Fine Art Animal Photographer

1. In one sentence tell us what you do and how long you have been doing it?

I’m a fine art animal photographer. I am inspired by the horse and the cultures around the world in which they subsist. I have been working with horses, dogs, cats and other animals since 2007, when I worked on a ranch in Argentina designing and producing a coffee table book documenting the history of the estancia. I produce fine art prints and exhibit in London, Dubai and the USA.

2. Vegan or Vegetarian?

80% vegan – I have been vegetarian since the age of 11. I lean towards colourful vegan food but it is challenging raising two young children. I try to impress my views on them while giving them the freedom and tools to make their own choices.

3. Does this aspect of your life influence your work or vice versa?

Being a vegetarian very much influences my work – and vice versa. I have always been passionate about wildlife and animals and the prospect of eating animals has always haunted me. I believe strongly in “local”, and support people who farm humanely. I believe in the sentience of animals, and it is this I wish to portray in my work, capturing their essence and being a voice for them in the world to make people think twice when they consume so much by the way of animal meat and products.

4. Favourite piece from your most recent collections and why?

I have recently been working with some rare breeds in Oxfordshire – goats, sheep, chickens, pigs and turkeys. I have a series of fine art studio photographs in development and I love the juxtaposition of rugged farm animal vs the slick finished piece. To portray these animals in such a humanistic approach somehow empowers them and makes them important. To expose these wonderful rare breeds and help support them from extinction is also very important to me.

5.  What’s up next for the fabulous Astrid Harrisson?

I will be spending time in America’s Wild West photographing the wild mustangs in a bid to raise awareness of the politically driven issues across the USA. The Government spends vast amounts of tax payers money rounding up wild mustangs and keeping them in holding pens. The numbers are vast and a large majority end up in the slaughterhouse – there must be a more humane solution. I am also fascinated by the Native Americans too and wish to explore the idea of a project with them.