The Shark and the Albatross: A Wildlife Filmmaker Reveals Why Nature Matters to Us All

by John Aitchison

For twenty years John Aitchison has been traveling the world to film wildlife for a variety of international TV shows, taking him to far-away places on every continent. The Shark and the Albatross is the story of these journeys of discovery, of his encounters with animals and occasional enterprising individuals in remote and sometimes dangerous places. His destinations include the far north and the far south, from Svalbard, Alaska, the remote Atlantic island of South Georgia, and the Antarctic, to the wild places of India, China, and the United States. In all he finds and describes key moments in the lives of animals, among them polar bears and penguins, seals and whales, sharks and birds, and wolves and lynxes.

John Aitchison reveals what happens behind the scenes and beyond the camera. He explains the practicalities and challenges of the filming process, and the problems of survival in perilous places. He records touching moments and dramatic incidents, some ending in success, others desperately sad. There are times when a hunted animal triumphs against the odds, and others when, in spite of preparation for every outcome, disaster strikes. And, as the author shows in several incidents that combine nail-biting tension with hair-raising hilarity, disaster can strike for film-makers too.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Animals, Travel, Science, Natural History, Biography

246 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2015

Reviews

[Sportyrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remote locations. Exotic animals. A behind-the-scenes take on filming such incredible species.

This was such a tremendously good read. A great summer holiday read. A wildlife filmmaker travels to cold locations. Some of his missions are to film certain things like a first flight scene, an attack scene or unusual behaviour scenes. Inwardly the videographer is hoping all the animals escape unscathed.

Each chapter covers a type of animal at a certain place eg polar bears in Svalbard, penguins in Antarctica, wolves in Yellowstone NP. Not only do we get ‘the making of’ stories, we hear of animal and environmental information, mishaps and personal anecdotes. I particularly liked the Porn Spill how all naughty magazines were to be removed from a base but ended up spilling everywhere.

This author must be a biologist as well as a videographer as he sure knows his stuff.

I would recommend this to all animal lovers.

[Julian Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second successive wildlife filming read and this is an equally enjoyable and fascinating insight into the subject.

Absolutely beautifully written and with more of an eye for the philosophical, this book is a real delight – a series of vignettes with a camera-man’s eye for descriptive detail and some riveting encounters with the whole range of animals.

I think I appreciate the patience of his art, but I love the fact that he compares this with that of the more impressive polar bear, whose composure and self-control, make wildlife filming look hurried.

This is a real treat of escapist reading.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stunning cover photo on this book first caught my eye in the Brisbane airport last year and I am so happy I finally got a copy. John Aitchison's writing is downright beautiful. You really feel like you are shivering in the Antarctic wind right next to him while filming Emperor penguins, or waiting quietly in a steamy Indian jungle in pursuit of tigers. I truly believe in the power of nature films/photographs to help give voice to the creatures we share this planet with, most of whom many of us would never see any other way. How can you care about endangered animals if you have never seen one? A child who watches a nature program on PBS may some day be inspired to grow up and work towards positive change in the natural world. So many thanks to the author for his moving words and for his extraordinary work in the field.

[Charlotte Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating insight into life behind the camera - the descriptive writing often made me feel like I was alongside the author on his expeditions. Definitely recommend for anyone who is interested in wildlife, conservation or photography/filmmaking!

[Benjamin Stahl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Effing this, effing that. I wrote a review for this, trying to justify my reasonings for giving a decent book two stars but for some reason it didn't go through. Must be those damn Russian bots again. Oh well. Anyway, I could have given it three stars but it was more boring, I thought, than it should have been. Too much attention spent on birds and mammals but little to no more interesting animals in the reptile or sea-dwelling families. Polar bears segment was good. I liked the lynx-seeking part. There was some on whales and sea lions. But this is, I believe, one of those things when seeing actually is better than reading about. I can describe in as graphic detail as I want, a leopard pulling a crocodile from the water and eating it. Just isn't the same as watching it. Too much of that kind of thing. I think Aitchison missed an opportunity to really immerse his readers in the wonder and hardship of natural photography. Too much describing the weather, which, like a front cover with a silhouetted man running, is usually a red flag that the book is not a great one.

On a more positive note, this did get me watching Planet Earth on Netflix. My God, what an amazing documentary.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not been a big watcher of blockbuster nature films, but what I have seen of John Aitchison's work, and in particular his narration, has been captivating. I was delighted to find that the tone I had liked so much was continued in his book. Most of it was about filming in extremely inhospitable places. He is ungushing but I was moved to tears several times.

Perhaps the most telling aspect of the book is that of the few photographs which enhance the book but which are curiously inessential to a text about filming wildlife, the last one was taken not by him, but by his son.

[Sue.Howlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, if you enjoy wildlife, videography and photography this book is for you, I loved the way that each chapter is a new , in my words “adventure”, there is also a touching moment in one chapter that I wasn’t expecting but can relate to. His visual work speaks for its self

[Deborah Pickstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book and found it very interesting. It was marred by the author's staccato writing style, however.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mix of biography as a wildlife filmmaker, environmental conservationism, and nature lover, Aitchison details different parts of the world and the animals that have enchanted him by going on shoots to find and capture them so it's tigers and polar bears, penguins and cranes.

I wanted it to be a little more nature poet in the stories that he told, but either way, it was a pleasant mix though the stories themselves read more like a step by step of the adventure than the overall feeling and effects of learning from the culture and about the animals. Yet ultimately, nature matters to us all and this is a nice one to add to the mix.

[Mikke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful read for anyone interested in wildlife biology, film, or conservation. His descriptions of what its like behind the cameras are enthralling. Must read for anyone interested in the fields of film or wildlife biology.

[Isla Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. Interesting and with some nice stories and I found myself picturing the scenarios described and the landscapes of the areas covered. I also liked that it had drawings of the area that the author was next going to be in, for the upcoming new chapter.

[Jane Wilson-Howarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy to read! I was totally immersed in this superbly written and sumptuous book. It is - of course - rich with imagery but there is humor and how great that this successful cameraman is so self-effacing. Brilliant from beginning to end.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The detail accounts of a wildlife photographer working in remote areas under challenging conditions is worth reading about. The writer tells wonderful descriptive stories about his work in the field.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3 1/2 stars. The thing that was lacking was that I felt that the animals weren’t talked about enough 😕

[Hank Sweet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating insights. The snow geese story in particular.

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

simply a stunning read!!

[John Aitchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most entertaining and eloquent plea for Conservation that I have read.

[Sam Spokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read, lovely stories about connection with nature. Loved reading the backstory to so many of the scenes I recognise!!!

[Eleanor Wilde · Rating 4 out of 5]

He’s living my dream really. Loved the last chapter about filming the penguins in the Antarctic.

[T.E. Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story behind those awe-inspiring shots you watch on wildlife documentaries. You know those 10 minute inserts at the end of the programme that fill the time that other stations might devote to adverts, that tell you how they filmed certain epic sequences. This book goes beyond those inserts with detailed, poignant, and inspiring diary entries from wildlife filmaker, John Aitchison.

[Ricky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an informative and wonderful crafted book, giving accounts throughout the world from the perspective of a wildlife cameraman doing his important work. John Aitchison is a grounded and intelligent man who opens you up to another world and transports your mind to a visual and entertaining world of colour and knowledge. Thank you John for sharing this book to the world, it's a rare gift.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very engaging read. I learnt much and felt that I would follow up by watching more of the work of those who go to such extremes to show us worlds that I am never otherwise likely to see. Easy to read and written with a total respect and passion for the wildlife and environment that he inhabits.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second book of the year but a likely contender for my book of the year. Written by the formidable BBC wildlife photographer John Aitchison, this book may change how you view wildlife documentaries for ever. Immensely enjoyable!

[Matt Hearley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. It's on a combination of two subjects I enjoy. Unfortunately I found the short, stabbing prose meant I just didn't get into it. Pleased to see that I am in the minority in respect of this though.

[Foggygirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. As an avid watcher of natural history programs I actually recall seeing some of the scenes that the author describes filming in BBC programs. The Sharks and the albatross chicks being the most memorable.

[Jack Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really excellent book that gives the reader exciting glimpses into the world of wildlife filmmaking!
It is beautifully written, light-hearted but with a wealth of wildlife knowledge. The author's genuine love and care for the natural world is truly inspiring.

[Jane Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book.

[Wendy Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book - a lovely insight into the world of the nature film maker. John takes us along with him as he travels across the planet to find the images that he seeks.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautifully written book, so glad I picked this up. I learnt so much and I can't recommend this book enough!!!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written collection of some of the highlights from Aitchison's career. Atmospheric, emotive and just delightful to read. I hope he writes about his adventures again in the future.