White-Horses-Camargue-Drew-Doggett-Chasing-LightDrew Doggett Captures the Soul of Our Planet in Unforgettable Images
The Origins of Wildlife and Exploratory Photography
Wildlife and exploratory photography are among the most challenging and rewarding genres in the photographic world. They require a unique blend of patience, technical skill, and an adventurous spirit. The roots of this genre can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when pioneers like George Shiras and Frank Chapman ventured into uncharted territories to capture the natural world in its rawest form. Their work laid the foundation for future generations of photographers, inspiring a lineage of artists who seek to document the untamed beauty of our planet.
The Five Toughest Challenges in Wildlife and Exploratory Photography
- Unpredictable Nature: The natural world is inherently unpredictable, with weather conditions, animal behavior, and environmental changes presenting constant challenges. Photographers must be adaptable and prepared for any situation.
- Remote Locations: Wildlife photographers often travel to remote and inhospitable locations, requiring them to endure harsh conditions and sometimes dangerous environments.
- Patience and Timing: Capturing the perfect shot often requires hours, days, or even weeks of waiting. Patience is essential, as is the ability to act quickly when the moment finally arrives.
- Equipment Durability: The gear used in wildlife photography must withstand extreme conditions, from freezing temperatures to intense humidity. Photographers need reliable equipment and backups to ensure they don’t miss a shot.
- Ethical Considerations: Respecting wildlife and the environment is crucial. Photographers must balance getting the shot with ensuring they do not disturb the natural habitat or behavior of the animals they are documenting.
Overcoming These Challenges
Photographers can overcome these challenges through meticulous preparation, investing in high-quality and durable equipment, and maintaining a deep respect for the natural world. Understanding animal behavior and environmental conditions can also significantly increase the likelihood of capturing extraordinary images.
Introducing Drew Doggett: A Visionary Photographer
Enter Drew Doggett, a photographer whose work transcends the traditional boundaries of wildlife and exploratory photography. Blending elements of ethnography and fashion photography, Drew’s work tells the extraordinary stories of unique people, places, and cultures. His approach is rooted in a deep respect for the subjects he captures, weaving narratives that connect the viewer to the soul of his subjects.
The Photography Industry: A Vital Component of Modern Storytelling
The photography industry is a powerhouse, generating billions in revenue each year. In today’s fast-paced world, images are a powerful tool for conveying messages and aligning with a brand’s DNA. As we move further into 2024 and beyond, with a heightened commitment to environmental stewardship, photography that celebrates nature and sustainability will continue to resonate strongly with audiences.
As a writer and the founder of POTRO—a brand named after the Spanish word for “colt” that embodies strength and heritage—I envision the day when a striking image of a wild horse graces the walls of POTRO’s future corporate headquarters. This photograph would not only represent the brand’s ethos but also align with the growing trend among corporations to invest in and display art as part of their portfolio. It’s a way to showcase the beauty of nature and the power of photography in capturing the spirit of the brand.
Capturing the Untamed: An In-Depth Conversation with Photographer Drew Doggett
In my exclusive interview with renowned photographer Drew Doggett, we delve deep into the world of fine art photography, uncovering the meticulous process behind his captivating works that have enchanted collectors and enthusiasts alike. Doggett shares insights into his creative journey, from the inspiration that sparked his career to the techniques that elevate his photography to the realm of collectible art. Readers will be drawn into his latest project, Untamed Spirits: Horses from Around the World, where Doggett masterfully captures the untamed beauty of horses across the globe. This conversation reveals not only the technical precision of his work but also the profound emotional connections that his images evoke. Through this exploration, readers will discover the intricate artistry behind Doggett’s photography, the significance of collectible works in today’s art world, and the exciting stories behind his newest collection, making this a must-read for anyone passionate about the intersection of art and nature.
Joseph DeAcetis: As an artist whose work has captivated collectors and photography enthusiasts alike, I must ask, what first inspired you to become a photographer? Could you share the beginnings of your illustrious career and the strategy that guided you to where you are today?
Drew Doggett: I first realized the energizing capabilities of the camera early on and was lucky to have mentors in high school and college who helped me follow my interests. I also fell in love with traveling and recognized that having a camera in hand allowed me to dive deeper into any place I was visiting. I then worked in fashion in NYC under the auspices of some of the masters of fashion photography, which helped me learn the technical aspects of the studio and image-making. However, I reached a point where I knew I wanted to go beyond the studio and explore something more engaged in the social, cultural, and natural elements of our world. My desire to follow my creative expression and love of traveling led me to Nepal, where I photographed my first series as an independent photographer. The rest is history!
Joseph DeAcetis: Your work is known for its technical mastery and emotional depth. Could you delve into the fine art aspect of your photography? What elements elevate a photograph from a mere image to a piece of collectible art?
Drew Doggett: While I’m sure that others have their definition, for me, fine art is about creating an image, not just taking it. Each photograph interprets the subject, typically in a manner I’ve studied and planned for long before picking up my camera. So, the intention is the factor that, in my mind, takes an image to the level of fine art. Each image that makes it into my limited edition print series is the best iteration of the subject and concept I could create.
Joseph DeAcetis: Let’s discuss the intricate process behind your art. From pre-production to post-production, what are the essential steps you take to ensure each piece is nothing short of perfection?
Drew Doggett: I spend months researching a subject before I pick up my camera. The seed of an idea of a series or image generally develops into a mood board of references, which helps me visualize the work I want to make and lets me see what’s already been done. This process allows me to maximize my time in the field by understanding all the variables I’ll likely face before I get there.
As a fine art photographer, a sense of idealism is at the core of my practice, so I process my images to reveal perfection in my subjects. Dodging and burning maximize the dynamic range and draw out shadows and details, creating a subtle shift in tone to nudge the viewer’s eye to essential elements of the image. These subtle nuances are how an image comes into its own, allowing viewers to spend time discovering its complexities and beauty.
Joseph DeAcetis: Your new book, Untamed Spirits: Horses from Around the World, has generated immense excitement. What can you tell us about the creative journey behind this book? Who was the art director, and how did the collaboration contribute to the final product?
Drew Doggett: This book unites over ten years of work. The hardest part of putting it all together was figuring out how to organize it so that it would convey the stories of each animal in an immersive and beautiful way. I also wanted to dive into the motivations behind the work and my creative decisions, so the writing provides intimate insights into the decade-long journey behind publishing this book. I worked with a highly talented designer, Alexandr Vesca, whose design and art direction were imperative in creating this book, along with Lily Fierman, who has helped bring my work to life since 2016. Fortunately, they are just as detail-oriented as I am, which meant that we scrutinized each page with the same level of intensity.
Joseph DeAcetis: This book is more than just a collection of photographs; it’s a decade-long exploration of the unique and majestic horses across the globe. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during this project, and how did you overcome them?
Drew Doggett: The biggest challenge is photographing animals, whether they are wild or not. The name of our book is a nod to the fact that even with domestic horses, there’s still a shade of wildness in there, no matter what. Between getting the images I had in mind with the horses and the weather, logistics, and other factors, the confluence of all aspects of production needed to perfectly align for me to get the shot I had in mind. This often meant multiple trips or adapting while in the field to plan B, C, and, in some cases, D! The biggest challenge is capturing the horse’s spirit using my fashion-inspired and minimalist perspective, which comes with its own set of challenges. The result is what makes these images mine.
Joseph DeAcetis: Your work often captures moments that resonate deeply emotionally. Can you share an extraordinary moment from your career that stands out as a testament to the power of photography?
Drew Doggett: Choosing a single moment would be impossible! However, the ones that come to mind the quickest involve my photographs of Tim and Craig, two super tusk elephants and presumably the largest living tusked elephants on Earth when I took these photographs. One of my collectors told me that having my photograph, “Silent Giant,” of Craig in their living space is transformational. She told me that Craig had become a part of her family. Another collector, who has several of my photographs of elephants, told me she says good night and good morning to these gentle giants daily. This profound connection with wildlife is one of the reasons I photograph animals; we can only conserve and protect what we understand. Fostering this love of the wild in others is one of the driving forces behind my work, and these two stories from our collectors are some of the greatest compliments I’ve received.
Joseph DeAcetis: Wild horses are the focal point of your new book. What about these creatures fascinate you, and how do you convey their untamed spirit through your lens?
Drew Doggett: From the beginning of my fine art career, I set my sights on creating images that would pull viewers into incredible stories of our natural world and the people within it, which is how I became fixated on horses and their survival, adaptation, and triumph over adverse circumstances. Horses represent a mythological and symbolic ideology that doesn’t exist in other animals, from their strength to their resilience, courage, and enduring beauty. Subjects that transcend time, place, and boundaries are just the kind I seek in my photography. And, as I mentioned before, horses never really seem to be fully domesticated. Whether it’s a glimmer of wildness in their eyes or a scene of horses running freely across the open expanse of Sable Island, their spirits are truly never tamed. Divided by the name of each series, the chapters in Untamed Spirits also include my artistic statements on how wildness came through within my images of each breed. It was exciting to look at each horse through the perspective of this wildness, whether real or in spirit.
Joseph DeAcetis: Collectors and enthusiasts eagerly await your upcoming book signing events. Could you share details on how and where they can purchase your work and what they can expect from these exclusive events? The anticipation is palpable!
Drew Doggett: You can find unsigned, signed, and special edition copies of Untamed Spirits here, as well as my previous book, Wild: The Legendary Horses of Sable Island here. My limited edition prints are also available through my online gallery.
Meeting my collectors and audience in real life is powerful, especially in our increasingly digital world. At these events, I look forward to sharing more insight into the book and personalizing copies for those who attend. We will announce more book signing dates and gatherings in the fall and winter.
Joseph DeAcetis: The value of photography as collectible art cannot be overstated. How do you see your work fitting into this sphere, and what do you believe makes your photographs a worthwhile investment for serious collectors?
Drew Doggett: One of my goals has always been to create timeless images that stand the test of time and be passed down from generation to generation. Beyond aesthetic value, I want my photography to offer emotional value and inspire viewers. If a collector believes in the message or story within one of my images, having my work on their wall can allow them to live their passion daily.
Regarding my work, every single print is printed in my studio, signed, and numbered by me. I pride myself on overseeing every piece coming out of my studio because, as a visual artist, I want every photograph I create to be precisely as I intended.
Joseph DeAcetis: You’ve undoubtedly been influenced by many great photographers. Which artists have inspired you most, and why? How has their work shaped your approach to photography?
Drew Doggett: Some of my early mentors in NYC, where I worked in fashion, like Steven Klein, greatly influenced me. Steven plans his images perfectly; I’ve adopted this practice within my work. Even if we are shooting somewhere incredibly remote, as is often the case, I’ve planned as much as possible.
The photographers who are personal sources of inspiration for my work are varied. From Sebastião Salgado’s documentary images, I relate to the critical issues facing humanity and the environment; from Peter Lindbergh, I find an incredible timelessness, intimacy, and comfort in his images of women. Also, Ansel Adams’ ability to capture his subjects and create prints with such an extraordinary tonal range and richness inspires my focus on details. I also love Baastain Woudt’s fashion-inspired work.
Lastly, I’m the Creative Director of a series of photo contests: the Exposure One Awards, the reFocus Awards, and the 1839 Awards. I’ve been beyond inspired by the talent entered into these contests.
Joseph DeAcetis: What would you say is your competitive advantage in a field as competitive as photography? What sets your work apart and continues to draw the admiration of collectors and enthusiasts worldwide?
Drew Doggett: This goes back to the timeless quality of my images and how I present them and share them with the world. I want every aspect of your interaction with my work to represent the craft and love I put into every one of my images. I aim to tell a whole story through my series, including creating connections and emotions through my images and books and through our blog and short films. You can watch my short films here or read more about the making of my work in our journal
Joseph DeAcetis: Finally, looking to the future, what exciting projects or goals are on the horizon for you? How do you plan to continue pushing the boundaries of your craft?
Drew Doggett: I’m in the midst of putting together a new equestrian print series created in Turkey, where I recently returned from. I loved the experience of shooting there so much and will be taking a small group there in the fall of 2025. We’re also guiding trips to Kenya, Botswana, and Svalbard. If you are interested in traveling with us, visit https://drewdoggett.com/expeditions.
As for pushing the boundaries, there are still so many subjects out there I am interested in, and I have many more series in mind. I am looking forward to continuing to create work that connects us with the world in beautiful ways. Specifically, I am excited to add more images to my ongoing documentation of the world’s most incredible animals in my series Exceptional Creatures after my next expedition to Antarctica and the South Georgia Islands in the Fall.
Joseph DeAcetis: I see that you’re also offering a special edition version of Untamed Spirits. Can you tell me about it?
Drew Doggett: Yes! I created a special edition which comes signed and encased in a luxurious cloth clamshell and includes an archival pigment print of the collector’s choice. You can also get all four prints in our artist’s edition. This is my favorite way to experience the book.
Drew’s Ethnographic and Fashion-Inspired Lens
Drew Doggett’s photography is not just about capturing images; it’s about storytelling. Through his lens, the viewer is transported into the lives of his subjects, whether they are members of remote tribes, wild horses galloping across the plains, or the breathtaking landscapes that frame them. His work is a blend of ethnography and fashion, where the beauty of the natural world meets the refined aesthetic of high-end photography.
Drew’s ability to capture the essence of his subjects has made his work highly sought after by collectors and interior decorators. His photographs grace the walls of homes, offices, and business lobbies, where they serve as a reminder of the beauty and diversity of our world.
Drew Doggett’s New Book: A Visual Masterpiece
Drew’s latest book is a stunning collection of his most recent work, offering a glimpse into the worlds he has explored. The book, which is currently on tour across the country, has been hailed as a must-have coffee table book and a collector’s item. It is the perfect gift for anyone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world and the artistry of fine photography.
“Drew Doggett’s work is a masterclass in visual storytelling, where each image is imbued with profound depth and expression. His ability to capture the raw beauty and soul of his subjects is unparalleled, transforming mere moments into timeless narratives. The breadth of his captivating work not only mesmerizes the viewer but also evokes a powerful emotional response, reminding us of the intrinsic connection between art, nature, and the human experience.” — Joseph DeAcetis
The Wild Horses: Icons of Untamed Beauty
Among Drew’s most captivating subjects are the wild horses he photographs. These majestic creatures, captured in their natural habitats, symbolize the untamed spirit of nature. Drew’s images of these horses are not just photographs; they are works of art that convey the strength, freedom, and beauty of these animals.
Conclusion: Celebrating the Splendor of Nature Through Photography
Drew Doggett’s work is a celebration of the natural world, a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us, and an inspiration to all who view it. In a world that is increasingly driven by technology, his photographs offer a moment of pause, inviting us to reconnect with the splendor of nature. As we look to the future, Drew’s work will continue to inspire and captivate, reminding us of the importance of preserving the world we share.
About the Author:
Joseph DeAcetis is a visionary in the world of fashion, renowned as the best wardrobe stylist and art director of his generation. His impressive accolades and unmatched expertise set him apart in the industry. Joseph covers the intersections of style, culture, art, and fashion, with a particular emphasis on the evolving status of menswear.
Throughout his illustrious career, Joseph has penned award-winning columns for top-tier publications such as Esquire, People Magazine, Robb Report, and Playboy. His profound insights and engaging narratives have made him a leading voice in fashion journalism.
Most recently, Joseph served as the creative fashion director for Forbes Media, where he excelled as both a critic and reporter. His extensive body of work highlights the importance of dressing for success and explores how technological advancements are reshaping the fashion industry. Joseph’s authoritative yet approachable voice continues to inspire and influence fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
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