Book Review: My Wild Life: Adventures of a Wildlife Photographer by Suzi Eszterhas

 My Wild Life: Adventures of a Wildlife Photographer by Suzi Eszterhas is a children's book about one person's journey to be a wildlife photographer. As a young girl, Suzi Eszterhas knew she wanted to be a wildlife photographer. But how did she go from snapping pictures of cats in her backyard to taking photos of cheetah cubs in Kenya? In this nonfiction picture-book biography, Eszterhas invites readers to find out what her life is like behind the lens. Photographs of animals paired with compelling anecdotes will instantly draw readers in. Each section of the book explores a unique part of Eszterhas’s job with energetic and engaging language. Along with photography tips and stories about life in the field, Eszterhas’s sections on conservation and treating animals with respect will enhance readers’ awareness of these issues. End matter includes answers to common questions Suzi has been asked.

My Wild Life: Adventures of a Wildlife Photographer is a wonderful and realistic look at what life as a wildlife photographer can be like. While there are stories about getting amazing pictures and some once in a life time experiences, like cheetah cubs getting so used to her presence on a shoot that they were playing on her jeep. She also talks about having to wear seven plus layers of clothing in the arctic, being charged by rhinos and gorillas, and having to sit in a blind long enough to have clearing labeled bottles for water, and well other things. I think Eszterhas does a good job here of showing the wonder and respect that the profession deserves, with the amount of dedication and hardship inherent in getting it right. I think the included photographs do a goo job of capturing the variety of the author's work, and that the endmatter with frequently asked questions are perfect additions to the book. I have to admit that I spent a good amount of this book thinking of my daughter, who has been saying she want to live with wolves or out in the wild for most of her life, and think I will have to show her some of the reality of such a life to see if it is really the path she wants.

My Wild Life: Adventures of a Wildlife Photographer is a great look at what is really involved in being a wildlife photographer; research, patience, danger, and all.