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

Icelandic Horses Photos by Drew Doggett

Photographer Drew Doggett is known for traveling the world, capturing extraordinary landscapes, people, and cultures. One of his most enchanting series to date, titled In the Realm of Legends, captures the one-of-a-kind beauty of Icelandic horses, who majestically roam the surrounding territory. Though many opt to capture the stunning landscapes that Iceland has to offer, Doggett takes it one step further by also embracing its unique equestrian population to create a union of myth and fantasy that's almost too good to be true.

During his time in Iceland, Doggett stayed on a farm with hundreds of horses. He was initially drawn to the enchanted landscape by tales of folklore. Such takes included the famous, eight-legged Icelandic horse named Sleipnir who is believed to be the spirit animal of the mythological god, Odin. The stunning equine series highlights the relationship between the majestic breed of semi-wild horses—who are believed by some to be the “real-world” descendants of Sleipnir—and the extreme environment that they live in.

Reminiscent of a utopian world, the landscape features snow-covered expanses, roaring waterfalls, black sandy beaches, and icy lagoons. The majestic horses gallop, graze, and stand proud against the otherworldly backdrop, exhibiting their regal resilience to the extreme elements. While Doggett usually shoots in black and white, he decided to use color for this series. “The light created brilliant hues that added a sublime texture to the entire series,” he explains. “Coupled with the contrast between the landscape and the horses, I knew this body of work demanded color.” The incredible photo series captures snow-white and beautiful brown horses contrasting against the pale, glacial blues and the dark shades of the sand and rocks.

Each image visualizes the horses’ powerful but calm natures amidst a wild landscape in constant chaotic motion. “The waterfalls are incredibly loud and almost violently beautiful, yet the horses were calm, standing mere feet from the millions of gallons of rushing water,” Doggett recalls. “Other times, we’d be shooting in thigh-deep snow in windy conditions, as the horses stood completely still.”

You can see more images from the series, plus more from Dogget’s portfolio on his website and Instagram.

Photographer Drew Doggett’s enchanting series, In the Realm of Legends, captures the beauty of Icelandic horses.

Icelandic Horses Photos by Drew Doggett

Icelandic Horses Photos by Drew Doggett

Icelandic Horses Photos by Drew Doggett

Reminiscent of a utopian world, the landscape features snow-covered expanses, roaring waterfalls, black sandy beaches, and icy lagoons.

Icelandic Horses Photos by Drew Doggett

Icelandic Horses Photos by Drew Doggett

The majestic horses gallop, graze, and stand proud against the otherworldly backdrop, exhibiting their regal resilience to the extreme elements.

Icelandic Horses Photos by Drew Doggett

Icelandic Horses Photos by Drew Doggett

Icelandic Horses Photos by Drew Doggett

Icelandic Horses Photos by Drew Doggett

Icelandic Horses Photos by Drew Doggett

Check out some of Doggett’s additional video footage.

Drew Doggett: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

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

Related Articles:

Photographer Captures the Wild Beauty and Elegance of Horses

Interview: Artist Who Runs Naked with Horses Shares Why These Animals Are His Muse

Interview: Carefree Horses Let Their Long Manes Fly in Glamorous Beauty Portraits

Perfectly-Timed Photo of Horses Galloping Through Couple's Wedding Portrait

Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Originally from Northern Ireland, she is an artist now based in Berlin. After graduating with a BA in Fashion and Textile Design in 2013, Emma decided to combine her love of art with her passion for writing. Emma has contributed to various art and culture publications, with an aim to promote and share the work of inspiring modern creatives. While she writes every day, she’s also devoted to her own creative outlet—Emma hand-draws illustrations and is currently learning 2D animation.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content