2nd place
silver star award
Drew Doggett
united states 
title
Discovering the Horses of Sable Island
Using the island’s rolling, shifting dunes and abundant fog as a canvas, I sought to uncover Sable’s singular treasures and to encounter these powerful animals on their own terms. Focusing on form, musculature, and movement, as well as the conditions of the ever-changing landscape, Discovering the Horses of Sable Island tells a story about power and beauty. The strength of these horses is evident in their form and in their movements. Depicted in these photographs is the physicality of the horses as they relate to one another within their social hierarchy, but also the progress of time. The unhindered range these horses have over the landscape mirrors the dynamism of the island itself, which is constantly being carved out and reshaped by the wind. The resulting body of work offers a portrait of the relationship between these horses and the environment that supports them. Although the landscape is harsh — fresh water is scarce, and bone-chilling sea winds thwart the growth of any vegetation taller than dune grass — the wild horses of Sable Island have adapted to thrive in their unusual habitat. The only land mammals on Sable, they know no fear and have no predators. Entirely unmanaged and unimpeded by humans, the wild horses of Sable Island embody a unique freedom and independence.
Instagram: @drewdoggettphotography
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entry description
Often called the ‘graveyard of the Atlantic’ due to its history of shipwreck, Sable Island is home to little more than the herd of 400 wild horses that roam freely over the island’s 26 rugged miles.Using the island’s rolling, shifting dunes and abundant fog as a canvas, I sought to uncover Sable’s singular treasures and to encounter these powerful animals on their own terms. Focusing on form, musculature, and movement, as well as the conditions of the ever-changing landscape, Discovering the Horses of Sable Island tells a story about power and beauty. The strength of these horses is evident in their form and in their movements. Depicted in these photographs is the physicality of the horses as they relate to one another within their social hierarchy, but also the progress of time. The unhindered range these horses have over the landscape mirrors the dynamism of the island itself, which is constantly being carved out and reshaped by the wind. The resulting body of work offers a portrait of the relationship between these horses and the environment that supports them. Although the landscape is harsh — fresh water is scarce, and bone-chilling sea winds thwart the growth of any vegetation taller than dune grass — the wild horses of Sable Island have adapted to thrive in their unusual habitat. The only land mammals on Sable, they know no fear and have no predators. Entirely unmanaged and unimpeded by humans, the wild horses of Sable Island embody a unique freedom and independence.
about the photographer
Photographer & filmmaker Drew Doggett tells extraordinary stories of diverse cultures and communities through a fashion-inspired lens. Through both intimate and expansive perspectives, he reveals his subjects in vivid detail to share the world’s beauty. His photographic work can be found in private and public collections globally, notably the Smithsonian African Art Museum (DC), the Mariners’ Museum (VA), and the Four Seasons (HI). Doggett has also received over 100 awards and honors for his images including a distinction from the Royal Photographic Society. In 2020, he was named number one in the US and fourth globally for black and white photography by One Eyeland. His artwork has been featured in many publications such as Conde Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, Photographer Magazine, Professional Photographer Magazine, and Outside Magazine, and has partnered with brands like Hasselblad and Leica. His short films have received critical attention, notably at the Big Sur International Film Festival and the PBS Online Film Festival.Instagram: @drewdoggettphotography
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