A Wild Life is a captivating photographic biography that weaves together a spirit of adventure with deep humanistic concern. Written by author and photo editor Melissa Harris, the book offers a nuanced portrait of American photographer Michael “Nick” Nichols and his extraordinary life and creative philosophy. As one of the most iconic wildlife photographers of our time, Nichols has dedicated his career to awakening public awareness about the natural world through powerful imagery. He firmly believes that protecting wildlife is essential to securing humanity’s future.
From his roots in the American South, Nichols began his photographic journey driven by a love of nature. He honed his craft with the renowned Magnum photo agency before becoming the lead wildlife photographer at National Geographic. His work took him deep into African jungles and remote landscapes, where he captured both the raw beauty and emotional depth of wild animals—offering a profound reflection on the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world.
To present a fuller picture of Nichols’s personal journey and photographic vision, Harris traveled alongside him on assignment in Africa, documenting his working process in the field and engaging in a meaningful, ongoing dialogue with him. The book also includes Harris’s conversations with some of the world’s most respected environmental scientists and conservationists, including legendary primatologist Jane Goodall. As a result, A Wild Life is not only a personal biography, but also a compelling exploration of the Earth, life, and our shared responsibility toward them.
More than just a book about photography, A Wild Life is a heartfelt tribute to the interconnected fate of humanity and nature. It reminds us that only by truly seeing the lives with whom we share this planet can we begin to reconsider our role and responsibility on Earth.