Back to Front

In Back to Front, I wanted to explore the beauty of pattern, form, and texture in its purest sense. This photograph of zebras was captured in natural light, focusing not on the whole form, but on the interplay of stripes, mane, and shadow. By isolating this intersection of the animals, I aimed to emphasize abstraction—where the subject becomes both recognizable and graphic. The moment of light was fleeting. The sun fell across the back zebra at just the right angle to highlight the each strand of its mane. Against the deep shadows, the illuminated mane and the rhythmic stripes created a natural contrast that needed no color to feel vibrant. Post-processing in black and white allowed me to focus on those tonal relationships—the gradation from light to dark, the textures of fur, and the way the lines curve and converge. I composed the image tightly to draw attention to balance and flow rather than context. The curve of the back acts as a visual horizon, while the ear and mane add individuality. The photograph became a study in design found in nature, revealing how structure and pattern coexist seamlessly in the wild. For me, Back to Front reflects both simplicity and complexity. It’s a reminder that even in familiar subjects, there are endless opportunities to see differently. By stepping closer, looking beyond the obvious, and letting light guide the composition, I discovered a new perspective on an animal we think we know.