Grizzly [antikvár]

INTRODUCTIONI met Michio Hoshino about eight years ago when he first visited Alaska. He expressed a strong interest in Alaskan wildlife and in wildlife photography. As a Professor of Wildlife Management at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, I see many young people who come to this state in love with the idea of studying animals and working in the wilderness of Alaska. Some also have an interest in a career in wildlife photography. Many of these young men and women lose heart as they become aware of the hard work required to get training as a modem naturalist or professional biologist. They also leam that not all fieldwork is done when the sun shines and the days are "picnic perfect." Michio has persisted in following his interests, leaming a good deal about the biology and management of animals in Alaska, in both the field and the classroom, and developing skill as a wildlife photographer. He completed seven semesters of study at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. EXiring this time we talked many times. He was a student in one of my courses. I have been impressed by Michio's desire and determination.Wildlife photography is a special and very demanding field. To do really good work one must not only master the purely photographic aspects, but it is essential as well chat the photographer leam a great deal about the animals he or she will work with. In addition, those who do not have a true commitment to the work can never have the patience and persistence that is absolutely necessary. It is this understanding of the animals, a willingness to work in difficult weather and terrain, and the patience to wait for hours or even days to get one or two excellent shots that set the real wildlife photographer apart from the many roadside amateurs.Michio has worked on this book for about six years, keeping the bears as a major effort while photographing other subjects as well. In the course of his travels, Michio has worked in many parts of Alaska that have not seen hordes of tourists; he seeks the wild country on its own terms. Many days while I was in Denali National Parkconducting my own research on grizzly bears, 1 have watched Michio observing these interesting animals, getting to know them through hours of watching, and then "reaching out" with his telephoto lenses to record intimate moments in the relationship of mother and young as well as dramatic action in the life of bears. Michio has gained my respect as an individual who is rapidly developing his ability as a wildlife photographer. He has clearly put together a series of photographs that combine a great deal of beauty and experience with the life ofthe grizzly bears in Alaska. I hope that the harsh weather and the long waits do not discourage him for many years to come. He has become a cheerful friend and regularly has some excellent photographs to show me that clearly emphasize the value of his apprenticeship in the Alaskan wildemess.Frederick C. Dean Professor of Wildlife-Management University of Alaska-Fairbanks