In 2023, I was approached by a California-based publishing and art firm with a name that immediately caught my attention: Shepherd Sterling. Intrigued by their name, I soon discovered its profound roots in the Catholic faith – an homage to Christ, the Good Shepherd. It was a remarkable realization. For years, I had been waiting for the right publisher to take on such a meaningful project, and in divine timing, Our Lord provided.
Neil Cuffy, owner and editor-in-chief of Shepherd Sterling Publishing, recognized the potential of my extensive photographic archive, spanning over three decades from every province and territory across Canada. He envisioned a book that would not only showcase these images but also tell the stories behind them. With this vision in mind, I undertook the meticulous process of colour grading each photograph to ensure they best represented the true nature of these moments in time, while revisiting my field notes to craft narratives that would accompany the imagery.
This book is more than just a visual collection – it offers a window into my experiences and the profound moments captured through my lens. As we collaborated, the Shepherd Sterling creative team and I agreed that elements of my faith should be seamlessly interwoven throughout the text. After all, every moment I documented in the wild was, in truth, a gift from God.
The project aligns closely with the values of Pope Francis, a devoted advocate for nature, as it celebrates the magnificence of God’s creation. I feel incredibly blessed to have witnessed such awe-inspiring wildlife in their natural habitats. Many of these expeditions carried inherent risks, even life-threatening circumstances, yet I was never alone – the Holy Spirit was always present, guiding and protecting me. There were times when I was overcome with emotion, experiencing the divine in a way that was both powerful and unmistakable. For me, the wilderness is a sacred space, where I retreat to encounter Our Creator – deep within his creation, away from the distractions of the material world.
With this in mind, we have embarked on a greater journey. Banovich is the first in a trilogy of books designed to lead readers on a spiritual and visual expedition, intertwining rich storytelling with natural history photography. The series will culminate in a final volume titled Creation, a celebration of God’s abundant glory as revealed through his natural world.
For now, Shepherd Sterling and I invite you to immerse yourself in Banovich. May these photographs and stories inspire you, as they have inspired us, to recognize and cherish the divine gifts that surround us each day – a testament to God’s powerful and eternal love.
John Banovich will return to his hometown of Cloverdale on Saturday, March 29, for a special “community supporting community” event at Mason’s Furniture. The award-winning cinematographer and photographer will present his debut book Banovich, a tribute to Canada’s wild landscapes, featuring more than 300 images and stories from behind the lens. The event includes a meet-and-greet at 3:30 p.m., a presentation and Q&A at 4 p.m., and a book signing beginning at 5 p.m. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
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