On The Approach
2024
The zebra is one of the most nervy and skittish species I have photographed, it takes a massive amount of time to gain their trust, and to get into a situation where there is a chance of getting the photograph I am looking for. But it is worth it, their stripes are so visually arresting.
I crouched down so that I was below their eye level, automatically a much less intimidating sight to a zebra than a six foot four inch man, and waited until her inquisitive side finally overtook her nervy nature. I wanted a head-on shot, something completely different to anything I have done before with a zebra – there isn’t, in my opinion, much in the animal kingdom that can claim to be as beautiful as the face of these iconic creatures.
To shoot these creatures head-on is perhaps the biggest challenge, if you are shooting side-on in search of an abstract composition you have a chance of being able to position yourself out of sight, but to capture the image I wanted, I knew I had to be in her eye-line. It was all about being calm, patient and slow in any movements.
Just look at those big, floppy ears, and that incredibly intricate facial pattern. I will never forget this moment – it was the first time myself and a zebra made eye contact, and probably the last!
Limited-Edition Prints
£250.00 – £1,150.00