CUSTOMER COMMENTS
I received your [Museum Edition] book and three prints. After unwrapping careful packaging the amazing contents revealed itself. There just aren’t words for the emotions felt for the wonder you saw and preserved… All the details regarding the book, prints, video (including the clam shells) are show-stoppers! Perfect for the times I can’t be at the Croix.
— Carol T.
__________________________________________
Craig Blacklock has put a river in a book! Turn the page and you feel as if you are traveling down the river; absorb the text and you will know why the St Croix was chosen as one of the original eight “Wild and Scenic Rivers” of the United States. You just might feel the current flow through the words and have your mind travel with the depth of beauty and feelings captured by the photographs. This is a book you will go to often, like the photo album of your loved ones and when you close the book you might just need to grab your paddle and dip into the water!
— Mike Link, Naturalist, writer, explorer and Riverlorian
__________________________________________
Craig Blacklock’s life has been a quest for truth and beauty. In his work we see the intrinsic value of nature and we yearn to be more a part of it. His photographs are unexcelled for their elegance and for the spectacular moments they capture. His recent photographs of the St. Croix River and its tributaries strengthen our bonds to the watershed and our resolve to ensure its ongoing protection.
— John Kaul, Afton Films
__________________________________________
Craig’s wildlife and nature photography is exquisite and peerless.
Sunny Steinmetz December 13, 2018
__________________________________________
Amazing stories told in such beautiful photography — after viewing, it is simply a “must have” book to purchase for yourself and upcoming holiday shopping. Glad we are not able to “wear out” video we are watching and re-watching!
Mary Brooks November 12, 2018
____________________________________________
Craig, thanks for your presentation and book signing at the Belwin Nature Center tonight. I was impressed by your narration of the video slide show. It would be a great educational opportunity to discusss with environmental groups and the St. Croix River Assocations.
Thanks for your contributions and legacy of capturing, sharing and protecting our natural environments.
I enjoyed the grouse hunting, other stories and education.
I hope your sell all your books, for a great cause – our environment.
Happy Holidays and New Year
Scott Eggert December 6, 2018
____________________________________________
We have watched it [the video] twice so far and have marveled at what we were seeing. The stunning images, the expansive aerial all the way to intimate closeup shots, the kinetic and the quiet scenes, the music with lyrics in lockstep with the images, all quite a treat. We have been raving about your masterpiece with friends; I expect it will be finding itself under a few Christmas trees in the coming weeks. We can’t thank you enough for capturing for us this river system we love so much.
Nick and Karen Schmit
___________________________________________
… looking at my Signature Edition St Croix & Namekagon Rivers book. Wow! Each image reflects your creative genius not only as a photographer but as an environmentalist who can capture natural beauty in a way that motivates the viewer to reflect upon and deeply appreciate the fragile relationship with our surroundings. Sharon and I proudly show the book to friends and family who visit our home and it inevitably leads to a conversation about the river “in our backyard” and what we can do as individuals and collectively to enjoy and protect what is truly an “enduring gift.”
I can’t say often enough how sincerely grateful both John and I are for your commitment to the river and your generosity in sharing and allowing your photographs to be used in the film. Your imagery makes the documentary magical and shows the rivers’ beauty beyond words.
Tom Reiter
_____________________________________________
Dear Craig and Honey – I was SO pleased to have FINALLY met you this past Friday at Gueillermo Cuellar Pottery, having many of your books! Nice visit and beautiful display!
Not being able to wait, I immediately had to watch your video which came with the book! There is absolutely NO WAY to improve – I love the serenity of your settings, both reflective and rushing waters, fall colors, wild flowers, fog, potholes, Cross, Old Man, paddleboats, trumpeters, limestone bluffs, and so much more! Minnesota offers such beautiful simple pleasures in life, which you have captured in such a respectful and compassionate way! Ahhh yes, Thank you! Mary Brooks, September 24, 2018
_____________________________________________
The video is fantastic , I can see a lot of work and thought went into putting it together. It felt like was drifting down the river while watching.
Kathleen M. June 15, 2018
_____________________________________________
Paul and I watched and listened to the music on the video. It is so beautiful. The photography is just breathtaking. We are familiar with so many of the scenes on the St. Croix because we have paddled it so often.
The music accompanies so very well.
Thank you,
Paul and Helen B. 6/17/18
_____________________________________________
I thoroughly enjoyed the video. The pacing, remarkable images and original music were top notch. I have no idea how difficult it must be to select the final images for the book but I’m glad to see many more in the video. You have quite a talent capturing wildlife images and I enjoyed hearing hints of their sounds along with river sounds along with the music. There is nothing quite like hearing the sound of a loon across a lake or hearing the trumpeting of geese in flight over a waterway. I have enjoyed all of your books and the inclusion of DVDs or video along with the printed page is a real plus. Looking forward to your future endeavors.
_____________________________________________
Craig: Your images or the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers are stunning and the music by Peter Mayer is inspired. You bring peace and tranquility to a hectic and jarring world. This should be shown in schools, dentist chairs, legislatures and therapists’ offices. Congratulations on one of your finest undertakings!
Catherine Jordan
_____________________________________________
I have followed many of your books & photography for years. This books is your best because of Experience, Technique & Technology. It was a pleasure working with you on this project. I have fallen completely in love with the Namekagon & St. Croix rivers during this project. I have also gained a lot of respect for rivers in general! They are the life blood of the earth & we need to respect all rivers the way we respect the St. Croix & Namekagon rivers!
Jon Smithers
______________________________________________
Received the book and it is stunning, beautiful, and classy. All the things one would hope and expect–but that take great care and love to actually achieve. The whole design beautifully complements and highlights the art; and the art, of course, speaks for itself. For some reason, I am especially taken by the fresh water mussels featured at both ends. What a lovely, unique and unexpected idea–perfect ‘bookends’ for all the majesty contained within.
Thank you for this. And congratulations on a creative and artistic triumph!
______________________________________________
We received our beautiful book today, much sooner than I anticipated. My wife Kathy and I thank you two for the enormous contribution your work has made to protecting the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers. We also want to thank you for the impressive event held last Thursday night. What an inspirational presentation.
In deep appreciation,
______________________________________________
Cannot stop looking at this book….soooo stunning!!!!
_______________________________________________
Thank you so much for the pleasant conversation last night at Watershed Cafe in Osceola! We were happy enough to have a short greeting and see/purchase the book; but then – oh my! – the gift of talking more with you about the book/photos, photography, etc.! I took a few minutes today to read Walter Mondale’s introduction, and we look forward to reading more of the text/quotes, and looking at the photographs again, and again, and again … and sharing with others.
_______________________________________________
My husband and I have all the Les and Craig books from years ago…the invoice with Craig’s note will remain with this beautiful book!!
We have a boat in the St Croix and our daughters have grown up River Rats. My husband’s grandfather was friends with the nephew of Kenny Salwey who authored The Last River Rat: Kenny Salweys Life in the Wild; the river is truly our second home!!
Again, please thank Craig for the hand delivery and for putting together a breathtaking collection of Namekagon and St. Croix River photos! Our daughters, my husband and I will treasure and enjoy this collection for years! I only wish I had been home to meet him in person!
_______________________________________________
Our book arrived safely yesterday. What a beautiful thoughtful way to tell the story of this very special watershed. The artistry is superb. Thanks to all who helped make it happen.
_______________________________________________
Just received today the 2 books I ordered from you. They are absolutely beautiful. Congratulations on a job very well done! Thank you.
________________________________________________
The book is absolutely beautiful and so meaningful as I live on Lower Lake St. Croix and have a cabin on Upper Lake St. Croix in Solon Springs
________________________________________________
Thanks to Craig and you and all who made this possible. IT IS WONDERFUL! And, my son and daughter-in-law, who are the recipients of it, are thrilled – They were recalling some of their times along and on the river – what it is all about!
_________________________________________________
At 70, I have been on the St. Croix all my life. My children are 4th generation to enjoy the beauty that is the St. Croix. Thank you for creating this memorable collection of images, of a river that has so been a major part of my life.
__________________________________________________
I received my book . Thank you so much. I am enjoying it SO MUCH! Bought my first Blacklock photo book of MN when I was a teen—still have it!! Thanks again.
___________________________________________________
Craig and Honey….just a note to let you know the book arrived safely yesterday. It is stunningly beautiful…a real treasure! And thanks for the inscription as well, Craig.
The St. Croix….like Voyageurs…has a special place in my heart. For four years in the early 1970s, I was Minnesota’s Assistant DNR Commissioner with responsibility for planning, environmental review and legislative affairs. And I was fortunate enough to be extensively involved with the Federal and State efforts to protect and preserve the River….one of the highlights of my career. I have fond memories of the milestones that are chronicled in your book.
Again, many thanks and best wishes for the undoubted success of your wonderful creation.
___________________________________________________
Beautiful book! I bought one yesterday and enjoying all the memories it brings back from the days we spent canoeing on both rivers.
___________________________________________________
Outstanding interview but the book is truly amazing. More intimate and quiet images as compared to the dramatic images of Lake Superior in previous books but just as compelling. Well done Craig!
__________________________________________________
Wonderful book! We purchased it at the visitors center in St Croix Falls! I’m taking my time going through it to process all of its beauty! Thank you for sharing your beautiful photography.