Photographer Donal Boyd has a mission to preserve nature via visible advocacy. On this case, his photographs of Iceland’s image of tradition and heritage discover the connection between nature and humanity of his dwelling nation via portraiture.
In a narrative printed on Adorama, Boyd says that the story of the Icelandic horse is deeply tied to the folks of the nation. The breed was developed in Iceland and is smaller than different horses — in regards to the measurement of enormous ponies. Icelandic horses are inclined to reside lengthy lives and are thought of hardy, very similar to the folks of the northern island nation. Iceland legislation prohibits horses from being imported into the nation and any which can be exported aren’t allowed to return, which implies that the horses are topic to few illnesses and the Icelandic horse is the one breed of horse on the island.
“I’ve been a resident of Iceland since 2016 and so long as I’ve lived right here, I’ve been drawn to the facility and mystique of the Icelandic Horse,” Boyd says.
“What impresses me essentially the most in regards to the Icelandic horse is their energy to endure the weather. In any situation, they will survive — whether or not or not it’s snow, rain, or highly effective wind.”
Boyd’s portrait collection options the Icelandic horse in two environments: a studio and within the wild. Within the studio atmosphere, Boyd makes use of managed lighting and the assistance of skilled trainers to pose the swish animals in a approach that brings focus to them and their distinctive traits.
However the story of the Icelandic horse is, as talked about, deeply tied to the atmosphere. To be able to showcase that, and their adaptation to the cruel winders, rugged terrain, and intense climate, Boyd additionally photographed the horses set towards the panorama.
“Irrespective of your method to taking horse portraits, what’s necessary is that you simply consider the individuals who know the topic properly, create a cushty atmosphere, and get artistic with lighting to assist inform a narrative,” Boyd says. “Once you mix all of those components — plus the precise gear — you possibly can create intimate and expressive portraits.
Boyd has written a collection of ideas for photographing horses each in a studio atmosphere and within the wild, which will be discovered on Adorama’s web site. Extra from Boyd will be discovered on his web site and Instagram.
Picture credit: All photographs by Donal Boyd.
