Polar Opposites Book
In Polar Opposites, Lauri showcases the amazing visual similarities between the Arctic and Antarctica.
The idea for this image-rich book came after she traveled to both the northern and southern polar regions where she noticed the two regions of our earth are different but so much the same. Opposite ends of the world that both experience similar extremes in weather, terrain and environment. The book highlights those relationships by showing photographs in six categories from each location.
Bonus penguin bookmark included!
All books will be signed. If you want your book personalized to yourself or someone else, please add a note to your order box. Leave me a note with personalization information.
If you'd like to read some of the reviews, you'll find them here: https://laurinovak.com/book-reviews/
Comments
Lauri offers photography mentorships that teach you how to SEE. This book is the perfect example of her ability to not only look at the world around her in a different way, but to juxtapose similarities from the opposite sides of the globe in a consistent manner.
The book includes quotes to separate sections of photographs. They are accompanied with short anecdotes, that helps you understand who Lauri is and what drives her. I recently showed this book to a friend who came back from an expedition in Antarctica, and she can't wait to explore the arctic.
This is truly beautiful book!
This is a fascinating book, with images from both the Arctic and Antarctic. As some one who doesn’t like the cold I think Lauri has been to very cold places so I don’t have too.
Brilliant photos, informative text, a treasure!
WOW! I have to say, Lauri Novak's Polar Opposites book is more beautiful in person. Usually, images are prettier on the screen with all of the light of the monitor to support them, but in person this book is exceptional. I was surprised and delighted. The presentation is excellent and I enjoyed every minute of perusing it!
Polar Opposites is a breathtaking photographic journey that spans the extremes of our planet—Arctic and Antarctic—through the discerning and artful eye of photographer Lorie Novak. Known for her architectural work, Lauri steps into wild, remote landscapes with a surprising and exquisite sensitivity to shape, color, and emotion.
Each page invites you to explore stunning visual parallels between the poles: icy mountain ranges that mirror one another, wildlife moments that feel cosmically connected, and colors and compositions that suggest the Earth is telling the same story from opposite ends. Her poetic description of the Arctic as “Mother Earth with runny mascara” stays with you, especially as she finds a matching emotional landscape in Antarctica.
What makes this book truly special is how thoughtfully Novak pairs images—not just for visual similarity, but for the feeling they evoke. Her use of light, motion, and form is masterful. From vibrant green zodiac scenes to the glowing blues of Antarctic waters, her work feels alive, deeply intentional, and full of reverence.
With 148 pages of imagery and narrative, this is far more than a collection of beautiful pictures—it’s a visual dialogue between two distant places, and a personal invitation into Novak’s journey. Polar Opposites is a compelling, artful, and meaningful addition to any photography lover’s shelf—or coffee table.
Highly recommended.
It’s a book of photos that will transport you to another world - actually two worlds. Clever name for this book that visually takes you to places I will certainly never see in person. And thankfully, now I don’t’ have to, because Lauri’s skill with a camera has made it possible to experience the wildness, the strangeness and, of course, the stunning beauty of these polar opposites.
