At the “To The Arctic” IMAX® film preview at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, Florian visited with moviegoers and signed books. Expedition Mom blogger Alana Greene shared this touching story of her 10-year-old son Carson’s encounter with Florian after the film preview:
We were lucky enough to meet one of the award winning photographers of the movie, Florian Schulz. He was signing autograph posters in the lobby outside the IMAX Theater. He also had his book for sale. My son, who loves animals and wildlife, really wanted for me to buy his book. I told him that right now I just didn’t have the money. I could tell he was disappointed, so I offered to advance him his birthday money if he really wanted to buy the book. It was almost $50 with tax. I thought he would say “no.” Instead, he looked at the cover of the book and said, “Let’s get it.” I believe that Mr. Schulz was as surprised as I was.He took the time to pose for a photo and then wrote a personal note inside his book:
“To Carson: Enjoy the stories about the Arctic Animals. They need friends like you. When I was your age I started to take my first photographs with a film camera. Now it is my job. Everyone told me it was not possible to make a living but here I am. So never let anybody tell you that you cannot do something. Enjoy!”
Yes, my favorite animal is a dog, and I have a dog.
What do you think is special about animals that live in the Arctic?
Arctic animals have their own special skills. A polar bear can swim in the water for a long time and an Arctic fox can blend in with the snow.
Do you have a favorite photo in the book? What do you like about it?
“Polar Bear Kingdom” is my favorite chapter, and I also like the one with the icicles in the front and the sun behind it (page 64). I like the Polar Bear Kingdom story because I like to think that the polar bears have their own special kingdom.
What did you like most about the To The Arctic IMAX movie?
I liked when the polar bear was looking at the camera and pushing it around with its paws. I also liked seeing the two bears wrestling because it reminded me of me and my brother wrestling.
Would you ever like to travel to the Arctic? Why or why not?
Yes, I could see in real life how the animals live, and their habitat. I would like to get up close and could bring video back to show people.
Florian started taking photos when he was about your age, do you know what you would like to be when you grow up?
I either want to be a musician—a guitarist—or want to be like Steve Erwin, The Crocodile Hunter, because I like being in nature.
Thanks for sharing , Carson!