Photo Credit: Maria Marriott Photography
“I am still under the impression that there is nothing alive quite so beautiful as a horse.” - John Galsworthy
In the world of art, certain subjects possess an innate ability to evoke profound emotions and narratives that resonate deeply within us. Among these subjects, wild horses stand as powerful symbols of freedom, strength, and untamed beauty.
When skillfully captured through the lens of a dedicated photographer, images of these magnificent creatures tell stories that convey the essence of the wild in ways words alone can’t. After all, “a picture is (often) worth 1000 words.”
For those that have followed my work for some time, you know that wild horse fine art photography has been a journey for me. And I constantly invite others to join me on this journey where my goal is that every image becomes a window into the narratives of the American wild horses and their role in our collective identity as a nation.
Capturing the Essence of Freedom Through Wild Horse Photography
What I’ve always valued about photography is the ability to capture a unique moment in time, one that will never exactly be duplicated. But what I’ve also found about wild horse photography is that it not only portrays reality, but can be a powerful medium for communicating stories and ideas. A compelling image of a stallion in the wild, galloping across a windswept landscape towards the horizon, may encapsulate the very essence of freedom itself in a way that words alone cannot.
I intend for my images to portray the exhilarating rhythm of life lived without constraints, a portrayal of the raw, untamed spirits that refuse to be tamed by the conventions of civilization. It’s what I see through my lens and what I experience when traveling into the wilderness following herds of wild horses. It’s what I desire my viewers to experience vicariously through my wild horse artwork.
Photo Credit: Maria Marriott Photography
The Equine Photographer Behind the Lens
While many of my blog readers know me and are collectors of my art, I periodically feel the need to introduce myself so you know a little of my story.
But rather than retell the same facts you can read on my website, it is more important that you understand the reason for my passion. I’ve always heard that if you do what you truly love you will never work another day in your life. Photography and horses have been primary pursuits of mine since I was young. Yet, it was the intersection of these two loves that ignited my passion for wild mustangs.
In the Pine Nut Mountains in Nevada, standing on top of a small mountain looking out over the plain, I first encountered wild horses. Up until that time, I wouldn’t have thought one day I would get to actually see an American mustang. The experience was transformative in the sense that I had to learn more - and what I learned suggested a new path for me.
Photo Credit: Maria Marriott Photography
As I began to photograph the wild horses and talk to those that advocated for their continued freedom, it ignited a fire within me to tell their stories, to capture their spirit and what they represent through my lens, and to share it with the world.
This journey began as a personal pursuit; but as I went deeper I began to understand the profound connection between wild mustangs and the American identity. As more people began requesting my art for their homes and offices, I realized my wild horse artwork could become a powerful medium for bringing attention to the challenges they face in maintaining their freedom and safety.
Crafting Narratives through Images: Artistry and Emotion
The challenge has become how to craft my images in a way that is both artistic and thought-provoking - how to weave emotion into every photograph. How to best tell the stories of relationships and family bonds, the hardships and battles, the resilience and determination, the unyielding spirit, and most of all the unbounded freedom - things that we, as Americans, value.
Wild Horse Art and Advocacy: A Purposeful Journey
Actually, I guess my goal is twofold: creating a connection to the American identity and creating visual stories that serve as advocacy. Collaborations with accomplished journalists have birthed projects like "An Ode to Wild Horses," a photo essay that echoes the very essence of freedom in the wild.
To further support my goal of advocacy, a portion of each sale finds its way to non-profit organizations dedicated to preserving the freedom and safety of the American wild mustangs. Through these images, I aim to be a voice for those who cannot speak but deserves to be heard.
Photo Credit: Maria Marriott Photography
Embrace the Wild Within
I invite you to visit my online collections of wild horse fine art photography.
My hope is that my work will invite you to wonder, imagine, dream and smile... That you will be inspired to get out and experience the beauty that is the American Wild. And that you will join in the effort to preserve the freedom and safety of America’s wild horses.
I love to connect with my collectors, so please feel free share your thoughts with me.
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