The bestselling Beautiful... series has embraced sheep, pigs, cows and chickens in its growing portfolio of handsome beasts given the full studio treatment by a leading portrait photographer. Next into the frame waddle the humble members of the Anatidae family of birds. Beautiful Ducks plucks 40 of the world's most distinctive duck breeds from the pond and displays them in all thier glory. Stylishly lit and shot against draped backgrounds, these sitting ducks are prize-winning examples that have been primped and preened for their moment in the spotlight. They reveal not only a surprising diversity of shape and hue, but also a range of mischievous personalities and an uncanny ability to look the viewer in the eye. Beautiful Ducks includes descriptions of each breed, covering their origins, physical attributes and uses. There's also a history of ducks, and introduction to breed basics, and reportage photography from rare breed shows. So, whether you wish to get abreast of the duck world, admire beautiful photography, or argue endlessly over your favourite portrait, if you're looking for an irresistible gift book then Beautiful Ducks is sure to fit the bill.
Liz Wright edits Smallholder magazine and is the author of several books on small farming and domestic poultry. Previously, she worked for a leading wildfowl exhibitor and breeder. She is a keen duck keeper, with a penchant for Muscovies and Abacot Rangers, and frequently attends poultry shows. Liz lives in the Cambridgeshire Fens, where she enjoys watching wild ducks on the washes and dykes.
Andrew Perris has tackled a wide range of challenging commissions during the 20 years he has worked as a photographer. Many have included animals, from snails on location to elephants in the studio, but pigs have to be the ultimate challenge so far because they simply do not stand still! That said, he has learned along the way and has met some fantastic characters (and pigs). His numerous corporate and advertising clients include Virgin, Sainsburys, Parker Pens, P&O Ferries, and Royal Bank of Scotland.