Over 40,000 years ago, we began to depict animals in cave drawings. Throughout history, mankind’s consistent portrayal of animals in art is a testament to the importance of our connection with the animal kingdom. As mankind evolved, so did our artwork. We began to not only depict but personify animals. We began to see our human emotions in animals. This anthropomorphism or personification connected us to animals on a deeper and more emotional level. This collection of work is my perspective and portrayal of the animal kingdom. As a portrait photographer, my intention is for these animal portraits to speak to us. What they say depends on the conscious and subconscious feelings we embody. By photographing each animal in-studio on a neutral background, I am creating a portrait that is focused on the animal only and often the eyes are the focal point. This deconstructive approach to portraiture allows us to experience the creature in a way otherwise not possible. Through this language of simplistic portraiture, these photographs are aimed to elicit an emotion in the viewer. Whether it’s beauty, power, or humor, I want to give animals the opportunity to tell their story and to connect with you us an emotional level.
There are few things more adorable than a baby horse. 28-day-old Weston and his ridiculously cute gallop would make even the manliest of men soften and belt out… awwww. Since he was a foal, we didn’t want to keep him away from his Mama long so our shoot was fast but with a babe this cute, you really can’t take a bad picture. This is a classic foal pose as they bend down to eat. It has the grace of a deer but shows the muscular precision Weston will grow into. We were very lucky to capture this pose.