Saving the Big Cats: The Exotic Feline Rescue Center (Quarry Books)

Book Description

Nestled in the woods near Center Point, Indiana, The Exotic Feline Rescue Center houses more than 160 big cats—ranging from lions, tigers, leopards, and pumas, to bobcats and more obscure breeds like the caracal, serval, ocelot, and lynx. But all of the cats at EFRC have one thing in common: they are predators that have suffered abuse and escaped extermination because of EFRC's efforts.

Through astonishing images and compelling text, Stephen D. McCloud tells each cat's story. Meet Sinbad, Molly, Sierra, Montana, Tika, and others. Included with the photos in this book are background stories, anecdotes, and inside information on the personalities of feline residents at EFRC.

Stephen D. McCloud heard about the Center in a casual conversation with a friend, and decided to take his camera and visit. In the last three years, McCloud and his camera have spent hundreds of hours at the Center. He has taken the time to get to know each of the cats: their likes, their dislikes, their quirks, and their stories. The affection he has for them is clearly reflected in his photographs. It's an incredible collection, and choosing only 100 or so for the book proved a daunting task.

A portion of the proceeds from each sale of this book will be donated to The Exotic Feline Rescue Center.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Pictures...even better cause!.......2007-01-16

This is a wonderful overview of the Exotic Feline Rescue Center. Stephen McCloud has obviously fallen in love with the cats at the center and it shows. There are SO many animals that have fallen victim to the exotic pet trade...the Feline Rescue Center provides a safe haven for some of the lucky ones, that now call it home. This book provides an intimate look at some of the rescues living at the center and allows the reader to look at the cats on a more personal level. The exotic pet trade is a HUGE problem in our world today and only with the help of people like Mr. McCloud educating people through photographs and information on their plight, will more people get involved and raise the necessary funds to end the vicious cycle. Wild animals belong in the WILD, not behind bars or in canned hunts for trophies. The Exotic Feline Rescue Center provides as close to a natural environment that is able for these poor cats forced to live in captivity. Stephen McCloud does a wonderful job with stories backed up by fabulous pictures.

Fantastic book.......2006-08-30

The book does the Exotic Feline Rescue Center justice. Stephen has captured the animals through wonderful photography. My granddaughter loved the center and enjoys the book.

This book made me cry! .......2006-06-12

If you love big cats like I do this is the ultimate book. Filled with striking photographs and heart-wrenching-yet-uplifting stories, I was flooded with emotion as I read. Lots of emotions. This is not an easy read, especially when confronted with stories of people abusing these majectic animals or forcing them to travel en masse in the back of a Volkswagon van... but these lions, tigers, cheetahs, panthers and lynx have all been very fortunate to be part of this book. The photos are as beautiful as they are intimate and it's like the photographer has actually captured a tiny bit of each cat's personality. BUY THIS BOOK.

Saving Grace.......2006-05-22

The Exotic Feline Rescue Center is the saving grace to somewhere around 170 big cats (they have acquired more since the publishing of this book). This book could be a great teacher to the world (especially breeders and private owners) about the realities of sending these beautiful creatures out into the world as "pets". I have been to the compound in Center Point a number of times, and have taken a LOT of pictures, but the pictures in this book are the most beautiful ones I've seen. And the stories can be heartbreaking, too. The way some people have treated these creatures of God is appalling, as you will read in this book. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And that tunnel ends at Center Point, Indiana in the Exotic Feline Rescue Center. I recommend you buy this book, and have your friends buy this book. Everyone will enjoy it, and hopefully learn something from it. And a portion of the proceeds will go to the EFRC, and every little bit helps.

Average customer rating:

brrrr....
Wonderful Penguins
Magnificent!
Magnificent!
This is a beautiful book!

Mitsuaki Iwago's Penguins
Mitsuaki Iwago
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Collections, Catalogues & Exhibitions | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0811814408

Amazon.com

One suspects Mitsuaki Iwago is really a penguin in disguise--for it is hard to picture a Homo sapien getting close enough to these birds to get the pictures he does, without donning top hat, white tie, and tails. Where other wildlife photographers keep a respectful distance from their prey, Iwago is on intimate terms with them. There are some very unusual photos in this book as a result--penguins jumping in the ocean like dolphins; parents regurgitating squid and feeding it to their young; a chick in transition to adulthood, much of his chest still covered with dark feathers.

Book Description

Bargain Books are non-returnable.

Against the spectacular background of Antarctica, Iwago has perfectly captured the natural charm of penguins in this new collection. Among the most popular of birds, penguins are intriguing, comical, extraordinarily friendly creatures and Iwago documents these appealing qualities as only a nature photographer of his stature can. Page after page of full-color photographs showing penguins preening, mating, diving, swimming under water, and performing acrobatic feats are sure to delight.

Customer Reviews:

brrrr...........2003-04-08

Look through this and imagine what the climate must have been while photographing these animals. Remember that the author didn't just shoot a roll or two of film and head out-this is the result of a great deal of time shooting many, MANY rolls of film in freezing temperatures. The photos are wonderful-I just wish that there had been some informative text on the penguins. Penguin books are not very easy to come by-this one would be a great addition to anybody's library that may be interested in penguins.

Wonderful Penguins.......2000-09-10

Penguins book by Mitsuaki Iwagos, is considered one of the best photo books of these unique animal that live in Antarctica. Mitsuaki Iwagos in my opinion is considered one of the top nature photographers. He shows us the life of penguins in general their way of life children care and protection, and the defense of severe climatic conditions of Antarctica massive assembling which draws the attention and stir your eyes in addition to summarized notes. It is a book that recounts the life of penguins in elegant and eye- catching manner. In addition the photos included in this book gives you clear significance and meaning of life on Antarctica . So I recommend this book for those who love natural photos and Antarctica in general.

Magnificent!.......1999-11-24

Allot a special, private time for yourself with this book! Only by allowing yourself the time to savor each photograph will you go on the special journey Mitsuaki Iwago has in store for you. His play with the contrasts of the light and darks of penguins and and their environment is bliss. I am a penquin afficianado, and was totally thrilled by this sensitive and delightful presentation.

Magnificent!.......1999-11-24

This is a beautiful book!.......1999-05-20

A great way to spend the afternoon. Photographs show all aspects of penguin life. Stunning, interesting. Good commentary as well.

Average customer rating:

Nikon User's Guide to Bird Photography
Life in a Hide

Photographing Wild Birds
Chris Gomersall
Manufacturer: Amphoto Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Nature & Wildlife | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Reference | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0817464166

Customer Reviews:

Nikon User's Guide to Bird Photography.......2005-09-25

Similar in scope to Art Morris's book, but by a Nikon user. Of course, neither _really_ depends upon using a Nikon or Canon, essnetially the same lenses are available from both manufacturers. The techniqe is the thing. But here they differ somewhat as well. Art Morris likes to 'stalk' birds; Chris Gomersall prefers a hide (blind). Perhaps both methods should be studied!

Life in a Hide.......2002-07-01

"Photographing Wild Birds" fills in a space that's been almost empty. This book concentrates on how to position yourself to take good bird pictures, with lengthy discussions of such things as composition and the building and use of blinds (or, as the English prefer, hides). This may reflect its author's European orientation where it appears getting close to birds may be much harder than in the U.S. Many of the top American bird photographers, like Arthur Morris and Moose Peterson seem to prefer the unconcealed approach. On the other hand, that unconcealed approach leads these same photographers to suggest that 600 mm lenses with 2X teleconverters are essential to good pictures. The bird photographer without $10,000 to spend on big glass may prefer to consider Gomersall's techniques. And even the owners of extra-long telephoto lenses may find the techniques suggested by Gomersall useful to get that really difficult bird.

After his discussion of field craft, the author discusses several different assignments that he's had and how he approached them. While interesting, this just supplements the meat that he's provided earlier in the book. Finally Gomersall discusses post-production problems like cataloging and marketing.

Throughout the book there are cameos by other bird photographers like Niall Benvie, but these seem more like interesting garnish than helpful hints. If you are interested in hints from Benvie you'd be better off reading his "The Art of Nature Photography", a good work in its own right.

I'd be remiss if I didn't compare this book to the bible of bird photographers, Arthur Morris' "The Art of Bird Photography". The Morris book devotes more of its pages to the technical aspects of bird photography like film and exposure compensation. And while Gomersall's pictures are excellent, Morris' pictures are breathtaking. But both books are tops in what they teach.

This book may discourage you from bird photography, or at least help you in a realistic appraisal of success. The author talks of arriving in his hide before dawn and leaving after dusk, and of spending days without what he considered a successful picture. These tales of endurance led me to spend several hours in a hide, and I must confess that the pictures I captured were better than my run-of-the-mill shots. But I'm not certain my devotion runs to fourteen hours in a small cramped tent.

Book Description

Spectacular color photographs capture the majesty, grace, and power of bald eagles in this inspiring story of how the United States saved its living symbol of freedom and independence. Declared our national bird in 1782, bald eagles were on the brink of extinction in the 1960s. But to citizens everywhere, such a loss was unthinkable. From government agencies to conservation groups and grassroots heroes, Americans banded together for a common cause, and this beautiful, wild spirit once again flies freely across our skies. Return of the Eagle chronicles this American success story with words and photos, including some of the most incredible photographs ever taken of eagles in flight. Return of the Eagle also features a unique directory to more than 150 acres throughout the nation where bald eagles may be viewed in the wild.

Wings over Montana: A Celebration of Wild Birds

Average customer rating:

Birds and more birds
Unbeliveable photography

Wings over Montana: A Celebration of Wild Birds

Manufacturer: Farcountry Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Nature & Wildlife | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1560373318

Book Description

Acclaimed wildlife photographer Donald M. Jones loves the outdoors and its creatures, but he has a special passion for birds. And he's outdone himself with this photographic collection devoted entirely to Montana's feathered residents. Jones' exquisite camera work portrays birds' behaviors and unique charm. Daniel Casey provides an informative foreword and chapter introductions.

Customer Reviews:

Birds and more birds.......2006-08-18

Bird lovers? You have to appreciate the photography and moments captured here. Not a bird lover? Look at the photography talent.

Unbeliveable photography.......2006-08-13

I just saw this book today in a gift shop in Montana. I bought his other book "Montana Wildlife Portfolio" and will also buy his "Wings" book. If you like wildlife, Montana, the outdoors, and great photography, I highly recommend this book and also his Wildlife book. My 12 year old grandson was also impressed, so I can recommend these books to young or old. It is very high quality re-production by Farcountry Press. A bargin at the listed price.

Wild Bird Photography: National Audubon Society Guide

Average customer rating:

Okay for beginners, but better books are available

Wild Bird Photography: National Audubon Society Guide
Tim Fitzharris
Manufacturer: Firefly Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1552090183

Book Description

Wild Bird Photography shows you how to photograph unobstrusively in intimate contact with your subjects whether they are in the backyard, in the woods, on the water or at the end of the street.

Customer Reviews:

Okay for beginners, but better books are available.......2006-12-03

In general, I think you'll find other books on bird photography that are better, although beginners may find this book somewhat useful and may enjoy some of the photographs.

My biggest problem with this book is its layout. Specifically, the amount of text relative to the number of pictures is just too small, meaning it's missing a lot of real "meat". Traditional wildlife photography books vary the amount of text on each page, with more when adjacent to smaller photographs and less for larger photographs. If you've read John Shaw's Nature Photography Field Guide, you know exactly what I'm talking about and probably have become used to this style. Unfortunately, in this book, the text is always in a single vertical column down the page and placed next to one or more photographs. This really limits the amount of text on each page and in the book overall. The total page count is 109.

When I purchased this book, I purchased Arthur Morris' The Art of Bird Photography as well, and would recommend it over Wild Bird Photography. It has at least 3 to 5 times as much material as the book from Tim Fitzharris with a page count of 156.

As far as the content of the book itself, you're going to get a cursory commentary on how to select the right camera and lens, as well as other equipment and accessories. Subsequent chapters will cover light, composition, and blinds and bird behavior. There is no discussion of exposure theory, although maybe the author assumes you already have this knowledge. There is a very small amount of coverage on the digital darkroom, but given the books publishing in 1996, it's a bit outdated.

(Note: The author does briefly mention exposure, although he states that bracketing should be used to ensure properly exposed images. While bracketing is useful, especially with digital photography, this is contradictory to other author's opinions as it's important to be ready when the right moment presents itself. This reinforces my comments above about this book being aimed more at beginners.)

My suggestion is to consider buying John Shaw's Nature Photography Field Guide and Arthur Morris' The Art of Bird Photography together. These two books combined will cover the nature photography spectrum, with emphasis on bird photography coming from Arthur, and should provide you with the proper balance of knowledge and skills.

Photographing Birds in the Wild: Photographic Hints and Tips

Average customer rating:

Photographing Birds in the Wild: Photographic Hints and Tips
Paul Hicks
Manufacturer: Voyageur Press (MN)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 086343357X

Book Description

Whether readers are knowledgeable birders who wish to find out more about photography, or whether they have a photographic background but need to know more about fieldcraft and specialist photography techniques, this book clearly explains how to get fine results using basic 35mm cameras and equipment. Above all, it will increase readers' enjoyment of a uniquely rewarding pastime.

As photographic subjects, wild birds present quite a challenge, mainly because their phenomenal eyesight and (in most cases) acutely cautious nature make them so difficult to approach. However, like any good challenge, bird photography can often be tremendously rewarding, and its popularity is ever increasing. As a result, there is a continual improvement in the standard of work being produced. Far from being just a record of species and behavior, the best bird photographs are genuinely artful images.

Amazon.com

What's more charming than a penguin? A bunch of penguins! Brilliant nature photographer Frans Lanting enters the deep south world of the flightless Antarctic birds to reveal their daily lives, their triumphs and tragedies, and above all, that adorable way they waddle in their little tuxedoes. In his introduction, Lanting writes:

I wanted to create an impression of who these penguins are and what they go through. I hope my work will be seen as an homage to the individual within them all.

Set against the starkly beautiful Antarctic rocks and ice, Lanting's subjects are brilliantly defined, as sure of their purpose in life as they are of krill in the water. Whether going to sea to hunt, or raising their heartbreakingly cute chicks in crowded rookeries, these penguins are sleek, elegant, and funny. Lanting's photos reveal their lives in sparkling, intimate detail. --Therese Littleton

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant Pictorial Overview Of Our Favorite Flightless Waterfowl.......2006-08-09

"Penguins" by Frans Lanting is one of the most beautiful nature books I have ever seen. In it he details the lives of various species of penguins through his brilliant photographs and a modicum of text. Make no mistake; this is a book of pictures: it does have a small amount of informative text, but the main attraction is the incredible color photographs. The photos are arranged artfully, but my one nitpick would be the captioning: each photo has a very abbreviated caption (though not always on the same page,) but to find out more detail about a given picture, you must flip to the back of the book and cross-reference the photo in the image index, a feature that I found annoying.

Overall this book is great, and I appreciated that Lanting did not devote the book to the more commonly known King and Emperor penguins, but also detailed the lives of other less well known species like the Rockhopper, Gentoo, and Macaroni penguins. For those interested, Lanting includes a section on penguin and Antarctic conservation in the back of the book. This is a great and visually stunning book, and I recommend it without reservation.

Penguins Up Close and Personal.......2003-09-22

Known for his exquisite images and extraordinary fortitude, Frans Lanting will travel to the ends of the Earth, weather the most extreme conditions and still persist in making the most beautiful and creative photographs of his subject imaginable. Over the course of a decade, he traveled to the Falklands, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands, Antarctica, and the Southern Ocean, where his subject was penguins. In "Penguin", Lanting exhibits his photographs from these expeditions, in which he aspires to evoke the personalities of the individual birds and convey some sense of the experiences that their lives entail. "Penguin" features photographs of a wide variety of penguin species, from the diminutive to the imposing: Emperor, King, Gentoo, Galápagos, Rockhopper, Macaroni, Magellanic, Adélie, and Chinstrap, representing all four main clans of penguin species. The book is organized into three large sections: Coming to Land, Going to Sea, and Living on Ice, which each consist of an preface by Lanting introducing us to the featured penguins and explaining a little about their lives, followed by many color photographs of penguins doing what the sections' title implies. There are also several smaller sections containing an introduction, an essay about photographing the penguins, and an image index. Most of the images in this book are at least full page. Many span two pages. Some images are accompanied by captions, but more detailed captions are found, alongside thumbnails of the images, in the image index. This is a little awkward, but it does allow images to be printed full page without having to leave room for captions. The reproduction quality of the photographs in "Penguin" is not on the level of fine art books, but it is very good for a book in this price range. Recommended for penguin lovers and Frans Lanting fans.

A Quick Phototrip To See The Penguins.......2003-07-03

Penguin is a book that contains photographs by Frans Lanting and text and commentary by Christine Eckstrom. Lanting is one of the world's best known nature photographers and a number of his photographs are instantly recognizable. The book contains exquisite photographs of the many varieties of penguins in both Antarctica and lower South America. There are large penguins, small penguins, beautiful penguins, ugly penguins (or at least penguins that only a mother could love), and chicks of quite a few species. Some of the photographs are portraits, others show action. Many of the photographs contained in this book are already rather familiar and popular, especially the cover photo of a mother and father penguin with a small penguin chick. We see in these photographs why Lanting is a master nature photographer and why so many of his photographs are featured in magazines such as National Geographic.

Everyone will enjoy this coffee table book. Nature lovers will enjoy the majesty of these great birds. Photographers will find inspiration. Certainly after viewing the photographs in this book one may want to travel to the remoter areas of the world to see these creatures, but for those of us who would find the trip to be too cold and cost prohibitive, this book will serve us just fine.

great.......2003-06-14

This book is top-notch and amazing, just like anything else you would expect from Frans Lanting. You can just imagine the hardwork the man goes into just get these photos you see, not to mention the ones you don't see. This book made me feel a connection to penguins I didn't have before. You look at the book and you can see how similar these animals really are to people, their behaviors and family and emotions are so human-like, it is scary and quite emotional sometimes. Amazing book.

Seen many macaroni penquins lately?.......2003-05-05

No, neither have I but you'll find them in Frans Lanting's beautiful paperback of penguin photos, along with the emperor, gentoo, king, magellanic, chinstrap, adelie and rockhopper, all in dazzling color. As he says in the books short introduction it is not a natural history of these amazing birds but a personal photographic interpretation shot over a ten-year period. The birds are shown in all weather conditions, as huge groups, ten or so and as individuals in very detailed close-ups. Naturally the close-ups of parents with chicks are the most appealing photos in the book.

Many of the photos have captions and rather strangely there are twenty-four pages at the back of the book with thumbnails of all the photos and detailed captions, I would have thought it better to use these pages for more photos and have a caption (where needed) on each page. Apart from this I think it is a lovely book of penguin photographs and excellent value too.

Average customer rating:
At home with wild nature (New readers library)
Richard Kearton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Animal Behavior & Communication | Zoology | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0008CG6OY

Average customer rating:
Camera studies of wild birds in their homes,
Chester A Reed
Manufacturer: Doubleday, Page & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B00085P5EI

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