Kindle Edition Category:  Memoir Publisher: Acorn Books ISBN-10:  0985726784 Type: Non-Fiction Pages: 112 Copyright: April 25, 2013 ISBN-13: 9780985726782 Price: $3.99 (eBook) Walk into the wild with wildlife photographer S. J. Brown With over 60 images Close Ups & Close Encounters takes the reader into the field. Each chapter features wildlife encounters. There are successes, failures, funny moments and scary experiences. All told from the photographers point of view. Getting the images often involves trekking through thick brush, muddy trails, rocky seas and secluded locations, but the interaction with wildlife makes it all worth it. Excerpt "Oh wow! I have to get a picture of him!" In a flash, I was out of the boat, making my way across the sand. Clicking the shutter from a distance, I then moved closer. Kneeling to get a better angle, it was obvious this guy was massive! I marveled at his size and the thick jagged scales that ran down his back and tail. I clicked off another frame, and then crawled closer, lying on the ground in front of him. Then his ominous eyes opened and he glared at me! I knew I had come too close to him. I could actually hear his breathing. My trembling finger stayed on the shutter and the camera clicked continuously as my mind raced. What were the warning signs alligators gave? Their striking distance was how far? This is how wildlife photographers get themselves into trouble. I had been so engrossed in my subject I forgot about the danger. The alligator could easily grab me with his powerful jaws in an instant. His claws were huge and could shred my limbs with very little effort. He seemed quite calm, not the least bit upset by my presence, but able to strike in an instant. I backed off slowly and carefully. It was very important not to startle him. This was a dangerous position to be in and I wanted to get out of it in one piece. “I'm going to back away and let you go back to sleep”. I informed him. “See, I'm leaving you alone.” I never took my eyes off of that alligator; if he came at me, I wanted a chance to evade him. Crawling ever so slowly backward; thankful for each growing inch of distance between us, his menacing eyes watched my every move. Then something grabbed the back of my sweatshirt! I had been so focused on putting space between that alligator and me, I had no idea what was behind me. With a quick jolt I was propelled backwards. Thankfully, I was a safe distance from the threat in front of me, but, what was behind me? Panicked, I looked over my shoulder and realized it was Jay dragging me away from the alligator. With a sigh of relief I stood up. As we walked away Jay scolded me and scowled as he reminded me, I could have been lunch.

Delightful
This is a wonderful book, one that can be enjoyed by almost any age group. The author is a wildlife photographer, with an artist's eye for the best angle and the telling moment; and she is a writer as well. Even the youngest children will enjoy the pictures - often cute but never cloying - And adults who still have a bit of the child within will enjoy them as well, and enjoy also the stories that accompany them. This would make a great gift book - for almost anyone.

Lovely story and wonderful images
Close Ups and Close Encounters is the story a wildlife photographer. This isn't a tale of trekking in the savannah, instead it looks at wildlife closer to home (for US readers at any rate). As such it feels more immediate, less remote and the images are no less interesting for it.

As with any wildlife picture collection you see a range of lovely images throughout the book. The photographer does capture some excellent moments. The photo of the angry bear is my particular favourite, it really shows the essence of a bear.

Along with the photos there are the stories of how the pictures were taken. These provide fascinating glimpses into the process of wildlife photography as well as more personal insights into the author and photographer's life.

My only slight complaint is that some of the photos described in the text weren't included in the book, with is a shame. That being said, there are many wonderful photos in the book to enjoy.

If you like your wildlife then I highly recommend this book.

Enjoyable read
Really loved this book. The pictures were fabulous and the stories were well written and kept me glued to the pages. This book is for every age group and I am so glad I purchased it. Parents can even read this book to their children and the pictures that accompany them are beautiful. I would gladly recommend this book to anyone.