I thought I would share some gift ideas for the photographer or nature lover since this is the holidays. These are all authors / photographers / organizations I know, and folks that have earned my trust over the years.
Desert Photo Retreat Gift Certificate. Hey, this one is totally self serving, but it is my blog after all. The photographer or nature lover would love a couple of nights at the Desert Photo Retreat for photography, hiking or just kicking back in a hammock and reading a book. They will have exclusive use of the facility, not only the Air Stream, but the photo blinds as well, you don’t have to worry about interacting with other guests with covid – there will be no one else here! And the wildlife viewing this year has been exceptional!
Greatland Graphics 2021 Calendar. These are beautiful calendars with wonderful images – perfect gift! Patrick is a excellent photographer and longtime friend who publishes a beautiful product. Unfortunately, with gift shops in Alaska closed, along with the cruise lines, most of his annual business vanished, so I’m sure any holiday business is a bonus. As a possible bonus, I have images on the cover of the wildlife and Denali calendars!
Guy is not only a great landscape photographer, but possibly even a better writer! His writings are not only inspiring and thought provoking, a must read for any serious photographer. It has been a few years since I have had the privileged of hanging out with Guy – the last time was a few years ago, a memorable night of sitting around the campfire with Guy and Marc Adamus talking pretty much all things landscape photography. This book may be the next best thing to a campfire visit.
I can’t pass by a visitor center without buying a natural history book. Our RV in Arizona, and home in Alaska are packed with such books and this one on Moose is one of my favorites! I met Mark Raycroft in Denali many years ago, and have stayed in touch since. Mark and a couple other photographer have a very popular wildlife podcast that I have had the honor of being a guest on a couple of times – Mark is a fantastic large mammal photographer as you will see in this book.
Joe McDonald’s new book on Gorillas is fantastic. I have never seen a gorilla in the wild, but this book sure inspires me to see these fascinating mammals one of these days. The depth of coverage is impressive, I don’t know of anyone with better coverage. Joe and his wife Mary Ann have produced so many great books over the years, it is impressive. They have also been big supporters of our Arizona Desert Photo Retreat, and my transition to Olympus.
Speaking of big supporters, Bruce Taubert has taught me more about Arizona wildlife then probably everyone else I know combined! Now you can tap into his wisdom with a copy of his book on wildlife photography in Arizona. This book includes the where and when for the best wildlife locations in Arizona, along with many helpful tips.
This is a great book not just for photographers, but for wildflower lovers as well! Lots of locations, details maps, timing, all the info in in there by two of Arizona’s well known photographers Colleen Miniuk and Paul Gill. Colleen is a hoot, we have had the pleasure of hanging out in Arizona and Alaska! Paul and Collen are also the publishers of Bruce’s book listed above.
Some other suggestions; a membership to a your local Audubon chapter, or to a local wildlife education or rehabilitation center. In my case, that would be the Alaska Sealife Center or the Sonoran Desert Museum, two outstanding facilities. I speak from experience as I have enjoyed gift memberships from all three organizations over the years.
