Animals That Saw Me – Ed Panar
Over the past two decades photographer Ed Panar has been exploring the North American landscape with his camera. Animals That Saw Me is a series of brief encounters that Panar has had with a variety of both wild and domesticated animals along the way. Each image represents an acknowledgement between animal and photographer as they have crossed paths and Panar has been caught in the act of photography.
© Ed Panar
The book has a definite humorous side to it which stems from Panar’s direct approach to photographing each encounter. From a startled sheep in a clearing to a dog curiously peering over a wall, his work is instantly engaging and captures the initial moment of uncertainty between animal and photographer. While some images are upfront and candid, others are more subtle and they work together to reveal something new each time the book is viewed.
© Ed Panar
What is perhaps most interesting about the book is that it provides an insight into Panar’s journey as a photographer. Panar’s work is a record of unplanned experiences and encounters, in which the most interesting images are discovered unintentionally. For Panar, it is the animals who have encountered him on their journey, and he wonders what else these animals have seen.
Review by Sarah Lloyd
© Ed Panar
Animals That Saw Me by Ed Panar is available from Waterstones. Head to www.edpanar.com to see more of Panar’s work.