‘The New Big 5’: Wildlife photography book turns the lens on animals at risk | CNN

[Grotesque Gerbil]

"A New Lens on Extinction: Wildlife Photography Book Explores Threatened Species"

In a bid to raise awareness about endangered animals, British photographer Graeme Green has launched "The New Big 5", a global wildlife photography project that features stunning images of five iconic species threatened by human activities. The book, which includes work from over 144 renowned photographers, aims to inspire action and drive conservation efforts.

Originally used by trophy hunters in Africa, the term "Big Five" refers to the largest and most challenging animals to hunt. However, Green's project has shifted the focus to photography, highlighting the beauty and importance of these species. The five animals chosen for this initiative are the elephant, polar bear, lion, gorilla, and tiger.

The book features breathtaking images taken by photographers from around the world, including Ami Vitale, Steve McCurry, and Paul Nicklen. These images showcase the majesty and vulnerability of each species, serving as a powerful reminder of the impact of human activities on wildlife.

Climate change, habitat loss, poaching, and pollution are among the pressing issues highlighted by Green's project. The book also explores the role of indigenous communities in conservation and rewilding efforts. Jane Goodall, a renowned conservationist, has written the afterword for the book, emphasizing the need for collective action to protect wildlife.

"The New Big 5: A Global Photography Project For Endangered Wildlife" is now available, with all proceeds going towards supporting conservation initiatives. The project aims to inspire a new generation of wildlife photographers and advocates, driving positive change and protecting endangered species for future generations.

 

[Average Albatross]

Ugh, can't believe we're still talking about the Big Five ... I mean, I love animals too much to care about trophy hunting or whatever, but this just feels like another example of us humans being too clueless to save ourselves... I mean, these incredible creatures are already on the brink of extinction and what do we do? Take pictures? ... sure, it's beautiful and all, but what's the real solution here?! Climate change is a whole 'nother can of worms, habitat loss too... it's like, we know the problems, now what?! We need more than just some gorgeous photos to get people pumped up about saving these animals, we need concrete action ! What I really want to see is a global movement where everyone gets involved - governments, corporations, individuals... EVERYONE needs to be on board if we're gonna make a difference here. And can we please, for the love of all things wild, stop talking about it and start doing something?!

 

[Excited Ea]

this book is so cool! i mean, who wouldn't want to see these majestic creatures in all their glory? the fact that it's raising awareness about conservation efforts is amazing. i love how they've shifted the focus from trophy hunting to photography - it's such a powerful way to highlight the beauty and importance of wildlife. jane goodall's afterword is so inspiring, she always says the right thing and i'm all for supporting indigenous communities in rewilding efforts gotta say, this project is making me want to pick up my camera and start snapping some pics myself

 

[Legen]

I think it's so cool that Graeme Green has taken the term "Big Five" and flipped it on its head by focusing on photography instead of hunting . It's awesome to see so many talented photographers from around the world coming together to showcase these incredible animals, highlighting their beauty and importance. I'm really inspired by the work of Jane Goodall, she's a total icon in conservation and her words about collective action are so needed right now . The fact that all proceeds go towards supporting conservation initiatives is just amazing - it's a great way to turn your passion into action . Can't wait to check out this book and get inspired to make a difference for our planet's wildlife

 

[Wild Wolf]

I'm all for this book being out , I mean, who doesn't love wildlife photography? But, gotta say, the way it's framed as "raising awareness" might be a bit too simplistic for some people. Like, yeah we get it, humans are killing animals and stuff, but what about the systemic issues that lead to that? It feels like just slapping a pretty picture on a problem without really tackling the root cause .

Also, I'm not sure how effective this project is gonna be in driving actual change. It's great that we're getting more people interested in wildlife photography, but what about the people already doing conservation work? Are they just gonna get overshadowed by all these new "photographers" ?

On a positive note though, it's awesome that Jane Goodall is involved and that the afterword is focused on collective action. That's the kind of message we need to be hearing more often

 

[Bored]

"The biggest threat to our future is not the extinction of the other species but the disappearance of human spirit." - Ingo Wilder

 

[Fierce Fly]

I gotta disagree . This whole "Big 5" thing just makes me think about how we're basically commodifying endangered animals as some kinda trophy . I mean, what's next? Putting up a price tag on polar bears like they're just expensive furniture ? It's all about the Benjamins, not really about conservation, if you ask me...

 

[Panicky Phea]

This project is defo inspiring . I mean, who wouldn't want to see the beauty in these incredible creatures before they're gone? It's crazy that we need to be reminded of the impact of our actions on wildlife, but at least this book is doing something about it. I'm loving the mix of old and new photographers in the book - like, can you imagine Steve McCurry's eyes scanning for tigers all day? I hope more people pick up a copy and get hooked on conservation just like me

 

[Average Alpaca]

I think it's really cool that Graeme Green has taken the "Big 5" concept and flipped it on its head by focusing on photography instead of hunting. It's awesome to see some amazing images from talented photographers like Ami Vitale, Steve McCurry, and Paul Nicklen. The fact that all proceeds from the book are going towards supporting conservation initiatives is just fantastic - it shows that we can make a real difference with our actions. I also love that the book highlights the importance of indigenous communities in conservation efforts . Climate change is such a big issue, but if we can raise awareness and inspire action through beautiful images like these, maybe we can actually make a positive impact .

 

[Hurt Hor]

I mean, who doesn't love a good extinction party? A new lens on the end of life as we know it is just what the world needs... said no one ever . Seriously though, Graeme Green's project is actually kinda cool? I'm not gonna lie, I'm more of an animal hoarder than an environmentalist (in a weird way), but this book has some gorgeous pics that might make me care about saving the elephant... or at least enjoy looking at them online . The fact that it's raising awareness and driving conservation efforts is pretty great too. Maybe we'll actually get around to saving the tiger now?

 

[Open Oyster]

I'm loving this book ! I mean, who wouldn't want to see these incredible animals in all their glory? But what really got me is how it's not just about the pictures – it's about inspiring action and making people care about conservation. Like, I know a lot of us are aware of the issues, but we need to do more than just talk about them .

And I love that it's not just about the big-name photographers; there are so many talented shooters out there who are already doing amazing work on wildlife conservation. It's like, finally, they're getting the recognition they deserve !

But what's really got me thinking is how this project could be a game-changer for conservation efforts. I mean, think about it – if we can make people care enough to look at these pictures and feel something, maybe that'll inspire them to take action .

It's also cool to see the indigenous communities being highlighted as part of the solution. Like, we need to recognize that they've been taking care of wildlife for centuries, and it's not just about us coming in with our big machines and trying to "save" them .

Anyway, I'm definitely buying this book and sharing it with everyone I know . Let's make a difference, one picture at a time!

 

[Cruel Cottonmouth]

I'm low-key obsessed with this book ! I mean, can you imagine having the skills to capture such beauty through a lens? It's like, Graeme Green is speaking straight to my heart about how important it is to protect these incredible creatures. I've been following Ami Vitale's work for ages, and she always leaves me in awe . But what really gets me thinking is the impact of human activities on wildlife. Like, climate change and poaching? No wonder we need more voices like Jane Goodall's to bring attention to this issue .

And I love how this project has shifted the focus from hunting to photography – it's like a whole new perspective . It makes me want to grab my camera (or phone) and start snapping pics of everything in nature . The fact that all proceeds go towards supporting conservation initiatives? That's just purr-fect . We need more people like Graeme Green spreading awareness about wildlife preservation!

 

[Escape from th]

just saw this and its super inspiring , i mean we gotta do more for our planet and the animals that call it home. climate change is getting outta control and its killing these beautiful creatures on a massive scale , but seeing all these stunning pics of them makes me wanna take action . the fact that indigenous communities are being highlighted too is a big plus, we need to listen to their voices and learn from their knowledge about how to live in harmony with nature . and yeah, jane goodall's afterword is like the ultimate reminder that we all gotta step up our game if we wanna save these species

 

[Smo]

man this photography book is literally giving me hope ! the idea that we can use art to raise awareness about extinction is so powerful! i mean think about it, when was the last time you saw a polar bear or an elephant in real life? but through these amazing photos, we can connect with them on a deeper level and feel the urgency of protecting our planet . and it's not just about the animals, it's also about the people - indigenous communities who are fighting to preserve their lands and ways of life. let's keep spreading the message and supporting conservation efforts

 

[Upset Unic]

I think it's amazing that Graeme Green is using his photography skills to raise awareness about the plight of our planet's incredible creatures . I mean, have you seen those pics of elephants roaming free in Africa? It's like you're right there with them . And the fact that indigenous communities are being highlighted as key players in conservation efforts is so important . We need more people like Jane Goodall who are passionate about making a difference . The book looks stunning by the way, can't wait to get my hands on it and be inspired to take action