Tui De Roy lives in New Zealand, but she grew up on Galapagos, with her parents who wanted to live in a warm climate, living close to nature. She discovered photography at an early age, and she has since gone on to become a world-renown wildlife photographer, writer and conservationist. Her latest book is an intimate portrait of one of the most beautiful places on earth, and the photographs in this book have been taken over five decades of visiting the Galapagos Islands.
This is a book that combines striking images with vivid prose, and Tui shares all the things she loves about these islands. This is a place where reptiles reign, offering a glimpse into an ancient world. with everything from tortoises to igaunas to turtles. Tui captures sea lions at play and on the hunt, and the diverse birdlife of Galapagos.
There are also stunning images beneath the waves. There are images that capture penguins, igaunas and turtles swimming together. Other images capture brown pelican’s diving or penguins hunting near the rocky bottom.
There are beautiful photos of the hot rain season were giant tortoises relishing drinking and wallowing in the mud. There is the cooler season where pelicans enjoy fishing, and the dry months where the animals have to make do in different ways. Tui also captures the spectacular volcanic eruptions.
I love the section that includes the blue-footed bobbies, doing their courtship dance – the photographs capture this endearing ritual, that will bring a smile to everyone.
I also love all the photographs of unlikely looking creatures relaxing together and having fun!
A Lifetime in Galapagos is an extraordinary book, created over 50 years. It’s such an intimate and powerful look at the Galapagos, a glimpse into a unique wildlife and habitat.
Reviewer: Karen McMillan
Published by Bateman