Wildlife / Animals nominee

This is Friesian gelding 'Douwe' in the Broerekerk in Bolsward (province of Friesland) in the Netherlands. The Broerekerk is a beautiful historic church with great authentic architecture, a piece of preserved history. For a horse photographer, this is 1 of the locations where you want to have done a shoot once in your life! I think the combination of this beautiful Friesian horse with the old characteristic features of this church is a pretty picture. Douwe is a real Frisian, deep black with lots of hair, long manes and beautifully robustly built, exactly as they should be.

My name is Shirley van Esch, living in the Netherlands, 45 years old and I have 2 gorgeous daughters. I am a professional photographer since 2020 and specialised in portrait photography of families and kids but also horse and dog photography.
I received several awards at the 'Portrait Photo Awards' and I can call myself a 'Grand member' now which I am very, very grateful for. It is a privilage and a great reward and acknowledgment for the hard work to receive these awards. Because I am focusing more and more on the Fine Art part of the horse photography I registered myself for the 'Fine Art Photo awards'. I already looked at all the great nominations and winners, what great work and pieces of art! Looking forward to see more of that.