Raymond Ziemer

It’s a rare book that transports the reader to some exotic setting beyond the pages. It’s a special collection of photographs that draws us into the living world depicted within the covers. Rich Ackerman’s book is just that rare and special volume. SE Alaska’s Inside Passage / The Vanishing Wilderness provides an intimate view of Alaska’s endangered coastal environment – its landforms and life forms and the natural forces that interplay throughout the region. Beyond the science and the natural history, though, Ackerman’s photos bring us face to face with the Alaskan wilderness in a way few have done before. The black and white format, in the tradition of Ansel Adams or Brett Weston, allows us to appreciate the subtleties of light and shadow on the Inside Passage. Here silvery waters define the rocky shoreline. Here the glowering sky reflects light from ragged clouds over an icy sea. As if seen in the negative, the monochrome world is revealed in all its shapes and textures. Wide angles display the intricate patterns of forested slopes, while close-up views reveal the rainforest on a more intimate scale. The introduction includes information about Ackerman, his Chicago background and all the experience that has led to this present vocation. The photographer tells of the small-ship research trips that led to the book, the excitement of discovery, the travels and travails of the expedition, including side-boxed anecdotes and a taste of technical information on the techniques and equipment. The greater part of the text comes from nature writer Brandon Shuler, who accompanied Ackerman on his first voyage to the Inside Passage. Shuler describes the science, history and current environmental concerns of the area. Separate chapters cover the architecture and ecology as he delves into forest, glaciers, water and wildlife. His rich prose provides harmonious accompaniment to the symphony of Ackerman’s exquisite photographs. Those who see these photos will be changed by them. It’s impossible to ignore the crash of calving glacial icebergs. The ethereal chill of morning fog. The majesty of breaching whales, soaring eagles, the puffins and seals and other denizens of the vanishing wilderness. Ackerman’s book reminds us that we are all fellow-travelers in a world of beauty, but also a world in danger.