Wild Horses Through the Lens: A Conversation with Wildlife Photographer Alfie Bowen

Anna Louise delves into the extraordinary journey of wildlife photographer Alfie Bowen

In our latest Curious Equestrian episode, Anna Louise delves into the extraordinary journey of wildlife photographer Alfie Bowen, whose remarkable story weaves together autism, equine therapy, and artistic excellence.

His work, lauded by Sir David Attenborough and featured on BBC Earth, demonstrates how personal challenges can transform into professional triumph.

At age nine, Alfie faced severe bullying in mainstream education due to his autism. Unable to connect with his peers in a class of 31, he found himself increasingly isolated. "I couldn't speak to any of them," Alfie recalls. "I'd go for lunch in the canteen, and because I didn't talk, they all thought I was a weirdo and they'd chuck food at me."

The school's solution—isolating him further in a separate room— which only deepened his sense of disconnection.

Everything changed when his mother fought for a placement at an equine therapy centre. Having shown an extraordinary connection with animals since age two (his first word was "mallard"), Alfie spent one day a week working with horses.

In these gentle giants, he found the acceptance that had eluded him in the schoolyard. "Being around these horses that I knew couldn't laugh at me or bully me, I just felt free and accepted for the first time in years," he shares.

This early experience with equine therapy laid the groundwork for his future photography career. What began with his mother's compact camera and local wildlife has evolved into an impressive portfolio of fine art prints and wildlife photography.

His latest book, "Wild Horses," represents two and a half years of dedicated equine photography across British landscapes.

Alfie's approach to horse photography is uniquely methodical. Each image begins as a detailed sketch, sometimes taking years to realize. His process involves extensive research, including weather patterns and animal behaviour. "There's certain images I sketched out three, four, five years ago, and I still haven't got them," he explains.

This patience and dedication characterize his work, whether he's capturing fighting stallions in Wales or dawn equine portraits in the New Forest.

One particularly memorable photo shoot involved tracking wild horses on a beach near the Isle of Wight. After three hours of waiting and a dramatic storm, Alfie got his shot—though the adventure ended with his van stuck in the sand, requiring rescue by a local farmer's tractor. Such dedication to his craft has earned him recognition as one of the UK's most exciting contemporary artists.

Beyond his camera work, Alfie maintains his connection with horses through hands-on work at a horse sanctuary. He cares for Suffolk Punches three days a week, which he describes as "the most gentle creatures ever." This practical experience enhances his understanding of equine behaviour and informs his beautiful photos.

In February, his upcoming exhibition at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust will showcase his wild horse project alongside other wildlife photography.

"My message has always been just be kind," Alfie reflects. You never know what people are going through or the struggles in people's lives."

What makes Alfie's equestrian photography truly special is his unique perspective, shaped by his own journey from therapy to artistry. His work captures not just the physical beauty of horses but their capacity for acceptance and healing—qualities he experienced firsthand.

Through his lens, we see both the majesty of wild horses and the gentle spirit that first drew him to them in childhood.

For those interested in Alfie's extraordinary visual storytelling, his work can be found at AlfieBowen.com and on Instagram @AlfieBowen.

His journey from a struggling schoolboy to an acclaimed wildlife photographer is a powerful reminder that therapeutic connections with animals can unlock unexpected opportunities and lead to remarkable achievements.

Watch the complete episode to discover how Alfie transforms his sketched visions into award-winning photography, and hear his inspiring message about kindness, patience, and the healing power of nature.