African Air

George Steinmetz

Flying his paramotor above some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, 'National Geographic' photographer George Steinmetz has spent more than 20 years photographing some of the most remote and spectacular environments around the Earth. In 'African Air', Steinmetz captures stunning panoramas in more than 14 countries in Africa, giving readers captivating and intimate views of areas that have rarely, if ever before, been photographed.

From densely packed urban centers to small, remote villages, from migrating herds of wildebeests and elephants to infinite miles of desert, 'African Air' is a compelling testament and celebration of the majesty and splendor of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes.

With extraordinary vision and a unique perspective, Steinmetz portrays sky, land, and water in ways that have never been expressed before.

Best known for his exploration photography, George Steinmetz has been a regular contributor to 'National Geographic' and GEO magazines for more than 20 years. He has won numerous awards for photography including two first prizes in science and technology from World Press Photo, as well as awards and citations from Pictures of the Year, Overseas Press Club, and the Eisenstadt Awards.

Hardback, 215 pages. Full colour. Author: George Steinmetz

Flybubble note: This book is quite large and weighs nearly 2 Kg (!) which is why it costs a bit to post, but you get a lot of book - full of really stunning photographs - for your money!

Hardcover: 192 pages

Publisher: HNA Books (1 Oct 2008)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0810984032

ISBN-13: 978-0810984035

African Air review

Review by ricklibrarian

When a photographer has a perceptive eye, there is really not a need for many words. In African Air, a beautiful new volume of aerial photographs from across Africa, National Geographic and GEO photographer George Steinmetz quietly shows us much about the grand and struggling continent. Images of natural wonders butt up against scenes of human poverty and environmental degradation. After viewing these 119 photographs, readers maywant both to go to Africa as a tourist and to send aid.

How stunning are the photographs? They compare well with many of the images from the popular television series Planet Earth. As in the nature documentary, Steinmetz took many of his pictures from a motorized paraglider, the motor strapped to his back. In the paraglider he could hover quietly one hundred feet above a herd or rise thousands of feet over a valley or lake to get unusual views. The resulting photographs are both eye-popping and informative.

Steinmetz has been photographing Africa since 1979 when he took some time off from college. In the introduction, he recounts his many adventures, some of which seem ill-advised. Parents will not want their children following his lead. Still, it makes awfully good reading, so don't just look at the pictures. Steinmetz also includes several short personal essays among photos.

Many of the photographs date from his National Geographic assignment to supplement the journal's report about the African transect by Mike Fey in 1999. The most magical images often seem to comes from the Sahara. I particularly liked his photos of camels in caravans.

Not many libraries have this attractive book yet. I recommend it.