;)
Saturday
14Nov2009
Book Review: Bear Portraits By Jill Greenberg
Nov 14, 2009 
Bear Portraits (Little, Brown & Co/ Nov 2009) is a book that you have to see for yourself as the cover is deceiving in it's 'cuteness.'
Bear Portraits is not a collection of cute cuddly bears, or bears photographed in the style of National Geographic. What it is, is a book of bears photographed by Jill Greenberg. Does that name sound 
familiar? It might if I asked you if you remember the cover from The Atlantic magazine from last October (2009). This was the cover that caused such a controversy because of it's subject--Presidential candidate John McCain and let's just say that photographer Jill Greenberg had put Mr. McCain in what some might call "a bad light" both figuratively and literally.
familiar? It might if I asked you if you remember the cover from The Atlantic magazine from last October (2009). This was the cover that caused such a controversy because of it's subject--Presidential candidate John McCain and let's just say that photographer Jill Greenberg had put Mr. McCain in what some might call "a bad light" both figuratively and literally.This though is Ms. Greenberg's style. It is her unique style of lighting a subject and her candor that has made her an icon in the photo world. It is also what makes Bear Portraits so fascinating. Who else would decide to photograph a collection bears, ranging from a young cub, Amos who weighs in at a mere 40 lbs., to a 1,600 pound Grizzly bear that goes by the name of Koda and stands at 9 feet tall?
Think of Olan Mills Gone Wild, as these bears were brought onto an outdoor set by their trainers, complete with background and studio lights and asked to say "cheese." Well, not cheese, but the bears would do certain things on command, such as growl or stand for the camera. I don't know about you but I wouldn't be anywhere near that set.
The details captured are amazing. Ms. Greenberg's lighting style creates a rim light effect which highlights the back of the model. The front is lit from both left and right angles which creates additional depth. This sometimes gives the image a painted or drawn look. Twelve bears were used as models; one polar bear, five Kodiaks, three Black Bears, one Russian Brown, one European Brown and one Grizzly, all with different personalities. Each photo showcases the bear's personal features and temperament. The finished 'portraits' are both frightening and humorous, though definitely not at the same time. These bears though raised from cubs by their trainers, are still wild animals and could easily kill.
Jill Greenberg has given the reader a close up look at an animal that most of us never see outside of a cage or other than on TV. An interesting subject beautifully photographed makes this book a find for photographers and animal enthusiasts alike.
Jill Greenberg regularly shoots advertising and celebrity portrait photography for clients such as Dreamworks, Sony Pictures, Rolling Stone, and others. She has been a veteran photographer since age 10. Jill Greenbereg resides in Los Angeles with her husband, children, and dog--Scooter. You'll find her online at www.manipulator.com
Book Review: One Hundred Butterflies By Photographer Harold Feinstein
View Printer Friendly Version
Email Article to Friend
Reader Comments