Apogee Photo Magazine

More Book Reviews: The Viking Horses of Iceland and the Birds of Iceland by Noella Ballenger
 

Reviewed by Michael Fulks

Photographer, writer, and Apogee Contributor, Noella Ballenger, has just released two self-published books based on her travels to Iceland. Both coffee-table books are beautifully bound and contain full page illustrations of her subjects. Ballenger keeps her emphasis on the photography and so words are sparse, only enough to tell the reader/viewer something about the image he or she is looking at. The illustrations are well reproduced in rich color and detail.

The Viking Horses of Iceland documents one of Iceland's priceless assets. The horses were originally brought by the Vikings when they landed on Iceland's shores in the ninth century. Today, their isolation has kept the breed pure and disease free. This has been facilitated by Iceland's strict restrictions on the importation of livestock and in particular horses. According to the author, once a horse leaves Iceland it is never allowed to return.

There are about 80,000 horses for a population of just about 270,000. Riding and equestrian events are very popular among the native inhabitants and tourists alike, many of whom travel to Iceland to ride these beautiful animals.

Ballenger captures her subjects in herds amongst the beautiful landscape of Iceland as well, as providing us with intimate looks at individual animals, including a sire and mare with their newborn. If you are a lover of horses, you will appreciate this book. If you are a lover of either Iceland or good photography you will be equally impressed.

Birds of Iceland is a product of one of Noella's loves: bird photography. Traveling to Iceland during the spring to capture migrating birds, this book is a glimpse at the adventures she has had. With the assistance of guide and fellow photographer, Richard Mittleman, Ballenger traveled all across Iceland to photograph these birds. As with the previous example, this book is short on words but long on photography. As before, each image is full page and full color, with rich detail. Each page has a short description of the species of bird illustrated.

Once more, if you are a lover of fine photography this book fits the bill. If you are a birder or love photographing birds you will also appreciate this book. Either way it will be another nice addition to your coffee-table collection.

Both books measure 8.75 X 11.25 inches. The Viking Horses of Iceland contains 28 pages and costs $60.00 Birds of Iceland contains 34 pages and costs $60.00. Both of these fine books are available from the author, Noella Ballenger. She can be contacted at: