Surreal Black & White Photos Explore the Beauty and Mystery of Horses

Black and white horse photography by Drew Doggett

Photographer Drew Doggett is known for his incredible horse photography, which captures the power, mystery, and majesty of these creatures. His newest series of images, Icons, explores horses in ethereal and ancient settings through a black-and-white lens.

The monochromatic images have a timeless quality that only enhances the narrative. Whether standing on salt flats or walking into ancient architecture, Doggett places the horses in situations that are almost surreal. In doing so, he builds on the allure of the animals that inspire him creatively.

“Horses represent a mythological and symbolic ideology that doesn’t exist in other animals, from their strength to their resilience, courage, and enduring beauty,” he tells My Modern Met. “Subjects that transcend time, place, and boundaries are just the kind I seek in my photography. No other animals inspire the same sense of devotion and appreciation.”

Some images conjure up the fantasy of the American West, while others transport us to a fairy tale world. This choice is purposeful in presenting a well-rounded view of how horses uniquely capture our imagination. The photographs also incorporate Doggett's use of tone, texture, and detail to bring this timeless story to life.

Icons illuminates the beauty of horses in scenes that exist somewhere between reality and fiction. Each image borders on the surreal and holds a sense of magic, revealing the heart and soul of these beloved animals at the tenuous edge of fact and fable.”

Scroll down to see some of our favorite images from the 28-photograph series, and then head over to Doggett's online shop, where limited prints are available for purchase.

Icons is a new series of equine photography by acclaimed photographer Drew Doggett.

Black and white horse photography by Drew Doggett

Black and white horse photography by Drew Doggett

Black and white horse photography by Drew Doggett

Black and white horse photography by Drew Doggett

Here, he uses black-and-white imagery to capture the power, mystery, and majesty of horses.

Black and white horse photography by Drew Doggett

Black and white horse photography by Drew Doggett

Black and white horse photography by Drew Doggett

Whether standing on salt flats or walking into ancient architecture, Doggett places the horses in almost surreal situations.

Black and white horse photography by Drew Doggett

Black and white horse photography by Drew Doggett

Black and white horse photography by Drew Doggett

Black and white horse photography by Drew Doggett

Black and white horse photography by Drew Doggett

“Horses represent a mythological and symbolic ideology that doesn’t exist in other animals, from their strength to their resilience, courage, and enduring beauty.”

Black and white horse photography by Drew Doggett

Black and white horse photography by Drew Doggett

Black and white horse photography by Drew Doggett

Drew Doggett: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Drew Doggett.

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Photographer Captures the Fairytale-Like Horses Who Roam Iceland’s Epic Landscape

Beautiful Photos Capture the “Untamed Spirits” of Majestic Horses From Around the World

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Staff Editor and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book "Street Art Stories Roma" and most recently contributed to "Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini." You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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