Wild Horse Photography: Introspection
- Maria Marriott
- May 13
- 2 min read
Updated: 11 hours ago
Photo Credit: Maria Marriott, Wild Horse Photographer
One of the challenges of wild horse photography - or any other wildlife photography for that matter - is to be able to capture an image in a split second. In the wild, photo opportunities usually develop quickly and then are over... in the blink of an eye, you may miss a lifetime opportunity to catch that one moment you’ve been waiting for. Without much time to think, using my camera has to be instinctive, like driving a car or riding a bike.
Situations when I can pause, think about the “details” and even take a big breath while shooting are few and far between.
During my last visit to the McCullough Peaks Horse Management Area in Wyoming I was blessed with one of those moments - a pause while watching a beautiful gray stallion who seemed to be needing that pause as well.
I saw something deeply human, speaking to the types of
emotions we often struggle to put into words.
The stallion’s eyes seemed like pools of quiet thought reflecting something deeper than mere instinct. In his gaze, I saw a kind of vulnerability we so often mask and a longing for peace we hardly ever grant ourselves. Seeing his posture, I remembered certain times I have stood still, searching for understanding within the quiet spaces between the hectic thoughts of life.
In the presence of that gray stallion, simply being silent in the desert’s vast expanse, I found the essence of introspection - an invitation to listen without words, to pause and reflect.
The resulting simplicity of this composition, stripping away all distractions leaves us with only the raw purity of the moment. The intimate frame pulls us closer, allowing us to step into the horse’s world.
The predominantly white tonality of the image and the gentle contrast of the mane guides the eye along the animal’s natural curves, bringing serenity into the scene... a sense of peace that feels almost weightless.
How wonderful it was to be able to look inwardly, then be able to create in such an emotionally filled space.
“Introspection” is my newest Limited Edition release and now part of the McCullough Peaks Collection.
About The Artist
Maria's work has been recognized for its emotional impact and intimate portrayal of wild horses. She works closely with several non-profit organizations focused on the benefits of equine therapy and preservation of American mustangs on our Western lands.
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