TITLE: Icelandic Horses-Beauty in the beasts

I traveled to Iceland earlier this year to photograph Icelandic Horses & tried to capture their beauty & spirit not only in the winter landscape, but also in more intimate portraits such as these. I was particularly captivated by their flowing manes, the different colors and their expressive eyes which reflect a deep connection to the wild, while their unique gaits offer unmatched grace and agility.

Icelandic horses embody a rare blend of beauty and resilience, shaped by centuries of survival in one of the world’s most rugged landscapes. Compact yet powerful, their muscular build and thick coats allow them to thrive through Iceland’s harsh winters with ease. Descended from horses brought by Viking settlers over a thousand years ago, Icelandic horses have remained purebred, protected by strict import bans. This isolation has preserved not only their genetic integrity but also their hardy spirit.

I found them very friendly & curious which often meant being patient when trying to capture a portrait. In fact they are so intelligent and deeply bonded with humans, that they show remarkable calm in the face of challenge. They are powerful symbols of endurance, beauty & spirit which I hope these portraits capture.

AUTHOR: JULES OLDROYD (United Kingdom)

After 30 years working in the TV for C4 & National Geographic, I took a leap of faith & decided to follow my passion & become a full-time wildlife photographer.
However, during my time at National Geographic where I led the programming strategy for Nat Geo channels internationally, I was able to soak up all the expertise around me & collaborate with some of the world’s best photographers, explorers & filmmakers. I watched, I listened & I learnt from the best.
I look for an unmistakable sense of place in my photography. In my compositions I am constantly seeking to capture the raw beauty & majesty not only of the wildlife in front of me, but equally important to me is the environment around it.
I am also increasingly looking for those subjects & environments where I know black & white will enhance the final image, as I love its timeless beauty & elegance.
10% of my print sales goes to support various conservation charities in Africa.