Welcome to “Polar Opposites” reviews!
Here, you’ll find a collection of thoughts, insights, and perspectives from readers who have journeyed through the pages of the book. I believe that every reader’s experience is unique and valuable, offering new dimensions to the story and its themes. Dive in to see what others are saying.
I encourage you to explore these reflections and, if you’ve read “Polar Opposites,” consider sharing your own review.
Great concept, wonderfully executed.
Lauri has a great eye and turned her opportunity to visit the Arctic and Antarctic into a great concept for a book of photos. You get to see similar scenes in the two different places side by side, and learn a little along the way. I especially enjoyed comparing shots of wildlife in the two regions, such as various penguins in the Antarctic with guillemots and ducks in the Arctic. ~ B.S.
Amazing photography.
The visuals this book produces are stunning. I’ve never been to either Pole and this talented photographer makes me want to go. I love the way she sees the world and its comparisons, not just in this book, but in all of her photography. Buy this beautiful book today! ~ P.C.
The thoughtful words and amazing images make this one a winner.
I’ve been following Lauri‘s photography for over 10 years. I find this book very compelling because it illustrates the similarities between literally the opposite end of the Earth. I found it to be very meaningful, not only due to the stunning beauty of these images. Truly striking work, honestly. But it carries a deeper message to me. In these polarizing times here in the US, it’s so critical to look for the similarities rather than focusing on our differences. I had put this book on my Christmas gift list and then I couldn’t wait and bought it for myself. And I’m so glad I did. 10/10 recommend buying for yourself or as a gift. ~ L.L.C.
Polar Opposites is a unique book worth reading.
This brilliant book, called Polar Opposites, is such a beautiful, unique compilation of photographs of the North and South Polar regions that I’ve never seen in person. Through her stories in this book, Lauri Novak has introduced me to these incredibly stunning landscapes and mesmerizing bodies of water, similar to each other but at opposite ends of the earth. I am honored to have received a copy of this book. I recommend it highly and I know that you will love it as much as I do! ~ A.M.
Breathtaking photographic journey.
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. ~ K.C.
Quality, beautiful art. Stunning.
I absolutely love this photographer. She has captured breathtaking moments that truly come to life on the page. Nice stock, quality paper, sturdy bound. I’m in awe of the simplicity and photographic similarities she captured. Simply beautiful scenes and lighting. The anecdotes are warm-hearted and thought-provoking. Highly recommend this book for your coffee table. You will not be disappointed! ~ L.B.
A stunning exploration of Earth’s Polar Extremes.
I can’t recommend Polar Opposites enough! This book is a true masterpiece. The quality of the publication is exceptional, and the stunning photography captures the incredible beauty of both the Arctic and Antarctica. Lauri’s storytelling draws you in, connecting each image to the unique environment it represents. I keep it on my coffee table, and every time we have family and friends over, they can’t help but be amazed by the breathtaking visuals and fascinating information. It’s an excellent conversation starter! The way the book explores the striking yet subtle similarities between these polar regions is truly remarkable. A beautiful blend of art and knowledge! ~ J.S.
A truly magnificent book.
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 by short anecdotes that help 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. ~ E.R.
Fascinating book.
This is a fascinating book, with images from both the Arctic and Antarctic. As someone who doesn’t like the cold, I think Lauri has been to very cold places, so I don’t have to.
Brilliant photos, informative text, a treasure! ~ T.H.
Gorgeous.
The stunning imagery of the vast ice fields as well as the incredible array of wildlife leave me in awe. There are raw images of buildings and equipment beautifully juxtaposed. Lauri used her artistry and her adventures to show the contrast between the two poles.
I have been in the northern Arctic several times. It is a magical experience. It’s full of feelings of solitude and peace. The landscape feels quiet. Lauri captured these feelings in her book.
My wanderlust is now pulling me to go to the South Pole. ~ J.L.
Unique and captivating.
As a photographer myself, I appreciate the eye it takes to capture the images in this book. Lauri sees things that others don’t and I love and relate to that. The concept of the book is unique and captivating. She flips the title on its head, showing the similarities of these two remote, ruggedly beautiful locations via her excellent, carefully captured and edited images and pertinent text (she is also a good writer). She took me where I will never physically go. My future trips through the book will be focused on individual images, to absorb them. The images of ice, water and reflections reach far deeper than just my eyes, they touch something inside. So, a unique, well-crafted, beautiful and informative table book for a great price? Yes indeed. I think you will enjoy it also. ~ T.L.
Worth every penny.
Polar Opposites is a shining example of Lauri’s photographic skills. She has put together an outstanding set of images in this lovely publication, and I am impressed by its quality. It feels wonderful to hold. It is worth every penny. I highly recommend you order a copy. You will not be disappointed. ~ R.S.C.
Made me feel like I was there.
I loved how this book was set up, page by page. Beautifully laid out, and the perfect amount of explanation so you knew exactly what you were looking at as you got lost in the beauty of the landscapes. I really love the way Lauri was able to get similar shots in each polar region, and relate them to each other. It really is stunning to see the similarities between the poles of our planet, and Lauri was able to make me jealous I was not there. Thank you for this, and congrats on the book! ~E.S.
Eye-opening and inspiring.
Lauri’s book, “Polar Opposites,” highlights her amazing photography skills, but also her distinct writing ability. The photographs in this book tell the story of two beautiful yet cold locations that people rarely get to experience. The beauty she encapsulates throughout the book — whether it’s showcasing stunning landscapes and textures, or beautiful whales and penguins — is nothing but eye-opening and inspiring. It makes me want to pack up my bags now! This is a wonderful book and I recommend it. ~ B.E.
Takes the reader on a photographic journey.
Lauri’s skill as a photographer is complemented by her artistic, compositional eye. She captures fleeting moments, allowing us to feel the atmosphere of Nature at its finest in remote locations most of us will never visit. Photography is technical at times (shutter speed, aperture, depth of field), but good photography is compositional, utilizing light, color, contrast, and the photographer’s view – whether it be a wide landscape or a tight focus on specific elements. One of her strengths in landscape and architecture photography is recognizing patterns and using light to bring them out. Lauri excels at the artistic, compositional side of photography and takes us along for a breathtaking ride through her photos. Highly recommended. ~ S.S.
Her words leave you wanting to visit.
Lauri has a gift of seeing things in ways many of us would miss (and many of us aspire to learn!) This book showcases her unique talent in such an interesting way. Showing the similarities of the opposites of our planet shows us that even when we are on the farthest side of things, there is common ground (and beauty) to be found. The images are stunning, and her words leave you wanting to visit these vast, remote locations. I highly recommend it! ~ M.M.
I was blown away.
Wow! The concept and production are exemplary, the pairing of Arctic and Antarctic images across double spreads reinforces the duality, divergences and similarities between the poles. But the images are stunning, the sense of place and context bursts from each page.
Lauri creates a sense of awe and wonder at the desolate and hard beauty of these regions, a master class in visual storytelling. ~ M.M.
More beautiful in person.
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. ~ R.G.W.
Polar Opposites is the perfect gift for travel and nature lovers, photographers, and anyone fascinated by the wonders of the natural world.
The book will be signed and comes with a free Chinstrap penguin bookmark.