TITLE: The Horse and the Shrimp.

Shrimp fishing on horseback is an age-old ritual that has never ceased to exist in Oostduinkerke. The diligent work of horse and fisherman has been immortalised hundreds of times by numerous artists from home and abroad and still forms a source of inspiration for contemporary painters, sculptors and film-makers. When the fisherman, riding high on the Brabant draught horse, ploughs through the waves, this majestic spectacle still commands everyone's admiration.
Shrimp fishing on horseback is an artisanal skill that is closely linked to nature. A good knowledge of the sea and the sand and a great trust and respect for the horse are indispensable. The migration and growth of shrimps, the rhythm of the tides and currents determine the fishing.
In our high-tech western society, this craft evokes a way of life that is linked to nature, gastronomy and the human-horse partnership, on the border between land and sea.

AUTHOR: Julien Coomans (Belgium)

Julien Coomans is a Brussels based amateur photographer with a passion for photographing the natural world.

He is a highly artistic individual which led him to pursue a career as an Architect. In his free time he loves to explore his artistic side through the medium of photography and has been commended for his images in several photographic publications.  

Through experimenting with his camera settings and techniques, Julien seeks to capture scenes of tranquillity and minimalism in a bid to counter the hustle and bustle of his daily city life.

He travels widely in Europe, whether it be to the expansive northern beaches of Flanders or the rugged mountains of northern Italy, Julien is happiest when at one with nature. His camera is simply an excuse to get out there, discover beautiful places and capture stunning images.