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Do You Know Nick Brandt?

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On one of my many Pinterest afternoons I came across an absolutely stunning sepia photograph of elephants.  Usually I would pin the shot to my photography board and continue on, but the image was so arresting that stopped and did some research on the photographer. That is when I learned about Nick Brandt.   The British photographer has been capturing the, “disappearing natural world of Africa” since 2000 and I am in awe.  

In the digital age I think it is refreshing that he takes all of his photos on medium format film, not digital “captures.  Having taken formal “old school” photography courses with a wind up camera and 35mm film and having gone through the painstaking process of developing my own shots in a dark room, which used to take days with acid baths and red light exposure, it makes me appreciate this method even more.  In Nick’s own words, ” The photos are my elegy to these beautiful creatures, to this wrenchingly beautiful world that is steadily, tragically vanishing before our eyes.” 

Looking through the hundreds of photos he has taken over the past 14 years I was reminded of my trip to Africa (here) and the photos I took, but they are no where near as breathtaking!   I tried to pick only ten but could not eliminate one from my eleven favorites so these are my top picks from his website, all images copyright of Nick Brandt:  

Elephant Train, Amboseli, 2008Nick Brandt - Wildlife Photographer - RhinosNick Brandt - Wildlife Photographer - elephants-walking-through-grass

 “To me, every creature, human or nonhuman, has an equal right to live, and this feeling,
this belief that every animal and I are equal, affects me every time I frame an animal in my camera.” – NB

Nick Brandt - Wildlife Photographer - lionesses-readying-to-hunt-masai-mara-2008-photo-by-nick-brandtNick Brandt - Wildlife Photographer - Elephants and RockNick Brandt - Wildlife Photographer - Lioness with Cub

“I want to get a real sense of intimate connection with each of the animals – with that particular lion or elephant in front of me. I believe that being that close to the animal makes a huge difference in the photographers ability to reveal its personality. You wouldn’t take a portrait of a human being from a hundred feet away and expect to capture their spirit; you’d move in close.” – NB

Nick Brandt - Wildlife Photographer - Zebra with GrassNick Brandt - Wildlife Photographer - LionsNick Brandt - Wildlife Photographer - ElephantsNick Brandt - Wildlife Photographer - Male and Female LionjpgNick-Brandt-Wildlife-Photographer-zebras-turning-heads He had an exhibit of his work in New York City in September 2013, seen here, and I am so sad I did not know of Nick sooner or I would have absolutely gone.  I really hope he and his beautiful photographs come back again soon as I would love to see them in person!

Now my big decision, which of his four books should be
the latest acquisition for my coffee table? 

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  2. Michael says

    I’ve never heard of him but those photos are beautiful! Now I’m going to have to go do some homework! Elephants are my favorite.

  10. Ash @ The Nashvillian says

    I’m so glad you posted this! My husband has one of Nick Brandt’s original photographs hanging in his office and is saving up for a couple more (we also have one of the coffee table books at home). He’s even had the pleasure of having a conference call with Nick…I was jealous. Haha. Nick’s work is so powerful and meaningful. He also helped start the most effective organization against poaching, called The Big Life Foundation. If you watch their video on YouTube, you will be amazed at the work they do. All around great person and great photographer. I could go on and on…this topic always strikes a chord with me.

    -Ash
    http://www.thenashvillianblog.com

    • Ash @ The Nashvillian says

      Whoops! I lied. My husband doesn’t have an original…those are like $80,000. I WISH we could afford to spend that kind of money on artwork! Haha! He has one of his limited edition prints. 🙂

      • Kelly says

        I was going to say … DANG girl. Still, a limited edition print must be absolutely spectacular!

        • Ash @ The Nashvillian says

          HAHA! I feel like such an idiot! I was showing my husband your lovely post when he pointed out that the originals are $80,000. Yeah, there’s a juuuuuuuust a little bit of a difference in price there! I mean, the prints are pricey enough…he bought the absolute cheapest one, and I remember being so angry with him for spending that kind of money. But it is absolutely gorgeous! If only we could keep it at our house instead of his office! 🙂

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