Bi-Polar: Photographs from an Unquiet Mind

by Cory Richards

The debut photography collection from the internationally renowned photographer, filmmaker, speaker, and mental health advocate, featuring 300 curated images from his global adventure features, climbing expeditions, portraiture, and early fashion and fine art work.An artist and storyteller who passionately explores the human experience, Cory Richards began working for National Geographic shooting adventure features in the most remote corners of the globe. As a professional climber, he spent his early career on high-risk expeditions that tested his unique ability to capture stories that were largely out of reach to others. Bi-Polar, a title that refers to Richards's own diagnosis with Bipolar 2 at age fourteen and the career that has literally taken him to both ends of the earth, presents 300 of the most compelling images of Richards's career. Organized by the emotional polarities that exist in his life and work, including hope and fear, pride and shame, awe and contempt, and finally, the singular, love, this stunning visual collection is a celebration of the tempests of the mind and how our greatest hurdles, when seen through a different lens, can become our greatest strengths.Spotlighting jaw-dropping landscapes, disappearing ways of life, the intersection of humans and animals, and more, Bi-Polar invites us to consider how art can connect us to ourselves, others, and the beautiful world we live in.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Art and Photography, Adventure

320 pages, Hardcover

Published October 15, 2024

About the author

Cory Richards is an internationally renowned photographer, filmmaker, and author of the memoir The Color of Everything. He is the first and only American to climb one of the world’s 8000m peaks in winter. His documentation of the climb and aftermath of the experience was made into the award-winning documentary COLD and appeared on the cover of the 125th anniversary issue of National Geographic. Richards is a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Photographer Fellow, and a two-time recipient of an Explorers Grant. He has photographed twelve feature assignments for the magazine. He has an active speaking career, in which he speaks about conservation, mental health, leadership, and vulnerability.

Reviews

[Jordan]

Not what I was expecting but I'm trying to keep my DNF rate lower this year

[Sara Planz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cory Richards' first photography collection is an evocative and stunning new book that takes readers around the world. Bi-Polar is a title that refers to not only his diagnosis of Bipolar 2 as a teen but also the extreme opposites he has discovered around the globe. Divided into sections like Awe and Contempt, Hope and Fear, Richards's mastery of photography and storytelling will leave readers curious and in complete awe of our beautiful planet and the people and cultures that exist across the globe. Readers will feel connected to both after viewing these photos and learning about people we might never have a chance to know otherwise. Richards' experiences with National Geographic and as a professional climber will take you to the most remote places on earth and fill you with inspiration and hope. The gorgeous photos leap out of the pages yet feel very intimate at the same time. This is the perfect gift for any nature lover or explorer in your life.

[D · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is certainly not what I was expecting. With a title like Bi-Polar I was expecting more landscape images from the poles, not people. I suppose I should have read the description better because this is just a compilation of photographs from his travels. There is more portraits than anything else and they are not even that interesting. There are a few great scenery pictures but they are overshadowed by all of the ordinary people.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stunning photos. Really enjoyed this book.

[Rummer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I paired this with reading his memoir and it STRUCK ME TO MY CORE. Something about his struggles resonates with me.

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interestingly beautiful collection of photos, very intriguing!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous pictures and great words to accompany. His brain darts around like mine.