Denise Strauch

My name is Denise Strauch, and I’m a canine and equine fine art photographer from Germany. My journey into photography started with my love for animals and nature, especially horses, which have been part of my life since childhood. Over the years, photography became much more than documenting beautiful moments it became a way to express emotions, tell stories, and capture the unique connection between humans, animals, and nature.

The submitted works were created in very different settings, yet they all share the same artistic vision. One image depicts a Friesian horse standing alone in a vast snowy landscape, emphasising tranquillity, vastness and simplicity. Another focuses entirely on the delicate details of a horse’s striking blue eye, inviting the viewer to share an intimate moment. The aerial photograph captures an unexpected contrast between industrial architecture and nature, with a single white horse standing perfectly positioned between two abandoned circular basins. Each image was carefully planned, yet each also required patience and waiting for the right light, the right composition and the right moment.

My idea was to reduce each scene to its essential elements. By embracing minimalism, I wanted the subject itself to become the story without any distractions. Whether it is the quiet presence of a horse in an endless snowy landscape, the depth found within a single eye, or the striking geometry of an aerial perspective, I hope the images encourage viewers to pause, explore, and discover new details the longer they look.

I hope this photograph reminds people that beauty often lies in stillness. In a fast-paced world, genuine connection, trust and presence become even more valuable. I wanted to create images that linger in the viewer’s memory, rather than revealing everything at first glance. My work sparks curiosity and encourages reflection. I hope that people experience a sense of calm, wonder and connection, whilst at the same time appreciating the individuality and quiet strength of the animals depicted. For me, photography is about transforming moments into visual art.

The biggest challenge was to reconcile all the elements that cannot be controlled. Weather conditions, lighting, the animal’s behaviour and the composition of the image must all be perfectly harmonised. In aerial photography, precision and planning become even more important, whilst minimalist photography demands the utmost attention to every single detail. Simplicity is often much harder to achieve than complexity.

My photography focuses on emotion, composition and visual storytelling. I strive to create clear, timeless images that highlight the character and individuality of my subjects. My aim is to use light, space and carefully balanced compositions to create photographs that invite the viewer to pause, reflect and focus their attention on them.

Animals are at the heart of my work, particularly horses, because every individual has its own unique personality and presence. I am fascinated by creating artistic portraits that reveal this individuality rather than simply showing the animal itself. At the same time, I enjoy exploring the relationship between nature, landscape, and human-made environments. Across all my work, I am driven by the idea of creating images that evoke emotion, encourage curiosity, and stay with the viewer long after they have looked away.

My biggest influence has been nature itself. Spending time outdoors, traveling, and observing animals has shaped how I see light, composition, and emotion. I also enjoy studying fine art photography and paintings as they inspire me to create images that feel timeless rather than than simply following a trend. Every journey and every encounter with animals continues to influence my work.

Don’t wait until you think your work is perfect. Submit the images that truly represent your vision and tell a meaningful story. Awards are wonderful, but they should never become the only goal. Stay authentic, keep learning, and create photographs that reflect who you are.