by Jane Lyons
Edited and published by Yvette Depaepe, the 15th of September 2025

When photographing animals, whether domestic or wildlife, one of my main goals is to capture their essence and uniqueness in a technically strong portrait.

However, I know that there is still something missing: the artistry that elevates the subject from pure representation to fine art. It is this result that makes me feel accomplished and satisfied.

Capturing an animal to the standard required by National Geographic and producing a photograph that could be displayed in a gallery can be a subtle and seamless transition if good design and aesthetic choices are made in both the camera settings and the post-processing. To achieve a 'fine art' result, you need to know your subject well. The key is to capture its behaviour, idiosyncrasies, habits and personality.

by Antje Wenner-Braun

Techniques such as using different camera settings and movement, low-key methods, dark and minimalist backgrounds, rim lighting, and skilful composition of shape, line and texture can transform a photograph, creating a different mood and atmosphere.

In post-processing, an artful crop can transform a competent animal portrait into a work of art.
So can a black-and-white conversion.

While purists recoil at the thought of altering backgrounds, I find that creating a partial or blended background can enhance the essence of the animal. Developing the skill of creating an overall aesthetic that enhances the original light and colour is worthwhile.

Using natural grounds and foregrounds, as well as artful and natural props, signs, limbs and branches, while keeping the subject in its natural habitat and blending in texture, light and colour, adds lustre to the subject.
This is what a good portrait photographer does to capture the essence and personality of their subject.

How would Steve McCurry or Annie Leibovitz photograph and post-process an animal in the wild?
The answer seems to be elevating the natural artistry and beauty of the animal.

This is a quick search and small selection of examples I found in the 1x archives. I have included one of my own examples because it illustrates what I am talking about. Feel free to give your opinion by commenting below.

Artful crop

‘white horse’ by Bo Wang

'Flamingo in the last light' by Xavier Ortega

Blended background

‘Hell Bent’ by Jane Lyons

'Pelican meeting' by Xavier Ortega

Rim lighting

Untitled by Antonio Grambone

'Time to play' by Xavier Ortega

Camera movement

‘Time to catch fish’ by Phillip Chang 

'Duel' by Milan Malovrh

Artful crop, minimalistic background

‘Ostrich Protecting two Poor Chicken from the Wind’ by Piet Flour

'Whereabouts of that fish' by jealousy

Painterly background

‘Crazy Hair Day’ by Susan Beausang

'Fairy 'tail' by Yvette Depaepe

 Artful prop

‘No Parking’ by Fion Wong

'Within the focus point' by Zoltan Gyori

Natural ground, blended background

‘The Rock Star’ by Alfred Forns

Black background

‘Roseate Spoonbill’ by garett chinn

'Agnus Dei' by Pedro Jarque Krebs

Natural ground, neutral background 

‘Flying Zebra’ by Wim van den Heever

'New born swan babies' by Wilma Wijers Smeets