Randal Ford
A Collection of Animal Portraits
October 28 - November 24, 2021
Ford’s Collection of Animal Portraits features his acclaimed “Animal Kingdom” series alongside his most recent series “Good Dog.” This collection of intimate photographs captured by Ford showcase a variety of species across the animal kingdom exploring each animal’s personality and behavior. His objective is to capture simple, singular and beautiful portraits giving each animal the opportunity to elicit emotion and connect with its viewer. Ford utilizes a deconstructive approach to portraiture by isolating each animal on a stark backdrop focusing fully on the animal without distraction. Inspired by classic portrait photographers such as Richard Avedon, Ford’s practice highlights the essence of who a subject really is.
His unique process of photographing animals in the studio is exciting, challenging, and requires patience. Precise lighting and neutral backgrounds come together to create these timeless compositions. Each animal has their own personality and quirks that require quick reflexes to capture the perfect moment. In post-production, Ford uses dodging and burning treatments to subtly adjust the color and contrast of the image. These editing techniques, used by master printers in the darkroom for years, allows Ford to push the image into a soft and aesthetically pleasing composition. Despite Ford’s precise techniques and process, ultimately he releases control of the image to the animal to allow them to tell their own story.
RANDAL FORD
Poppy: Bernedoodle, 2020
Limited edition c-print, Ed. 1/15
37.5 x 30 in.
Photographer's notes: Being photographed is a new experience for most dogs, and Poppy was definitely a bit wary. She arrived glued to her owner’s side, rather unsure of just about everything (and everyone) around her. But what I loved most about her trepidation, was the fact that she continued to look to her owner for reassurance. The love our dogs have for us is based on complete trust-- they don’t question our care for them, they simply and wholly trust it, even in the unknown.
Photographer's notes: Being photographed is a new experience for most dogs, and Poppy was definitely a bit wary. She arrived glued to her owner’s side, rather unsure of just about everything (and everyone) around her. But what I loved most about her trepidation, was the fact that she continued to look to her owner for reassurance. The love our dogs have for us is based on complete trust-- they don’t question our care for them, they simply and wholly trust it, even in the unknown.
RANDAL FORD
Chaz: White Puli, 2020
Limited edition c-print, Ed. 2/15
37.5 x 30 in.
Photographer's notes: Chaz loves to be in costume. Silly glasses, tiny hats, you name it, he’s happily on board. Perhaps it comes with the territory, after all, the curly cords of a Puli serve as a kind of year-round costume. Photographing him was a breeze too, thanks to his enduring willingness and, I think, secret love for posing. My favorite moment was when we pulled back his thick strands of twisted coat into a high ponytail atop his head, revealing the man behind the mask. And boy was he a handsome one.
Photographer's notes: Chaz loves to be in costume. Silly glasses, tiny hats, you name it, he’s happily on board. Perhaps it comes with the territory, after all, the curly cords of a Puli serve as a kind of year-round costume. Photographing him was a breeze too, thanks to his enduring willingness and, I think, secret love for posing. My favorite moment was when we pulled back his thick strands of twisted coat into a high ponytail atop his head, revealing the man behind the mask. And boy was he a handsome one.
RANDAL FORD
Jupiter: Bloodhound, 2020
Limited edition c-print, Ed. 2/15
37.5 x 30 in.
Photographer's notes: Jupiter may not have any visible rings, but she sure has some visible rolls. It’s ok, they happen to the best of us. And, much like how the Saturnal bands of ice and gas set one planet apart from the rest, so too do a hound’s folds. They are also known for having a unique and, often times, strong odor. While some might dismiss this as being a simple case of bad hygiene, in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Hounds have exceptionally oily skin, which, in turn, repels dirt and other airborne items. Dirt typically acts as an odor mask, so in breeds where it’s presence is limited, the dog’s natural odor becomes more apparent. Bloodhounds were and still are used for tracking purposes-- one thought behind their extra oily skin is that, because they often worked in packs, the need for knowing each other’s whereabouts was made easier due to them being, well, a little smelly.
Photographer's notes: Jupiter may not have any visible rings, but she sure has some visible rolls. It’s ok, they happen to the best of us. And, much like how the Saturnal bands of ice and gas set one planet apart from the rest, so too do a hound’s folds. They are also known for having a unique and, often times, strong odor. While some might dismiss this as being a simple case of bad hygiene, in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Hounds have exceptionally oily skin, which, in turn, repels dirt and other airborne items. Dirt typically acts as an odor mask, so in breeds where it’s presence is limited, the dog’s natural odor becomes more apparent. Bloodhounds were and still are used for tracking purposes-- one thought behind their extra oily skin is that, because they often worked in packs, the need for knowing each other’s whereabouts was made easier due to them being, well, a little smelly.
RANDAL FORD
Octavius: Black Belly Barbados Sheep, 2018
Limited edition c-print, AP/5
60 x 48 in.
Photographer's notes: Octavius was vocal, to put it mildly. My experience with goats and sheep has always been wonderful but the one thing worth noting is how loud a sheep ‘bah’ really is. Especially in the studio. It’s piercing to be honest. I love the shape of his horns and black stripes on his face and neck. But the pièce de résistance is the crooked smile Octavius gave me for this one frame. What’s his emotion? You decide.
Photographer's notes: Octavius was vocal, to put it mildly. My experience with goats and sheep has always been wonderful but the one thing worth noting is how loud a sheep ‘bah’ really is. Especially in the studio. It’s piercing to be honest. I love the shape of his horns and black stripes on his face and neck. But the pièce de résistance is the crooked smile Octavius gave me for this one frame. What’s his emotion? You decide.
RANDAL FORD
Maverick: Longhorn No. 2, 2018
Limited edition c-print, Ed. 2/5
40 x 72 in.
Photographer's notes: As a photographer, sometimes a change in perspective is what is needed to create something unique. After I created a straight-on portrait of Maverick and his mighty horns, I adjusted Maverick’s pose so that I was looking at the back of his horns. This perspective, seen under the studio lights is something I’ve never seen before and it’s become one of my favorite pieces of Longhorn fine art photography I’ve created.
Photographer's notes: As a photographer, sometimes a change in perspective is what is needed to create something unique. After I created a straight-on portrait of Maverick and his mighty horns, I adjusted Maverick’s pose so that I was looking at the back of his horns. This perspective, seen under the studio lights is something I’ve never seen before and it’s become one of my favorite pieces of Longhorn fine art photography I’ve created.
RANDAL FORD
Black Betty: Black Horse No. 4, 2018
Limited edition c-print, AP/10
50 x 40 in.
Photographer's notes: This stunning Black Betty is as famous as the song she was named after. Betty has won about every award a quarter can win and in the studio she did not disappoint. Like any celebrity, her shoot was short and sweet. In and out in 10 minutes. She spent more time with our hair and makeup artist on those classic braids than she did in front of the camera. And when she leaned over to groom herself, I was able to capture this unique shot of her in a split second. I’ve photographed many horses and I’m probably the proudest of this series of modern fine art horse portraits of Betty.
Photographer's notes: This stunning Black Betty is as famous as the song she was named after. Betty has won about every award a quarter can win and in the studio she did not disappoint. Like any celebrity, her shoot was short and sweet. In and out in 10 minutes. She spent more time with our hair and makeup artist on those classic braids than she did in front of the camera. And when she leaned over to groom herself, I was able to capture this unique shot of her in a split second. I’ve photographed many horses and I’m probably the proudest of this series of modern fine art horse portraits of Betty.
RANDAL FORD
Alejandra: Flamingo No. 2, 2018
Limited edition c-print, AP/15
37.5 x 30 in.
Photographer's notes: Alejandra made us take our hats off, Mother Nature never fails to impress, and the color and shape of this South American beauty did not disappoint. Alejandra’s pastel pink feathers juxtaposed with the bright coral red under her wings were just stunning. And the oh-so-perfect S curve of her neck had all of us on set mesmerized by her beauty.
Photographer's notes: Alejandra made us take our hats off, Mother Nature never fails to impress, and the color and shape of this South American beauty did not disappoint. Alejandra’s pastel pink feathers juxtaposed with the bright coral red under her wings were just stunning. And the oh-so-perfect S curve of her neck had all of us on set mesmerized by her beauty.
RANDAL FORD
Amelia: Pink Cockatoo, 2018
Limited edition c-print, AP/15
30.75 x 30 in.
Photographer's notes: Take Flight Amelia. This beautiful Pink Cockatoo is native to Australia. Her color is stunning, graphic, and vibrant. During our shoot her head feathers would flutter up and down creating a spectacle and drawing attention from everyone on set. What’s interesting about Amelia is she loved mirrors. I can understand why she couldn’t get enough of herself. I mean she is a looker.
Photographer's notes: Take Flight Amelia. This beautiful Pink Cockatoo is native to Australia. Her color is stunning, graphic, and vibrant. During our shoot her head feathers would flutter up and down creating a spectacle and drawing attention from everyone on set. What’s interesting about Amelia is she loved mirrors. I can understand why she couldn’t get enough of herself. I mean she is a looker.
RANDAL FORD
Gertrude: Highland Cow No. 1, 2018
Limited edition c-print, Ed. 2/5
48 x 48 in.
Photographer's notes: What a Gertrude. Similar to a Yak, Highland Cows have long, beautiful shaggy hair. Per their name, they are originally from the Highlands of Scotland. Most Highlands are redheads but Gertrude was a blonde beauty. I loved how her locks covered up her eyes, and in this frame I selected, she tilted her head slightly as if she was telling me something. My affinity for cows definitely holds true with these beautiful highlands and this portrait of Highland Cow Art is hanging in my house.
Photographer's notes: What a Gertrude. Similar to a Yak, Highland Cows have long, beautiful shaggy hair. Per their name, they are originally from the Highlands of Scotland. Most Highlands are redheads but Gertrude was a blonde beauty. I loved how her locks covered up her eyes, and in this frame I selected, she tilted her head slightly as if she was telling me something. My affinity for cows definitely holds true with these beautiful highlands and this portrait of Highland Cow Art is hanging in my house.
RANDAL FORD
Murphy: High Park Bull, 2021
Limited edition c-print, Ed. 1/5
48 x 48 in.
Photographer's notes: Whoa, Bull. In my years of photographing wild animals, I’ve learned to make quite a few noises to command their attention—but Murphy’s reaction stopped me in my tracks. Prior to this shoot, I have often used a bull call to direct various steers and heifers, but it’s not your average “moo” sound. Think a deep tone with intimidating force and aggressive punctuation—no cuteness here. If there is one thing I’ve learned though, it’s that a bull is not a cow and must be treated as such. Unlike cows, bulls are domineering, testosterone-driven, and ruthlessly competitive. Their aggression is a survival switch that can flip without warning and offers no apologies or second chances. When I came face to face with Murphy’s lethal horns, I knew I needed to get his attention and instinctively resorted to the familiar sound I’d used many times before. As soon as it left my mouth, Murphy’s ears shot forward as his eyes darted dead center on me and my lens. I quickly shot a few frames, before his massive head dropped toward the ground, eyes still on me, as he violently shook with an intimidating message. The wrangler I was working with swiftly stepped in to say, “Don’t make that sound unless you want to get killed!” Message received. Though I walked away unscathed, I knew this image would be a testament to the ferocity and dominance of not just Murphy, but all bulls.
Photographer's notes: Whoa, Bull. In my years of photographing wild animals, I’ve learned to make quite a few noises to command their attention—but Murphy’s reaction stopped me in my tracks. Prior to this shoot, I have often used a bull call to direct various steers and heifers, but it’s not your average “moo” sound. Think a deep tone with intimidating force and aggressive punctuation—no cuteness here. If there is one thing I’ve learned though, it’s that a bull is not a cow and must be treated as such. Unlike cows, bulls are domineering, testosterone-driven, and ruthlessly competitive. Their aggression is a survival switch that can flip without warning and offers no apologies or second chances. When I came face to face with Murphy’s lethal horns, I knew I needed to get his attention and instinctively resorted to the familiar sound I’d used many times before. As soon as it left my mouth, Murphy’s ears shot forward as his eyes darted dead center on me and my lens. I quickly shot a few frames, before his massive head dropped toward the ground, eyes still on me, as he violently shook with an intimidating message. The wrangler I was working with swiftly stepped in to say, “Don’t make that sound unless you want to get killed!” Message received. Though I walked away unscathed, I knew this image would be a testament to the ferocity and dominance of not just Murphy, but all bulls.
RANDAL FORD
Eleanor: Highland Cow No. 2, 2018
Limited edition c-print, Ed. 1/5
48 x 48 in.
Photographer's notes: Eleanor, the perfect example that imperfect can be oh-so-perfect. Unlike her Highland girlfriends, she has short and messy hair, a dark sandy coat, and short asymmetrical horns. But what’s so perfect about Eleanor is that she owns it. She’s comfortable in her own hide and that self-confidence clearly shines through in this portrait. Per their name, they are originally from the Highlands of Scotland.
Photographer's notes: Eleanor, the perfect example that imperfect can be oh-so-perfect. Unlike her Highland girlfriends, she has short and messy hair, a dark sandy coat, and short asymmetrical horns. But what’s so perfect about Eleanor is that she owns it. She’s comfortable in her own hide and that self-confidence clearly shines through in this portrait. Per their name, they are originally from the Highlands of Scotland.
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