Name: Hazel

Photographer Notes: Hazel arrived in style and reminded me of a cool summer surfer with her sun-touched tips and wild waves. She featured an endless array of gorgeous gradients from top to bottom—even her horns swirled from mahogany tones to ivory to maple.

About this series:

Say Hello to Highland. It’s been several years since my original images of Highland Cows, so I was very excited to get back into the studio with these beloved animals. This time my crew and I flew to Minneapolis and drove 3 hours east to a small town in rural Wisconsin. We worked around the clock to transform a steel barn into a full-scale studio. My focus for this series was to highlight what makes these animals special using key lighting techniques, texturing wind machines, the utmost technical precision, and an eye for Highland flair. As always, it is an honor and a joy to work alongside these animals. My hope is that each image captures a bit of their story and creates the space for you to connect with it.

Name: Murphy

Photographer notes: Whoa, Bull. In my years of photographing wild animals, I’ve learned to make quite a few noises to command their attention—but Murphy’s reaction stopped me in my tracks. Prior to this shoot, I have often used a bull call to direct various steers and heifers, but it’s not your average “moo” sound. Think a deep tone with intimidating force and aggressive punctuation—no cuteness here.

If there is one thing I’ve learned though, it’s that a bull is not a cow and must be treated as such. Unlike cows, bulls are domineering, testosterone-driven, and ruthlessly competitive. Their aggression is a survival switch that can flip swiftly, come without warning, and offers no apologies or second chances.

When I came face to face with Murphy’s lethal horns, I knew I needed to get his attention and instinctively resorted to the familiar sound I’d used many times before. As soon as it left my mouth, Murphy’s ears shot forward as his eyes darted dead center on me and my lens. I quickly shot a few frames, before his massive head dropped toward the ground, eyes still on me, as he violently shook with an intimidating message. The wrangler I was working with swiftly stepped in to say, “Don’t make that sound unless you want to get killed!” Message received. Though I walked away unscathed, I immediately knew this image would be a testament to the ferocity and dominance of not just Murphy, but all bulls.

Name: Ellie

Photographer Notes: We learned right away that Ellie’s favorite treat was a sweet drizzle of molasses on her nose. Like a pup to peanut butter, she flicked her tongue across her nostrils until every last drop was had. Ellie was special. She reminded me of one of the very first cows I ever photographed—the inspiration and impetus for the hundreds of animal portraits that would follow—Shirley. The two of them shared an irresistible charm and place in not only my heart but also an unrelenting sweet tooth.

About this series:

Say Hello to Highland. It’s been several years since my original images of Highland Cows, so I was very excited to get back into the studio with these beloved animals. This time my crew and I flew to Minneapolis and drove 3 hours east to a small town in rural Wisconsin. We worked around the clock to transform a steel barn into a full-scale studio. My focus for this series was to highlight what makes these animals special using key lighting techniques, texturing wind machines, the utmost technical precision, and an eye for Highland flair. As always, it is an honor and a joy to work alongside these animals. My hope is that each image captures a bit of their story and creates the space for you to connect with it.

Name:  Alejandra

Photographer Notes:  Alejandra made us take our hats off, Mother Nature never fails to impress, and the color and shape of this South American beauty did not disappoint.  Alejandra’s pastel pink feathers juxtaposed with the bright coral red under her wings were just stunning.  And the oh-so-perfect S curve of her neck had all of us on set mesmerized by her beauty.

Note: We have a digital 4K limited edition of this flamingo fine art piece. Please inquire for more details.

Hummingbird take Flight

I have wanted to create a portrait of a hummingbird mid-flight for some time now. But the difficulties finding a location with enough birds to build a controlled environment around proved difficult.

After getting wind of the flock in Paris, TX, I made a road trip, determined to capture a picture of this speedy bird.

Upon arrival, there were no birds to be seen. Despite that, we built a mobile studio and waited for the air to cool and the bird's hunger to drive them us. Before I knew it, I had dozens of hummingbirds in front of my camera lens.

To freeze the unreal speed of their wings, I used strobes (flashes) with a flash duration of 1/18000th of a second and a shutter speed on my camera of 1/8000th of a second, as well. I utilized my Nikon Z9 with a monstrous 300mm lens attached and photographed the birds over the course of an hour. In addition to freezing the detail of the wings, I also wanted as deep of focus as possible so I shot at an aperture of F16, which allowed for a massive depth of field.

Out of all the shots, this portrait of a bird, compositionally, struck a chord with me. The angulation of his beak, wings, and body felt perfect and true to the hovering and ascending nature of a hummingbird. And the light softly shaping the birds on both edges was perfect.

Shortly after the shoot, I did some basic retouching and tested large format printed proofs to ensure extreme detail held up, and indeed it did. A 40x40 print shows this hummingbird 20x larger than life.

From start to finish, this process illustrates the challenging nature of capturing these creatures in such a clean aesthetic. But regardless of that, my hope is that the final work is breathtaking and allows you to appreciate the creature in way, otherwise not seen or experienced.

Name:  Amelia            

Photographer Notes:  Take Flight Amelia.  This beautiful Pink Cockatoo is native to Australia.  Her color is stunning, graphic, and vibrant.  During our shoot her head feathers would flutter up and down creating a spectacle and drawing attention from everyone on set.  What’s interesting about Amelia is she loved mirrors.  I can understand why she couldn’t get enough of herself.  I mean she is a looker.

Name:  Amari

Photographer Notes:  Compared to his brother, Amari was a bit more calm and relaxed on set.  I thought it would be interesting to further anthropomorphize him by placing Amari in very human position.  He was agreeable and was happy to pose for us.  This shot in particular was inspired by the famous Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker.  Throughout the shoot, Amari would run around, dance, and then jump into my arms for a hug.  A funky monkey no doubt.

Name:  Perry

Photographer notes:  Oh boy, who would have thought a Sloth would be so challenging? Perry, which is short for Perezoso (lazy in Spanish), was a character.  Most of my subjects can either stand on their legs or sit upright.  Sloths, on the other hand, do neither.  They lay or they hang, that’s it.  It was impossible to create a shot of Perry laying because he just melted into the floor.  However, once I saw him hang, the light bulb went off, THAT was the shot.  Despite his namesake, he moved constantly, literally spinning, which made it super challenging for me to capture just the right moment.  After working patiently with him I laughed at the irony of my hyper active sloth and finally captured a shot I was happy with.

*As a point of interest Perry has traveled the world with his owner educating kids about sloths. He also met Ryan Gosling, on a TV appearance during the promotion of my book, The Animal Kingdom.

This limited edition of sloth fine art for sale is close to being sold out. Please inquire for availability.

Name: Jabari (which means brave)

Photographer Notes: Jabari, bedhead, messy teenager. Part of the interest of this shot is that he has a young mane growing in. In fact, it’s one of the most unique images in my body of work and to my knowledge, the public domain. His messy short main is so indicative of a teenager, which I guess in Lion years, Jabari was right on schedule. The messiness, the awkwardness, and the length all cue the audience to his age and demeanor. I’ve never seen a young lion fine art portrait like this because the window to capture this phase is so limited.

This fine art edition is close to being sold out. Please inquire for details regarding edition size and availability.

Name: Iridian

Photographer Notes: Iridian is a living masterpiece. His extraordinary colors—unique among all ducks—symbolize a centuries-old tale of love and fidelity. Originating in East Asia, mandarin ducks are revered for their strong pair bonds and represent a lifetime of devotion. Photographing him was an exercise in simplicity and precision. I used a single light source to the right of the camera to highlight his shape and magnificent color display.

Name: Jasper

Photographer Notes: Jasper in flight is one of my favorite photos I’ve ever taken. You can practically see the green lake below him—mist still on the ground, with dogs poised and ready at your side. The symmetry of Jasper’s position could not have been any more aligned, and the beautiful curvature of his brown-and-blue wings was as close to perfect as Mother Nature gets. We adjusted our lighting to allow for five frames to be shot per second so that Jasper could be photographed in flight. For this portrait, the stars and wings aligned, and I was able to capture him at just the right moment in time.

Name: Jasper

Photographer Notes: Jasper in flight is one of my favorite photos I’ve ever taken. You can practically see the green lake below him—mist still on the ground, with dogs poised and ready at your side. The symmetry of Jasper’s position could not have been any more aligned, and the beautiful curvature of his brown-and-blue wings was as close to perfect as Mother Nature gets. We adjusted our lighting to allow for five frames to be shot per second so that Jasper could be photographed in flight. For this portrait, the stars and wings aligned, and I was able to capture him at just the right moment in time.

Name:  Gertrude 

Photographer Notes:  What a Gertrude. Similar to a Yak, Highland Cows have long, beautiful shaggy hair.  Per their name, they are originally from the Highlands of Scotland.  Most Highlands are redheads but Gertrude was a blonde beauty.  I loved how her locks covered up her eyes, and in this frame I selected, she tilted her head slightly as if she was telling me something.  My affinity for cows definitely holds true with these beautiful highlands and this portrait of Highland Cow Art is hanging in my house.

Note: This limited edition is close to being sold out.

Name: Symphony

Photographer Notes: Symphony really stole the show with her rich red hues and windblown locks. I couldn’t help but imagine her nestled in the misty morning hills of Scotland, waiting for the sun to rise across miles of ancient emerald green.

About this series:

Say Hello to Highland. It’s been several years since my original images of Highland Cows, so I was very excited to get back into the studio with these beloved animals. This time my crew and I flew to Minneapolis and drove 3 hours east to a small town in rural Wisconsin. We worked around the clock to transform a steel barn into a full-scale studio. My focus for this series was to highlight what makes these animals special using key lighting techniques, texturing wind machines, the utmost technical precision, and an eye for Highland flair. As always, it is an honor and a joy to work alongside these animals. My hope is that each image captures a bit of their story and creates the space for you to connect with it.

Name:  Eleanor

Photographer Notes:  Eleanor, the perfect example that imperfect can be oh-so-perfect.  Unlike her Highland girlfriends, she has short and messy hair, a dark sandy coat, and short asymmetrical horns.  But what’s so perfect about Eleanor is that she owns it.  She’s comfortable in her own hide and that self-confidence clearly shines through in this portrait.  Per their name, they are originally from the Highlands of Scotland.

This Highland Cow Print is close to being sold out. Please inquire about edition numbers.

Name: Peanut 

Photographer Notes:  Having secured 19 national championship titles and hailed as one of the most decorated horses of her breed, 15-year-old Peanut’s competitive winnings speak volumes to her strength, skill, and dedication to her craft. Though she has quite the independent streak and can be picky about her people, Peanut is incredibly sweet and known to those in her circle for her charm and confidence. I felt very lucky to be allowed in the club long enough to capture a stunning portrait of her in all of her winning glory.

Name: Suzie

Photographer Notes: S stands for Suzie, but on this day, it also stood for skittish. While it’s common for horses to be a bit jumpy, we knew this black beauty was high energy and extra prone to excitement. Keeping Suzie calm and comfortable was my highest priority, so I called for total silence on set. Only the click of my camera could be heard. We also worked hard to create a large, soft source of light to showcase her stunning shape, poised form, and pristine textures.

Name: Peanut 

Photographer Notes: Having secured 19 national championship titles and hailed as one of the most decorated horses of her breed, 15-year-old Peanut’s competitive winnings speak volumes to her strength, skill, and dedication to her craft. Though she has quite the independent streak and can be picky about her people, Peanut is incredibly sweet and known to those in her circle for her charm and confidence. I felt very lucky to be allowed in the club long enough to capture a stunning portrait of her in all of her winning glory.

Meet Picasso, the flamboyant plum-headed parakeet who turned our makeshift studio upside down. It was no easy feat to capture this stunning male in all his glory, but the challenge was well worth it. Hanging upside down, Picasso radiated a vibrant energy that transported us straight to the heart of a tropical paradise.As you can see in the detail shot, his pin-like feathering boasted a mesmerizing blend of rich magenta, vivid yellow, and emerald green. When I saw this shot of him hanging upside, I know it was the shot. The result perfectly encapsulated the essence of Picasso's vibrancy and how he often hangs in his natural habitat. I hope it’s a portrait that transports you to a world of lush foliage, balmy breezes, and exotic wonders.

Meet Catalina, an artful marvel in our collection. With a bold redhead and a body adorned in white, gray, and black, Catalina's profile is a graphic masterpiece. His crimson crown stands regally against his monochrome body, a testament to nature's creativity. Unveiling his unique allure was a challenge we embraced, capturing every detail that speaks of his remarkable presence.

Zephyr

Livingstone’s Turacos stand out as an incredibly unique species of birds. Despite the term "Turaco" translating to "banana-lover," they ironically seldom indulge in bananas. When photographing Zephyr, my primary objective was to showcase his distinct form and majestic crowned head. Upon closer inspection, you'll notice the exquisite stark white frosted tips adorning the edge of his crown. This particular pose immediately captured my attention due to its remarkable symmetry, with his lower breast aligned perfectly with his head and crown. Not to mention, the striking orange-red hue of his beak and the eye-catching mascara-like markings with sweeping white streaks above and below his eyes served as the pièce de résistance. Capturing the true essence of these awe-inspiring creatures is indeed an exceptional privilege and challenge.

Name: Schicka

Photographer notes: Schicka was my first large cat to photograph in studio. Large cats in studio are an experience unlike anything else. The combination of power and grace is tangible. They command respect and one wrong move can make things escalate quickly. I remember distinctly when Schicka trainers removed her leash and asked her to walk to the mark. The way she walked was so graceful, and stunningly beautiful. But I was in the middle, at her mercy. The feeling that I could be prey was chilling. She received fresh, uncooked meat as her reward between takes. I only work with trainers who show a great amount of respect for the animals and are incredibly thoughtful with their care. Schicka owners not only treat her with dignity but also love. It was obvious there’s an ongoing relationship of trust and appreciation.

Introducing Vishnu, the charismatic peacock who takes center stage in our collection. In this captivating image, Vishnu's resplendent feathering takes flight as he struts with majestic allure. Peacocks, renowned for their extravagant displays, showcase their feathers to attract potential mates. This stunning spectacle of iridescent colors and intricate patterns serves as a mesmerizing courtship dance, a true marvel of nature's artistry.

Capturing Vishnu's showmanship was a serendipitous moment, a testament to the unexpected wonders that await behind the lens. As luck would have it, I was in the right place at the right time to freeze this flamboyant display in time. The result is a portrait that encapsulates Vishnu's regal elegance, inviting you to marvel at the intricate beauty that nature bestows upon these magnificent creatures.

Name:  Felix 

Photographer Notes:  Being in a studio with a big cat off leash is an incredible experience. The size and presence of a big cat is tangible, so powerful, and commands respect. Time flies but at the same time, stands still.  Felix is a celebrity cat for sure and has been featured in many commercials and movies.  He’s an old hat.   His trainers are amazing and it’s evident seeing them work with Felix that their bond is strong and is mutually loving.  When choosing exotic animals to work with in studio, I either work with conservationists or with reputable trainers that I know treat their animals with the utmost respect and dignity they deserve.

Name: Christoph

Photographer Notes: A distinguished name for a very distinguished alpaca. Christoph commanded the stage with his head held high, slowly investigating every nook and cranny with a look of veiled disinterest. He was undoubtedly much too sophisticated for us, but a true gentleman nonetheless, as he kindly entertained our presence for a few of his very valuable minutes.

Name: Lily 

Photographer Notes: Alpacas are often misunderstood and can be mistaken as dopey or doltish. Lily is a shining example of just how intelligent these adorable animals are. Known for her sharp intuition, Lily has an uncanny ability to read and observe the people around her. Like a best friend, she seems to perceive exactly what someone needs, whether it’s a good laugh or a good nuzzle. Alpacas are wonderful animals; while they are incredibly intelligent and intuitive, they also make room for a lot of fun and play. During Lily’s yearly spring shearing, her owners decided to fashion an Abraham Lincoln beard for her. You wear it well, Lily.

Name: Venus

Photographer Notes: Venus definitely had us in his orbit. From the planetary stripe of red across his space-black body to his buck teeth and loving personality, he was the perfect beholder of this double-meaning name. I have no doubt that the planet and the goddess feel equally proud to have this Venus represent them.

Name: Hotshot

Photographer Notes: The moment Hot Shot arrived on set, I was reminded of the way time stops when a bull enters the room. He was a fierce beauty to behold and a rare glimpse at the chilling juxtaposition of massive strength and massive restraint.

About this series:

Say Hello to Highland. It’s been several years since my original images of Highland Cows, so I was very excited to get back into the studio with these beloved animals. This time my crew and I flew to Minneapolis and drove 3 hours east to a small town in rural Wisconsin. We worked around the clock to transform a steel barn into a full-scale studio. My focus for this series was to highlight what makes these animals special using key lighting techniques, texturing wind machines, the utmost technical precision, and an eye for Highland flair. As always, it is an honor and a joy to work alongside these animals. My hope is that each image captures a bit of their story and creates the space for you to connect with it.

Name: Willow

Photographer Notes: Highland horns are beautifully unique and provide an intimate window into the soul of the animal. Without even seeing her face, Willow’s gorgeous set of graceful, sloping horns illustrated the incredible essence she carries—one of strength, beauty, and intricate design.

About this series:

Say Hello to Highland. It’s been several years since my original images of Highland Cows, so I was very excited to get back into the studio with these beloved animals. This time my crew and I flew to Minneapolis and drove 3 hours east to a small town in rural Wisconsin. We worked around the clock to transform a steel barn into a full-scale studio. My focus for this series was to highlight what makes these animals special using key lighting techniques, texturing wind machines, the utmost technical precision, and an eye for Highland flair. As always, it is an honor and a joy to work alongside these animals. My hope is that each image captures a bit of their story and creates the space for you to connect with it.

Name: Penny

Photographer Notes: Penny suited her name well. Not only did she shine like a brand new copper penny, but she was known to bring some good luck too. Our early morning on set was paused due to some stormy weather, but the moment our lucky Penny arrived so did the sunshine.

About this series:

Say Hello to Highland. It’s been several years since my original images of Highland Cows, so I was very excited to get back into the studio with these beloved animals. This time my crew and I flew to Minneapolis and drove 3 hours east to a small town in rural Wisconsin. We worked around the clock to transform a steel barn into a full-scale studio. My focus for this series was to highlight what makes these animals special using key lighting techniques, texturing wind machines, the utmost technical precision, and an eye for Highland flair. As always, it is an honor and a joy to work alongside these animals. My hope is that each image captures a bit of their story and creates the space for you to connect with it.