nature.
How Wildlife Photography Became Art: 55 Years of Wildlife Photographer of the Year edited by Rosamund Kidman Cox (2020)
This book is an update on the 50 Years of Wildlife Photographer of the Year, a book that pays homage to the award that is given every year, recognising some of the best in the business. With 20 new stunning images, this book is a story in itself. Collating the works of some of the finest wildlife photographers to have existed, there are pictures taken with hand-held cameras, ones that document the colour film revolution of the 1960s and ones that are taken on increasingly developed gadgets of recent times. Immerse yourself in various kinds of camera angles that include aerial shots, intimate portraits, underwater captures and more.
Wild And Wilful Paperback by Neha Sinha (2021)
This book makes it to this list for its earnestness than its ability to dole out photography tips. Sinha writes about 15 Indian species of animals that are in need of conservation efforts. From the Royal Bengal Tiger to the Indian elephants to the Tiger Butterfly found in cities, the wild exists within us and around us and there is an acute need for empathy and understanding rather than efforts of subjugation. This book is a wonderful peek into the habits of nature and the wild and our need for understanding at this important hour.
Light on the Landscape: Photographs and Lessons from a Life in Photography by William Neill (2020)
One of America’s most respected landscape photographers, William Neill uses his life’s works and interpolates it with his learnings to bring you the perfect book for honing your skills. Neill has written essays for two decades offering advice and secrets of his creative process to enthusiasts. Now, these essays have been collated into a singular book that is rich with ideas on developing a portfolio, marketing, printmaking, nature stewardship, inspiration, preparation, self-improvement and more.
Night Sky Photography: From First Principles to Professional Results by Adam Woodworth (2021)
Do you often find yourself staring at the night sky trying to capture the beauty of the moon and failing to capture what you see? Do you find yourself in the mountains hoping to find a way to capture the stars just as you see them? Are you planning a trip to witness the aurora borealis? This book is for those nature photography enthusiasts who are drawn to the night sky. Expect to find information on astrophotography, gears to be used, techniques to be applied and post-production workflows to be designed –– a thorough guide at its best.
52 Assignments: Landscape Photography by Ross Hoddinott and Mark Bauer (2020)
If you are in the want of the right direction to channel your photography skills, this journal-esque book is the right choice for you. With a portfolio of photographic workshops, a personalised journal and a guide to unleash your true creative potential, this book is the kind photographers will find themselves carrying all the time. Find weekly concepts to nudge you in the right direction to explore various facets of photography –– from bird’s-eye view to worms’ eye view!
Journeys in the Wild: The Secret Life of a Cameraman by Gavin Thurston
When dear Sir David Attenborough signs you on to shoot his beloved Blue Planet II, you must have earned your place in the wild world. Cameraman Gavin Thurston’s book with a foreword by Attenborough himself, is a collection of true stories of what goes on behind the scenes while trying to capture on camera some of the most elusive animals on the planet. Thurston has been in business for over three decades and has wandered in the remotest of areas capturing animals like lions, silverback gorillas, capuchin monkeys, brown bears, grey whales, penguins, and even mosquitoes! This book is as emotional as it is inspirational.
Feather of the Phoenix: The Bird and Nature Photography of John Nolley II (2021)
John Nolley II doesn’t limit himself to geography in this book which documents 52 birds found around the world, through 75 stunning colour images. From Colombia to western Malaysia to the United States and more, Nolley II is guided by his love for conservation and is fuelled by hope for the upcoming generation. With Nolley II speaking about certain endangered birds in this book, he hopes to draw attention to the need of the hour, while teaching enthusiasts a thing or two about photography.
Wild World: Nature Through an Autistic Eye by Alfie Bowen (2021)
Saving the best for the last, Alfie Bowen’s book is a testament to the art of perseverance which he attributes to his autism. The exceptionally talented young photographer and wildlife activist discusses the limitations he has faced in the face of developing technology and his continuous journey towards perfection. This book is a complete sensory experience in itself with Bowen capturing animals like lions, cheetahs, leopards, tigers, snow leopards, Geoffrey’s cats, red pandas, chimpanzees, monkeys and colobuses, lemurs, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, deer, flamingos, eagles and other birds, and koi.
