
• Publisher: National Geographic (April 6, 2021)
• Hardcover: 192 pages
This provocative book of photography offers bold new insight into the lives of the world’s largest mammals, along with their complex societies. In these pages, we learn that whales share an amazing ability to learn and adapt to opportunities, from specialized feeding strategies to parenting techniques. There is also evidence of deeper, cultural elements of whale identity, from unique dialects to matrilineal societies to organized social customs like singing contests. Featuring the arresting underwater images of Brian Skerry, who has explored and documented oceans for over four decades, this book will document these alluring creatures in all their glory–and demonstrate how these majestic creatures can teach us about ourselves and our planet.
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Review:
Brian Skerry has spent decades capturing the unique and mysterious world of whales. Through his up close and magnificent photography the ocean is presented as a magical place, one that we are lucky enough to share with the many enchanting species of whales. Through his photographs Skerry highlights the comparisons between human and whale behavior in order to strengthen our bonds.
Focusing on six groups of whales: Right Whales, Belugas, Orcas, Sperm Whales, Humpbacks, and Dolphins, Skerry gives us a rare glimpse of the whales personal world and intimate moments. Right Whales, so named because they were the right whale to hunt are among the most endangered. Through pictures we are able to see their curious and sensitive nature. The Belugas' tight knit social structure, use of language and care of their young is displayed with this playful and charismatic species. Orcas are clever, strategic and organized with distinct feeding plans in each population. Sperm Whales are caring with highly developed societies and tight knit family groups as well as expressive as they are the largest brained animal. Humpbacks carry out singing contests and prefer to group feed even though they are capable of feeding alone. Dolphins are smart, charismatic and playful. They need a social structure, can solve complex problems, show self awareness and use tools. Through these photographs we are reminded that we are more similar to these great creatures than different and we should strive to change our actions in order to protect our oceans and the many species that call it home.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
About Brian Skerry
BRIAN SKERRY is a visual storyteller specializing in ocean wildlife and underwater realms. Since 1998 he has been a contributing photographer for National Geographic magazine. He was named a Photography Fellow by the National Geographic Society in 2014 and a Storytelling Fellow in 2017, the same year he was awarded the title of National Geographic Rolex Explorer of the Year. His work has also been featured in publications such as The NY Times, The Washington Post, Paris Match, and Audubon. He has spoken at venues worldwide including The United Nations General Assembly, The World Economic Forum, TED Talks, The Royal Geographical Society and the Sydney Opera House. He lives with his family in Maine.
Find out more about Brian at his website, and follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.