By: Nick Zieminski
NEW YORK, NY (REUTERS).- Earth’s polar extremes may seem monochromatic and hostile to life, but a new book shows they are teeming with colorful creatures. “Antarctic” includes some 180 images, each spread across two large-format pages. It aims to elicit an emotional reaction from wildlife enthusiasts — and anyone concerned about the environment — by showing animals in often intimate close-up, contrasted with panoramas of the icy landscapes they inhabit. Despite the title, about half the pictures are from the northern Arctic. None were altered, but photographer Michael Poliza occasionally tricks the eye. One image seems impossible, unless the penguin aimed a camera at its own feet. In fact, Poliza took the shot, then flipped it upside-down. Poliza has published two photo books on Africa, and aims to do one for each continent. He spoke with Reuters about the Polar regions, how digital photography has changed his craft, and why shooting in Europe is a challe