Rangefinder Magazine
September 2006

Book Review: Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity  
 

The koala is among the most beloved and popular animals in the world. Unfortunately, the widespread environmental destruction of koala habitats and the dangers of urbanization are serious threats to this lovable creature. A new book, Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity, both celebrates koalas and seeks to raise awareness of their plight. This oversized hardcover is full of beautiful koala photographs by 120 photographers from all over the world.

The 315 photographic plates are accompanied by text by editor Joanne Ehrich, who writes, “It is my hope that this book will shine a small light on the dignity and personality of this furry little animal experienced first-hand by very few people outside as well as inside of Australian borders.” Joanne is also a multitalented designer, illustrator and photographer, and a number of her photographs appear in the book.

Deborah Tabart, CEO of the Australian Koala Foundation (AKF), contributes a foreword. Under her guidance, the Foundation has grown into an internationally recognized scientific organization, winning a prestigious Computerworld Smithsonian Medal for excellence in mapping koala habitats. She writes, “The portraits displayed in this book lovingly capture the koala in all its glory— its serenity, tranquility, and calmness are on display for all to see. Sadly, it is also through such images that it becomes noticeably evident that these marsupials are extremely vulnerable to the environment around them and to the hazards of an encroaching urban footprint.”

The book also features an afterward by Jack Hanna, America’s favorite television naturalist and host of the Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures television series.

Koalas presents carefully selected frames grouped by individual photographers, through which Ehrich intends “to capture a sense of flow as though moving pictures have been laid out in streaming slow motion, thereby making the images come alive in some small way.” The images portray the rapport between the photographer and subject, and between human beings and nature.

The photographs are arranged in sections that uncover different aspects of this marsupial. The first chapter, “The Allure of Koalas,” highlights the unique attraction that has inspired so many photographers.

Subsequent chapters explore the life cycle of koalas, their unique and unusual physical traits, their lifestyles, and even the little-known differences between the three kinds of koalas. The final chapter, “Single Photographs,” does not have an overarching theme and features a collection of stunning single images.

Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity Edited by Joanne Ehrich Hardcover: 9.25 x 12.25 inches, 260 pages Publisher: Koala Jo Publishing ISBN: 0-9764698-0-4 Price: $45 U.S.

Koalas are both peaceful and serene, and as beguiling as they are charming. Their endearing presence leaves people delighted, touched and fascinated. Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity conveys insights about these phenomenal Australian natives through its rich collection of images; it deserves a place on the bookshelves of koalaand nature-lovers alike.

A portion of proceeds from sales of this book will benefit the Australian Koala Foundation. Visit www.koalajo.com for more information.