Animalia Dreams 1, Lennette Newell, 2015, archival pigment print, 20 x 26 in. / 50.8 x 66.04 cm.

Into the Wild: Black and White Photography by Lennette Newell

May 22, 2024 Gavin Coates

Featured image: Animalia Dreams 1, Lennette Newell, 2015, archival pigment print, 20 x 26 in. / 50.8 x 66.04 cm.

Lennette Newell's striking archival pigment prints offer a profound look into the essence and spirit of wildlife through the lens of black and white photography.

Lennette Newell is an acclaimed photographer known for her evocative black and white portraits of wildlife. Her work seeks to bridge the gap between human and animal, capturing the essence of her subjects with depth and sensitivity.

In her series "Animalia," which includes portraits of an East African Crowned Crane, a coyote, and a fallow fawn, Newell captures the intricate details and subtle nuances of her subjects. Her ability to translate the vibrancy of wildlife into monochrome images allows viewers to focus intensely on form, texture, and emotion.

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Animalia - East African Crowned Crane (2023):

Animalia - East African Crowned Crane, Lennette Newell, 2023, archival pigment print, 14 x 20 in. / 35.56 x 50.8 cm.

This portrait of the East African Crowned Crane is a masterpiece of texture and contrast. Newell's focus on the crane’s plumage highlights the elegance and detailed patterns that are a signature of this majestic bird. The deep blacks and stark whites enhance the visual impact, making the crane’s expressive posture and feather details stand out with striking clarity.

Animalia - Coyote (2023):

Animalia - Coyote, Lennette Newell, 2023, archival pigment print, 14 x 20 in. / 35.56 x 50.8 cm.

In her depiction of a coyote, Newell captures a moment of introspection and calmness rarely associated with this often misunderstood animal. The careful play of light and shadow across its fur conveys a sense of depth and complexity, inviting the viewer to ponder the life and survival of the coyote in the wild. This image strips away the typical narratives and presents the animal in a dignified, almost noble light.

Animalia - Fallow Fawn (2023):

Animalia - Fallow Fawn, Lennette Newell, 2023, archival pigment print, 14 x 20 in. / 35.56 x 50.8 cm.

The portrait of the fallow fawn is both tender and poignant. Newell uses soft lighting to highlight the delicate features and gentle eyes of the fawn, encapsulating its vulnerability and innocence. The composition and focus draw attention to the fine details of the fawn's face, emphasizing its serene and fragile existence within the natural world.

Lennette Newell’s "Animalia" series is a powerful tribute to wildlife, capturing the beauty and dignity of each subject with a profound respect and artistic integrity. Her work encourages a deeper appreciation for the subtleties of animal expressions and the emotional resonance of black and white imagery. Newell's photographs not only celebrate the diversity of wildlife but also challenge us to see the common threads of existence that connect us all.

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