A visual feast
THERE is no shortage of new bird books arriving on my desk, yet few have stopped me in my tracks as Portfolio 1 did. It is clear before even picking it up that this is a visually stunning publication, being a hardback coffee-table book presented in landscape format. On the front cover, the fiery orange of a King Penguin’s neck and bill contrasts with cerulean-blue ice, while on the back a picture-perfect woodstar is set against verdant green.
Of course, you’d expect a book like this to look the part, but it is the text which elevates Portfolio 1 above the crowd of photobooks. Reflective, informative and often philosophical, Alejandra Rendón’s
accompanying words complement Armada’s stunning photography throughout and ensure that this isn’t just something you’d pick up and flick through – it’s a book you’ll want to read as well as simply look at.
Across three chapters, Armada and Rendón take us on a journey that starts in the remote and inclement islands of the Southern Ocean, investigating the extraordinary lives of some of the species that live here (penguins, mostly), then visits the vibrant, colour-infused nature of the planet’s most biodiverse nation, Colombia, before concluding with a detailed look at various seabirds – expect plenty of albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters here.
Armada has won awards for his photography and it is easy to see why. So many times I looked at an image and found myself thinking ‘how did he manage that?’ Yes, there are some stunning portraits, but it is some of the more abstract inclusions that show him to be an innovator who thinks outside the box when it comes to photographic convention. In many cases, these are among the most memorable of all images showcased. For an example of what I mean, see the King Penguin reflections in the sand …
The accessibility and intrigue that the images and text generate make this a very enjoyable (and often educational) read. If you’re looking for a luxurious gift for a birder or non-birder alike, it comes thoroughly recommended.