A tribute to Mother Earth
MOTHER is a large-format nature photography book, showcasing Marsel van Oosten's personal favorites and his most popular and award-winning images from the past 15 years, taken on five continents: Africa, North America, Antarctica, Asia, and Europe. MOTHER is Marsel's personal visual ode to Mother Earth and a celebration of her incredible biodiversity.
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There are two different versions available of MOTHER in English: ​
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320 pages International Edition (bilingual: English & German), published by teNeues.
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392 pages Collectors' Edition (English only), published by Squiver.
Part of the proceeds of MOTHER will be donated to The Canopy Project. Their aim is to improve our shared environment by planting trees across the globe. In 2022, The Canopy Project has a goal of planting 7.8 billion trees - one tree for every person on earth.
For every Collectors' Edition sold, up to 100 trees will be planted.
The paper used for MOTHER contains no wood.
What's so special about The Collectors' Edition?
This unique version of MOTHER is different from all other editions.​
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Extra pages
The Collectors' Edition has a whopping 72 extra pages compared to the regular international edition! That means a lot more space for images, especially since this edition has only one language: English. This is why The Collectors' Edition contains no less than 392 pages and weighs a hefty 4,2kg/9.3lb!
Extra photographs
Marsel has used the extra pages to add another 58 extra images to The Collectors' Edition. That is 34% extra! These bonus images are more or less equally distributed over the different continent chapters, featuring both wildlife and landscapes from all over the planet.
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Double fold-outs
An additional special feature of The Collectors' Edition is the five double fold-outs with five massive panoramas of over 1m/3ft wide!
Quadruple page spread, Collectors' Edition
Double page spread, regular edition
Luxury cover
The beautiful cover of The Collectors' Edition is hand-bound in Italy using textured faux leather made entirely from recycled natural fibers. The minimalist design is exactly what you'd expect from Marsel: simplicity is the ultimate sophistication!
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Special printing techniques
Marsel has used several special printing techniques for The Collectors' Edition: embossed text, foil printing, screen printing, and spot varnish to add depth to the design and to enhance the overall viewing experience.
Clamshell box
For The Collectors' Edition, Marsel has designed a custom clamshell box that is not only to protect your investment but is an integral part of this special art project. Each box is handmade in The Netherlands using only the highest quality materials.
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3D logo
The cover of the clamshell box features a prominent 3D object: Marsel's new personal logo. The logo — a monogram in the shape of an owl — was made using advanced laser cutting techniques. Marsel's full name is embossed deep in the luxurious material on the front and the spine.
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Poem
The inside of the cover of the clamshell box features a beautiful poem about Mother Earth, screen-printed in subtle dark grey.
Cradle
The book itself is cradled inside a matted box. The contrasting crimson red color really makes the book pop out of its frame. A black ribbon can be used to gently lift the book out of its den.
The oversized handmade clamshell box
39,5 x 48,6 x 5,6 cm (15.6 x 19.1 x 2.2 in)
Signed and numbered
Each Collectors' Edition is signed and numbered by Marsel himself.
Certificate of authenticity
A Certificate of Authenticity is located underneath your book. If you're planning to buy this book as an investment, this certificate will confirm it's the real thing. Each certificate is also signed and numbered by Marsel.
Conservation
If you buy a copy of The Collectors' Edition, you will not only make yourself or the person you're giving it to happy — for each book, 50 trees will be planted by The Canopy Project. Once all books are sold, 5,000 trees will be planted — thanks to you. Your purchase will contribute towards a greener planet. With habitat loss being one of the biggest threats to endangered species, we feel this is an effective way to help species around the world.
Fine art print
Each copy of The Collectors' Edition comes with a free print. Not the typical tiny prints they tend to put inside not-so-special editions, but a proper 50x75cm fine art print. We have created a selection of 20 images for you to choose from. This print alone is already worth 350 Euro, so it's not just an afterthought. A beautiful print to hang on your wall or to give to someone special as a gift. You can choose a 50x75cm fine art print from any of the 20 images below, which are all featured in the book:
The Collectors' Edition fine art print selection
Your purchase comes with a large fine art print. Choose your print from any of these images below. Hover over the image with your mouse for 2 seconds to see the title of each print.
Editions & Pricing
There are four ranges to choose from:​
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The Collectors' Edition #1
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The Collectors' Edition #2 - #10
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The Collectors' Edition #11 - #75
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The Collectors' Edition #76 - #100
The numbers within a range of numbers are sold chronologically. The number of your copy of the book is based on the date and time of the order received. All books are numbered and signed by Marsel and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.​
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Numbers 1 up to 10 are sold separately, as they have a higher collectible value. From 11 upwards is the normal price range for the Collectors' Edition. But as soon as we've reached #75, the price of the book will go up to 2100 Euro, as fewer copies remain.
About Marsel van Oosten
Marsel van Oosten is a professional nature photographer from The Netherlands, with a background in advertising and graphic design.
Marsel is a nature lover with a deep concern for the natural world. Successful conservation starts with awareness, and he hopes that his images will make people aware that Mother Earth needs our protection and inspire them to take action. In his work, he tries to simplify, to get rid of the extraneous: Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
His images have won many awards around the globe, and he is the world’s only photographer to have won the Grand Slam: the grand titles Wildlife Photographer of the Year, International Nature Photographer of the Year, and Travel Photographer of the Year.
His images are featured in galleries and museums, are used worldwide in advertising and design, and he is a regular contributor to National Geographic. He is also a Nikon brand ambassador, a death metal connoisseur, and a recovering Nutella addict.
Marsel currently lives in South Africa with producer Daniella Sibbing.