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Kind words from our readers
“Your photography is extraordinary to say the least. You obviously have a real connection to the whales and throughout your book you get a sense that the whales are reading Your Body Language.
As you say in the book they are so enormous and if they wanted to hurt you and your family they would have.
Wonderful story magnificent pictures
Well done you.”
- Anne Tris Sheen’s profound stories of encountering magnificent humpback whales in their ocean habitat, partnered with the most spectacular and awe-inspiring photographs, results in an unforgettable book. Whale Being will change the way you look at the natural world, as you witness Tris’ deep connection with, and respect for, these animals. This book is a call to find our shared humanity and to demonstrate empathy towards each other and to earth’s creatures. What an honour it has been for me to play a small role in bringing this superb book to life.
— Pauline Hopkins, Editor
“Tris offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of Tonga’s humpback whales, sharing deeply personal moments through this collection of stories. It is a beautiful journey seen through the eyes of someone who not only connects with nature but truly lives within it. Her vivid, descriptive voice places you in the moment, as though you are sharing each encounter firsthand. The more you read, the more captivated you become by these magnificent creatures. Through a rich blend of imagery and artwork, Tris captures the essence of their intelligence, grace, and spirit. I believe anyone who reads this book will come away feeling a deeper connection to the ocean.”
Professional photographer
Scott Portelli
“Hi Tris, It's Cathy here. I just want to let you know how much I love your whale book! It's incredible and beautiful..Im really glad I got the hard cover too.
I'll be showing it to everyone…”
— Cathy “Want to know what it is like to swim and experience whales in their sea world? If so, get this book! The photos are spectacular and the stories are both interesting and moving.
Having been so lucky as to experience these beautiful creatures guided by Tris and in the capable hands of her husband captaining their yacht, Wildlife, this brings me back to that perfect trip to Tonga. That beautiful place in Ha’apai that we seemed to have all to ourselves, swimming in the deep blue sea that felt like velvet, and seeing the whales up close. It was intimidating, exhilarating, and peaceful all at once.
Tris’ stories will inspire you and will give you a great perspective of what it’s like to look in the sweet eyes of these creatures. The story of the mum trying to save her calf will have you in tears. The excitement of a calf playing while the mum looks on is an experience I wish everyone could experience. This book is a treasure to savor over and over. “
— Jeanne SwensonFrom first sight the cover stops you.
Not just with the resplendent blue of the sea, or the immense presence of a family of such magnificent, sentient beings. Or the exclamation of soul filled joy from the free diver minuscule in the scene. Where a picture can tell a thousand words, sometimes just two words are perfect. Whale. Being. And a whole beautiful story can begin to be told.
After an initial time spent in awe, venturing deliciously beyond the cover is like slipping beneath the surface of warm tropical waters to the other side of this world. These pages open the window to our soul through the eyes and dance of those who are inherently at one with the beauty, mystery and sanctity of nature.
It’s more than an incredible, unforgettable picture book of our seas and the life it cradles. Open this exceptional book anywhere, on any page and the world around you disappears into wondrous reverence. The words take us on a spiritual journey that transcend species, imbibing an acceptance of unconditional love for family, for nature, for life, for even grief.
We are all on this journey and while no one is immune to life’s unchartered paths this epic insight reminds us we must remain open to its mystery and our oneness with everything so our own and collective souls can grow.
Whale Being is a timeless odyssey shared through one family with a host of seven marine families that share this beautiful blue droplet we all call home.
Author, Sailor, boat broker,
Stephen Prinselaar
