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Polar Obsession
The Arctic is in Paul Nicklen’s blood. Raised on Baffin Island, Nunavut, he grew up in one of the only non-Inuit families in a tiny native settlement amid the ice fields, floes, and frigid seas of Northern Canada. At an age when most children are playing hide-and-seek, he was learning life-and-death lessons of survival: how to read the weather, find shelter in a frozen snowscape, or live off the land as his Inuit neighbors had done for centuries.
Today Nicklen is a naturalist and wildlife photographer uniquely qualified to portray the impact of climate change on the polar regions and their inhabitants, human and animal alike. In a wise and wonderful intertwining of art and science, his bold expeditions plunge him into freezing seas to capture unprecedented, up-close documentation of the lives of leopard seals, whales, walruses, polar bears, bearded seals, and narwhals. Bathed in polar light, his images, inspiring and amazing, break new ground in photography and provide a vivid, timely portrait of two extraordinary, endangered ecosystems.
Today Nicklen is a naturalist and wildlife photographer uniquely qualified to portray the impact of climate change on the polar regions and their inhabitants, human and animal alike. In a wise and wonderful intertwining of art and science, his bold expeditions plunge him into freezing seas to capture unprecedented, up-close documentation of the lives of leopard seals, whales, walruses, polar bears, bearded seals, and narwhals. Bathed in polar light, his images, inspiring and amazing, break new ground in photography and provide a vivid, timely portrait of two extraordinary, endangered ecosystems.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
4 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Paul Nicklen
12 books28 followersPaul Nicklen is a Canadian photographer, filmmaker, and marine biologist who has documented the beauty and the plight of our planet for over twenty years. As an assignment photographer for National Geographic magazine, Nicklen captures the imagination of a global audience.
Paul Nicklen lives a life of art, purpose and adventure, combining a career as an assignment photographer for National Geographic Magazine and founder of his own conservation society, SeaLegacy. In addition to being one of the world’s most acclaimed nature photographers, Paul is an acclaimed polar specialist, speaker, author, conservationist, National Geographic Fellow, and a regular contributor to National Geographic Magazine with 20 completed stories to date. He has garnered more than 30 of the highest awards given to any photographer in his field, including the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the year and the prestigious World Press Photo for photojournalism. Paul has written several books including Seasons of the Arctic, Bear, Spirit of the Wild, Polar Obsession and his newest monograph, Born to Ice.
Paul Nicklen lives a life of art, purpose and adventure, combining a career as an assignment photographer for National Geographic Magazine and founder of his own conservation society, SeaLegacy. In addition to being one of the world’s most acclaimed nature photographers, Paul is an acclaimed polar specialist, speaker, author, conservationist, National Geographic Fellow, and a regular contributor to National Geographic Magazine with 20 completed stories to date. He has garnered more than 30 of the highest awards given to any photographer in his field, including the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the year and the prestigious World Press Photo for photojournalism. Paul has written several books including Seasons of the Arctic, Bear, Spirit of the Wild, Polar Obsession and his newest monograph, Born to Ice.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 4, 2012
If this book were in the home of more little girls, the popularity of the unicorn and the pony would decline because the girls would instead fall in love with elephant seal pups. I'm a sensible and practical woman approaching 40 and *I* was suckered in by those big eyes and adorable faces. Seriously the cutest animals ever.
I liked the images and the text equally - both had some fantastic pages and some not so great pages but the overall book was easily a 4.
I liked the images and the text equally - both had some fantastic pages and some not so great pages but the overall book was easily a 4.
May 28, 2018
I've owned this book for years and while I've flipped through and looked at the photographs a few times, I only just now sat down to read all the text and view the photos in context.
We saw Paul Nicklen speak a number of years ago at the Perot Museum and a lot of the stories he told that night are included here, and reading them after hearing him describe these encounters in person made them that much more powerful--the story of the leopard seal repeatedly trying to feed him a penguin especially, as he actually teared up during his lecture. I also remember him talking a lot about his friend Göran Ehlme, who sounds like he's kind of hilarious and a lot of fun, so it was entertaining to encounter him again here.
The text is honestly just okay...Nicklen may not be the most eloquent of writers, but that's fine because the photographs really do kind of speak for themselves, although the added background info in the text does add to their appeal. I also found it a little weird how in the Svalbard section he tells a story about a polar bear following him home and sticking her head though his window and how he managed to capture his photograph of the moment, only the photo itself is nowhere to be found until the very end of the book, in a small image during the interview section--it would have been nice to have a reference to where to locate the image he's describing since it's nowhere nearby. So there's stuff like that that could have been done better.
Even so, you can really feel Nicklen's passion for his work and for Arctic and Antarctic wildlife, as well as his desire to bring the love and wonder he feels to others in hopes of inspiring commitment to protect these animals and their environment.
And then...the photographs. They're really gorgeous, and up close, and raw, and powerful. You guys know I love my polar bears, and there are some beautiful images of walrus and narwhal and other Arctic wildlife, but it was the Antarctic section that really hit me. I mean, these photographs are just...transcendent. And some of my favorites of his Antarctic photographs are not even included here!
Honestly, the only reason it took me so long to read this thing cover to cover is because it's freaking huge. Not thick huge, like, two feet wide huge. Which is awesome for the photographs, but makes it incredibly awkward to hold and is definitely best perused while seated at a table (not my usual favored position for book perusal).
In any case, I'm very glad I finally took the time to give it my full attention. If you ever run across it, I definitely recommend taking a peek. And definitely go hear Nicklen speak if you ever get a chance (TED talk here for a preview)!
We saw Paul Nicklen speak a number of years ago at the Perot Museum and a lot of the stories he told that night are included here, and reading them after hearing him describe these encounters in person made them that much more powerful--the story of the leopard seal repeatedly trying to feed him a penguin especially, as he actually teared up during his lecture. I also remember him talking a lot about his friend Göran Ehlme, who sounds like he's kind of hilarious and a lot of fun, so it was entertaining to encounter him again here.
The text is honestly just okay...Nicklen may not be the most eloquent of writers, but that's fine because the photographs really do kind of speak for themselves, although the added background info in the text does add to their appeal. I also found it a little weird how in the Svalbard section he tells a story about a polar bear following him home and sticking her head though his window and how he managed to capture his photograph of the moment, only the photo itself is nowhere to be found until the very end of the book, in a small image during the interview section--it would have been nice to have a reference to where to locate the image he's describing since it's nowhere nearby. So there's stuff like that that could have been done better.
Even so, you can really feel Nicklen's passion for his work and for Arctic and Antarctic wildlife, as well as his desire to bring the love and wonder he feels to others in hopes of inspiring commitment to protect these animals and their environment.
And then...the photographs. They're really gorgeous, and up close, and raw, and powerful. You guys know I love my polar bears, and there are some beautiful images of walrus and narwhal and other Arctic wildlife, but it was the Antarctic section that really hit me. I mean, these photographs are just...transcendent. And some of my favorites of his Antarctic photographs are not even included here!
Honestly, the only reason it took me so long to read this thing cover to cover is because it's freaking huge. Not thick huge, like, two feet wide huge. Which is awesome for the photographs, but makes it incredibly awkward to hold and is definitely best perused while seated at a table (not my usual favored position for book perusal).
In any case, I'm very glad I finally took the time to give it my full attention. If you ever run across it, I definitely recommend taking a peek. And definitely go hear Nicklen speak if you ever get a chance (TED talk here for a preview)!
December 24, 2015
Polar bears! Narwhals! Qalupalik! Coffee table book that includes long essays that give much more context in terms of both polar animals' lives and the photojournalist's experience.
The cool thing about this is that Nicklen is really in a unique position as far as this kind of work—his parents moved the family to Baffin Island when Nicklen was just four, so he grew up with a knowledge of the beauties and dangers of an Arctic environment. He studied marine biology and worked as a wildlife biologist, so he also has a scientific understanding of the environment he works in. Honestly, although he talks about photojournalism—although he is a photojournalist—he could just as easily be described as an activist: the very clear point of the book is the importance of saving the ice to save the creatures that rely on it.
It's a passionate (if sometimes repetitive) plea, but you can see his point. Some really stunning (and sometimes funny, or just curious) photographs...a number of which were clearly achieved with the help of a willingness to take significant risks in pursuit of a photograph (seriously, read the essays—think 'occasional disregard for life and limb')...but also with that understanding of the landscape instilled by Nicklen's childhood.
I have to say, though, just looking at these photos makes me feel cold. Can't say it makes me eager for the polar bear swim on New Year's Day, but oh well. Seems fitting nonetheless.
The cool thing about this is that Nicklen is really in a unique position as far as this kind of work—his parents moved the family to Baffin Island when Nicklen was just four, so he grew up with a knowledge of the beauties and dangers of an Arctic environment. He studied marine biology and worked as a wildlife biologist, so he also has a scientific understanding of the environment he works in. Honestly, although he talks about photojournalism—although he is a photojournalist—he could just as easily be described as an activist: the very clear point of the book is the importance of saving the ice to save the creatures that rely on it.
It's a passionate (if sometimes repetitive) plea, but you can see his point. Some really stunning (and sometimes funny, or just curious) photographs...a number of which were clearly achieved with the help of a willingness to take significant risks in pursuit of a photograph (seriously, read the essays—think 'occasional disregard for life and limb')...but also with that understanding of the landscape instilled by Nicklen's childhood.
I have to say, though, just looking at these photos makes me feel cold. Can't say it makes me eager for the polar bear swim on New Year's Day, but oh well. Seems fitting nonetheless.
December 27, 2011
Another book cover graced by a bear, although this one is accompanied only by its icy mirror image, not a child. Polar Obsession by Paul Nicklen is a magnificent compilation of death-defying photographs. Not only did Nicklen, a National Geographic photographer who grew up among the Inuit on Baffin Island, risk his own life for these phenomenal photographs, but their intent is to defy the impending death of some of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems.
Here we have the Svalbard of The Golden Compass in all its’ natural splendor. There be whales here: beluga, bowhead, and narwhal. Nicklen has an amazing encounter with a leopard seal trying to feed him, and a terrifying one with an elephant seal trying to flatten him. My affinity for polar bears is well documented, and there are some awesome pictures of the dwindling beasts, but it was the picture of a mother walrus and her calf that captivated me!
Here we have the Svalbard of The Golden Compass in all its’ natural splendor. There be whales here: beluga, bowhead, and narwhal. Nicklen has an amazing encounter with a leopard seal trying to feed him, and a terrifying one with an elephant seal trying to flatten him. My affinity for polar bears is well documented, and there are some awesome pictures of the dwindling beasts, but it was the picture of a mother walrus and her calf that captivated me!
August 25, 2011
Very good photographic work and some compelling stories. I'd rate it 4* if it weren't for the recurring occurrences in the text where something drastic is about to happen only to present itself a last second salvation. Don't get me wrong, I respect the (potentially dangerous) situations Paul Nicklen might have been into but I found the writing style a bit "too dramatic" for my taste in these cases. But, a very good book for any person's shelf, nature photographer connoisseur or not.
December 28, 2018
Polar Obsession is a beautiful collection of informational images and stories that successfully allow readers to experience the polar world while gaining a deeper appreciation for the animals and climate.
Paul Nicklen does a seamless job of mixing awe inspiring photos (that absolutely anyone could love) with a message he is a passionate about - climate change. Not only that, but as someone whose photography I have followed for a while, it was incredibly interesting to learn about his life and interactions with the Inuit.
I believe that anyone reading this book, whether a believer of climate change or not, will form an emotional connection with these pictures which leads to a greater appreciation of the planet. I think awareness is what Nicklen is striving to convey, and he does it very well in Polar Obsession. Nicklen really gets at the heart of why people should care and how people can share their passion of exposing climate change - talking and making the crisis relatable.
Paul Nicklen does a seamless job of mixing awe inspiring photos (that absolutely anyone could love) with a message he is a passionate about - climate change. Not only that, but as someone whose photography I have followed for a while, it was incredibly interesting to learn about his life and interactions with the Inuit.
I believe that anyone reading this book, whether a believer of climate change or not, will form an emotional connection with these pictures which leads to a greater appreciation of the planet. I think awareness is what Nicklen is striving to convey, and he does it very well in Polar Obsession. Nicklen really gets at the heart of why people should care and how people can share their passion of exposing climate change - talking and making the crisis relatable.
June 7, 2017
Incredible.
January 21, 2019
Fantastic photography, especially from underwater, of the animal life in arctic regions by National Geographic photographer and biologist Paul Nicklen.
January 28, 2019
What an amazing and exciting photo book . And of course a huge ecological message. A unique set of photos and stories to go with them.
October 31, 2020
This book contains beautiful pictures of the vast array of polar species around the world. Once again, I am reminded of the greatness of God's power to have created something as magnificent as this.
January 31, 2025
#libraryLover
This book is so impressive. Paul is a madman for what he does but the results are spectacular. His images are jaw dropping and the stories behind them are eye opening.
This book is so impressive. Paul is a madman for what he does but the results are spectacular. His images are jaw dropping and the stories behind them are eye opening.
November 18, 2009
Gorgeous photography and well written too, this is a fabulous book for anyone interested in polar animals. Paul Nicklin grew up in Northern Canada with the frigid arctic landscape as his playground. His love of the arctic and its creatures is evident in the tone of his writing and the amazing and often death-defying lengths he has gone to photograph polar animals. This book includes shots taken in both the Artic and Antarctica, including polar bears, penguins, leopard seals, narwhals, and bowhead whales. He recounts fascinating stories of close encounters with animals and the dangers of trying to photograph in an extreme environment. An amazing book.
September 9, 2014
Extraordinary book for both the text and the photos. Some of the photos are blurred, but so would yours be if you were shooting in water at 1 degree centigrade. Plenty of "nature red in tooth and claw." Not one for the kiddies. There is a passage in which he develops a definite relationship with a female leopard seal who thinks he is hungry and keeps bringing him penguins that he declines to eat; so she does.
Both Arctic and Antarctica are in here.
If you thought highly of Arctic Dreams you'll be on course for this book.
Both Arctic and Antarctica are in here.
If you thought highly of Arctic Dreams you'll be on course for this book.
December 3, 2009
Gorgeous book full of wildlife photos from the poles, including awesome pics of narwhals. Clearly there is something wrong with me, because instead of worrying about global warming, I spent my night trying to remember what movie has a mr. narwhal character in it! Finally realized it was Elf with Will Ferrell, and then wanted to go and watch it immediately.
February 1, 2010
AMAZING photos, including a few places I have been and many, many more I would like to visit. The only part I didn't like was the two-page spread of a penguin's head being ripped off by a leopard seal, but well... that's nature. The story of the leopard seal trying to feed penguins to the photographer was my favorite part.
December 29, 2009
So far I've looked at all of the pictures in this book and read a few parts of it. I have a soft spot for walruses and other polar animals and the photos in this book are amazing. It's really, really heavy though!
January 31, 2010
The pictures of the narwhals are indescribable. Utterly and completely otherworldly.
Thank you, Paul Nicklen for giving us pictures of something that we would not have seen otherwise! Also, for taking the time to interview and write about your experiences.
You are a BIG DEAL, dude.
Thank you, Paul Nicklen for giving us pictures of something that we would not have seen otherwise! Also, for taking the time to interview and write about your experiences.
You are a BIG DEAL, dude.
January 3, 2010
Nicklen is a PHENOMENAL photographer. This book is a must-have by anyone intregued by ice or the wildlife therein.
A+!!!
A+!!!
January 30, 2010
A nice companion to "late nights on air."
March 14, 2010
Awesome. Especially the incredible narwhals and leopard seals.
June 28, 2016
A review from me: http://www.learntodivetoday.co.za/blo...
November 30, 2013
A great book!! Stunning photographs enhanced by entertaining and enlightening stories that bring attention to a precious, vibrant and incredibly endangered ecosystem.
January 18, 2015
Simply a very nice book of photos that will touch reader's souls
August 8, 2017
Lots of high quality photos and descriptions that inform you about and enthrall you with Arctic life.
March 8, 2010
Gorgeous photos in this one!
July 1, 2010
Fabulous photos!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews