For Singaporean writer and photographer IAN POH JIN TZE, a vacation to South Africa game lodges led to the creation of a striking photo book. Ian tells us about the close encounters he showcases in The Silent Song of The African Savannah.
What inspired you to write this book?
I initially set out to enjoy the African Savannah but was so captivated by nature’s wonders and these gentle giants that I felt obliged to tell their story through my lens.
Tell us about the stories in the photo book.
My research took me deep within the African bush, requiring me to immerse myself in the African culture and stay at the South Africa game lodges for a month so I could witness these creatures in their natural habitat.
The first chapter features various animals in states of serendipity. Despite squinting through my lens at what many would consider a “ferocious predator”, their stillness made me realise I was looking into the piercing golden eyes of God’s creation and not a savage beast.
The second chapter freezes frames of various apex predators and their dilated pupils, moments before taking the lethal pounce.
The third chapter uncovers unlikely friendships of totally different species in the animal kingdom and the mutual respect they share for each other.
In the fourth chapter, I showcase the protective maternal instinct and its self-sacrificial nature that awakens at the slightest hint of need from its young. Besides love, a mother’s legacy will echo through the ages long after the world has forgotten her name.
The fifth chapter features black and white photographs that draw out the soul of the subject, baring its raw essence.
Finally, the concluding chapter features African culture such as gastronomical delights at the South Africa game lodges I stayed at, and key landmarks in and around South Africa.
How close were you to your subjects?
At times, it was as close as five metres; on other occasions, as far as 200 metres.
What would you like readers to take away from your photo book?
I would like them to feel the connection I felt with these animals and understand that not only are they placed on this Earth with a purpose within our ecosystem, but they’re also actually very much identical in their characteristics and behaviour when compared to humans.
What was one highlight and one lowlight during your writing process?
A highlight for me would be heartwarming moments such as witnessing a lioness care for her cubs. Or the protectiveness of an elephant, which many times left me in awe.
A lowlight was the moment I stood helplessly watching a herd of lions hunting a giraffe. I was experiencing an emotional roller coaster. On one hand, I was excited to see these majestic apex predators in action. On the other, it was heartbreaking to witness it at the expense of another beautiful creature’s life.
How many days did you spend taking the photographs for each section?
On average, each chapter took five to 10 days. Some shots required me to patiently wait for the right moment, such as when a lion yawns, or the heart-pounding bumpy ride through the African Savannah game park when the rangers stumbled upon a herd of elusive African wild dogs.
Are you already planning another book? What will it be about?
I’m currently working on a book that explores beloved Thai dishes. I intend to trace these dishes to their origins and explore how they’ve evolved. I also intend to explore the various styles of cooking in Thailand such as traditional street food and even the fancier Michelin-starred cooking methods.
The Silent Song of The African Savannah photo book by Ian Poh Jin Tze can be purchased at amazon.com. A Luxury edition contained within a hardcover sleeve with gold foil finishings and individually wrapped is available from ianpohjintze.com.
Now read our feature where Ian Poh Jin Tze discusses his other photo book, Behind the Scenes – Lives of These Unsung Heroes.
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