My 30 Black And White Photographs Of South Africa's Majestic Wild Horses

One of my favorite stories about the origins of these wild horses is that they are the descendants of a shipwreck off the coast near Gansbaai in 1852. The ship was the British naval frigate HMS Birkenhead, which had been converted into a troop carrier. The ship was en route to Algoa Bay, carrying troops to fight the Xhosa. There were 643 people aboard, mostly soldiers but also civilians and children, as well as nine horses from the 8th Cavalry.

The ship's captain desired speed and chose to follow the coastline. Late at night, in calm waters, the ship collided with a rock near the shark-infested waters of Gansbaai. The ship broke up within minutes, the quarter boats had not been maintained and could not be lowered, and the majority of those on board perished with the ship. The Captain ordered the release of the nine horses before the ship was completely submerged. The nine horses, eight of which survived, swam to the shore; the ninth had broken its leg.

Only 113 of the 643 people on board survived. The HMS Birkenhead has been the subject of "Lost Gold" rumors on board. Many attempts have been made over the years to recover the gold. No significant amount of gold has ever been discovered.

Locals believe the 8th Cavalry warhorses interbred with local farm horses known as Bolandse Waperd, a subspecies of the famous Cape horse of the 18th century. Many people believe this is the wild horses' ancestry.

Whatever their origins, the enchanted wild horses of the Cape have survived for years on a small stretch of wetland. They have adapted well to the conditions, growing thick fur during the winter to deal with the cold rain and icy temperatures of the Capes. Their saucer-shaped hooves cope with the soft underfoot of the wetlands and sandy beaches.

Fifteen years ago, I made the bold decision to leave my finance job in Japan and embark on an adventure. I bought a 4x4 vehicle and shipped it to Cape Town, embarking on a year-long journey across Africa. During my adventure, I developed an emotional connection with the captivating wildlife of Africa. The breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and the sheer beauty of the animals ignited a deep sense of wonder within me. It was then that I realized my passion for photography could become more than a hobby—it could become my life's work.

I made the conscious choice to specialize in black-and-white fine-art wildlife photography. This decision allowed me to express the essence of these awe-inspiring creatures in a unique and artistic manner. Through the interplay of light and shadow, texture and form, I sought to capture the soul and emotions of the wildlife that I encountered.

While wildlife photography has been the centerpiece of my creative journey, I have felt compelled to explore other subjects and expand my artistic horizons. Recently, I have delved into two exciting projects. The first centers around the wild horses of Africa, delving into their untamed spirit and enigmatic presence. The second project revolves around the majestic baobabs and quiver trees, capturing the essence and beauty of these iconic trees within the African landscape. Through my photography, I hope to ignite a sense of awe, appreciation, and a deep desire to protect and reserve the natural world for generations to come.

Undoubtedly, capturing the essence of wild horses in photographs presented me with a unique set of challenges. Surprisingly, my greatest difficulty stemmed from a personal fear: my apprehension towards horses. Despite feeling quite at home photographing Africa's dangerous wildlife, the prospect of working closely with horses brought about a mixture of excitement and trepidation. It became an opportunity for me to overcome my fear and delve into the captivating world of the unique wild horses of the Cape.

These enigmatic creatures have not only survived but thrived alongside humans on the coastal beaches and fynbos of the Western Cape, adding to their allure and mystique. To effectively tell their story through my photography, I had to immerse myself in their world. This involved an extensive learning process, studying their behavior, deciphering their body language, and understanding their intricate routines.

One of the most challenging aspects was differentiating between the herds and discerning which mare or stallion held the reins of authority. This was crucial to capturing the dynamics and social structures within the wild horse herds. It required patient observation, honing my instincts, and finding the delicate balance between maintaining a respectful distance and capturing intimate moments that revealed their true nature. However, amidst the challenges, the most profound joy I experienced was when these wild horses accepted my presence. Witnessing their trust and observing their natural behavior unfold before my lens was an incredible privilege. It provided a profound sense of connection, where I felt part of their world, rather than an outsider documenting their existence. These moments of acceptance and the ability to portray the wild horses' innate beauty and resilience through my images brought great joy. Photographing the wild horses of the Cape has not only allowed me to overcome my personal fear and capture the essence of these majestic creatures in all their untamed glory.

When it comes to capturing unique wildlife photographs, there is no one-size-fits-all technique or approach. Each photograph depends on various factors like lighting, background, proximity, and the emotion I am trying to convey. With years of experience, my process has become instinctive, combining technical expertise and artistic intuition. Adapting to changing conditions, utilizing light effectively, selecting the right background, and anticipating animal behavior are all essential elements. The key is to adapt, engage with the surroundings, and connect with the essence of the subject, creating photographs that evoke a sense of wonder.

I am deeply passionate about wildlife photography as it allows me to merge my love for the natural world with my artistic vision. Fine-art photography is not just a profession for me; it is my life. Through my photographs, I aim to capture the beauty, intricacies, and raw emotions of wildlife. It is a great honor for me to have my work displayed in people's homes, as it signifies that my art has touched their hearts and brought a sense of connection with nature. I want people to be moved by my work, to experience a deeper appreciation for the world we share, and to inspire a commitment to conservation.