Photographer Randal Ford has elevated his art to soaring heights by applying a minimalist approach to enhance the sophistication of an image. By focusing on the details of his animal subjects, the American artist produces striking images that highlight their characteristic features.
Ford is most famous for his photographs of animals in the studio. They are situated under lights and set against a backdrop so Ford can produce a stunning contrast that could not be captured with a candid shot. He also plays with concepts of color contrasts, such as placing a black rooster against a solid black background or a black and white bull set against a soft gray. He selects each background so that the animal is the sole focal point of an image, allowing for no distractions.
Though he favors animals as subjects, Ford’s photography also involves portraits of people. He has an almost mystical talent for portraying the humanity of his subjects, highlighting the qualities of a person that extend beyond the readily viewable content of a photograph.
He supports a number of organizations dedicated to the well-being and conservation of animals, both wild and domestic. He contributes his time and talent to organizations such as Project Survival’s Cat Haven, which concentrates on preserving wild cats through education and relocation efforts. The proceeds from his book Good Dog benefit Emancipet, an organization committed to making veterinary care accessible and affordable to everyone with a pet.
Ford continues to work out of his studio in Austin, Texas, where he focuses on his photography and conservation advocacy.
On 1stDibs, browse a vast selection of Randal Ford’s portraits, figurative photography and prints.
Randal Ford - Lila, Photography 2020, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available sizes: 37.5" x 30", Edition of 15 50" x 40", Edition of 10 60" x 48", Edition of 5 Narrative: A big part of working with dogs throughout this process, involved learning th...
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Randal Ford - True Bull at Dawn, Photography 2023, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Americana Collection Digital C-Print on Archival Photographic Paper Available sizes: 37.5" x 30", Edition of 15 50" x 40", Edition of 10 60" x 48", Edition of 5 Few photographers i...
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Randal Ford - Bevo XV on Black, Photography 2022, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
"What an honor it was to photograph the University of Texas mascot, Bevo XV, when he was a short-horned calf in 2016. At that time, I thought how great it would be if I had the oppor...
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Randal Ford - Enzo Viola, Photography 2020, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
All available sizes and editions 30 x 37.5, edition of 15 40 x 50, edition of 10 48 x 60, edition of 5 Narrative: Introducing, Mister Enzo Viola, the black-splotched Golden. Before ...
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Randal Ford - Black Swan No. 1, Photography 2018, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available sizes: 37.5" x 30", Edition of 15 50" x 40", Edition of 10 60" x 48", Edition of 5 Over 40,000 years ago, we began to depict animals in cave drawings. Throughout history, ...
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Randal Ford - Raúl, Photography 2020, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available sizes: 37.5" x 30", Edition of 15 50" x 40", Edition of 10 60" x 48", Edition of 5 Narrative: Cool Raúl. Clocking in at only 3 months old, this boy brought such a surprisi...
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Randal Ford - Kaladin, Photography 2020, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available sizes: 37.5" x 30", Edition of 15 50" x 40", Edition of 10 60" x 48", Edition of 5 Narrative: Salukis are quite large and remarkably graceful-- they glide across the floor...
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Randal Ford - Black Swan No. 2, Photography 2018, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available sizes: 32" x 32", Edition of 15 40" x 40", Edition of 10 48" x 48", Edition of 5 Over 40,000 years ago, we began to depict animals in cave drawings. Throughout history, ma...
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Randal Ford - Donkey No. 1, Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
"Daisy did her best to live up to the stubborn stereotypes. While trying to coax this gregarious donkey onto the set, she dug her heels into the floor and refused to set foot on the ...
Archival Paper, C Print
Randal Ford - Vinny, Photography 2020, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
All available sizes and editions: 32 x 32, edition of 15 40 x 40, edition of 10 48 x 48, edition of 5 Narrative: That look when someone mistakes you for a pug … again. Brussels Grif...
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Randal Ford - Longhorn No. 2, Photography 2018, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available Sizes: 30" x 45" Edition of 15 40" x 60" Edition of 10 48" x 72" Edition of 5 Over 40,000 years ago, we began to depict animals in cave drawings. Throughout history, manki...
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Randal Ford - Squirrel No. 1, Photography 2018, Printed After, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available Sizes: 32" x 32" Edition of 15 40" x 40" Edition of 10 48" x 48" Edition of 5 Over 40,000 years ago, we began to depict animals in cave drawings. Throughout history, manki...
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Randal Ford - Giddy, Photography 2020, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available sizes: 37.5" x 30", Edition of 15 50" x 40", Edition of 10 60" x 48", Edition of 5 Narrative: Giddy was just that. He showed up with such an impressive readiness to get do...
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Randal Ford - Bevo XV on Gray, Photography 2022, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
"What an honor it was to photograph the University of Texas mascot, Bevo XV, when he was a short-horned calf in 2016. At that time, I thought how great it would be if I had the oppor...
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Randal Ford - Peacock No. 2, Photography 2023, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available Sizes: 30" x 45" - Edition of 15 40" x 60" - Edition of 10 48" x 72" - Edition of 5 This photograph will be printed once payment has been received and will ship directly...
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Randal Ford - Buckley, Photography 2020, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available sizes: 37.5" x 30", Edition of 15 50" x 40", Edition of 10 60" x 48", Edition of 5 Narrative: Mother Nature sure had fun with Buckley! White coat with brown spots, brown e...
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Randal Ford - Snowy Owl No. 3, Photography 2018, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available Sizes: 37.5 x 30 in Edition of 15 50 x 40 in Edition of 10 60 x 48 in Edition of 5 Over 40,000 years ago, we began to depict animals in cave drawings. Throughout history, ...
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Randal Ford - Black Arabian Horse No. 4, Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
"S stands for Suzie, but on this day, it also stood for skittish. While it’s common for horses to be a bit jumpy, we knew this black beauty was high energy and extra prone to excitem...
Archival Paper, C Print
Randal Ford - Bay Arabian Mare No. 1, Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
"Arabian horses are widely considered one of the most beautiful breeds in the world, prized for their angular aesthetics, glistening coat, and stunning features. Alianna was no excep...
Archival Paper, C Print
Randal Ford - Flamingo No. 1, Photography 2018, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Flamingo No. 1 Available sizes: 37.5" x 30", Edition of 15 50" x 40", Edition of 10 60" x 48", Edition of 5 Alejandra: Alejandra made us take our hats off, Mother Nature never fails...
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Randal Ford - Darwin, Photography 2020, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available sizes: 37.5" x 30", Edition of 15 50" x 40", Edition of 10 60" x 48", Edition of 5 Narrative: Darwin was, quite fittingly, a bit of an experiment (albeit, an unintentional...
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Randal Ford - Leopard Appaloosa Horse No. 1, Photography 2018, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available Sizes: 30" x 45" Edition of 15 40" x 60" Edition of 10 48" x 72" Edition of 5 Over 40,000 years ago, we began to depict animals in cave drawings. Throughout history, manki...
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Randal Ford - Flamingo No. 2, Photography 2018, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available Sizes: 37.5 x 30 in Edition of 15 50 x 40 in Edition of 10 60 x 48 in Edition of 5 Alejandra: Alejandra made us take our hats off, Mother Nature never fails to impress, an...
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Randal Ford - Hummingbird in Paris, Photography 2022, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
A month ago, I made a trip to Paris. Paris, Texas, that is. Through mutual friends, I found an owner of a ranch who had two large hummingbird feeders and was going through over two ...
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Randal Ford - Longhorn No. 1 (BW), Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Maverick had mighty horns. He had a set much curvier that most steers. And they were so perfectly symmetrical that I really focused on their shape when composing my frames. Maveric...
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$3,500
Randal Ford - American Saddlebred Horse No. 4, Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
"Albert Einstein once said that mystery is the source of all true art and science. As I found myself looking into the eyes of this incredible animal, I realized I was seeing both. My...
Archival Paper, C Print
Randal Ford - Pigeon No. 3, Photography 2018, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available Sizes: 30" x 37.5" Edition of 15 40" x 50" Edition of 10 48" x 60" Edition of 5 Over 40,000 years ago, we began to depict animals in cave drawings. Throughout history, man...
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Randal Ford - Longhorn No. 8 Panoramic, Photography 2018, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Digital C-Print on Archival Photographic Paper Available sizes: 20" x 48", Edition of 15 30" x 72", Edition of 10 40" x 96", Edition of 5 Few photographers in the world have photog...
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Randal Ford - Cheetah No. 2 (BW), Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Randal Ford Cheetah No. 2 (BW) Digital C-Print on Archival Photographic Paper Captured in 2024, printed later Available Sizes and Editions: 37.5" x 30" in Edition of 15 50" x 40" in...
Archival Paper, C Print
Randal Ford - Giraffe No. 3, Photography 2018, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available Sizes: 37.5 x 30 in Edition of 15 50 x 40 in Edition of 10 60 x 48 in Edition of 5 Over 40,000 years ago, we began to depict animals in cave drawings. Throughout history, ...
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Randal Ford - Bevo XV, Photography 2018, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
It was an honor that I had the chance to photograph University of Texas mascot, Bevo XIV when he was still alive. So when the Alcalde, the publication of the Texas Exes, called and ...
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Randal Ford - Meishan Pig, Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
"Shawn the Meishan was a sight for sore eyes—though I’m not sure he could say the same for us. In fact, I’m not sure if he could see us at all. Meishan pigs are known for their squis...
Archival Paper, C Print
Randal Ford - Brown Pelican (BW), Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available Sizes: 37.5 x 30 in Edition of 15 50 x 40 in Edition of 10 60 x 48 in Edition of 5 Alfonzo: Alfonzo the amazing. While on assignment for Audubon magazine I was working wi...
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Randal Ford - Wise Arabian Horse No. 2, Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
"As this golden girl stood gracefully before my lens, her coat shining like the morning sun on sand, we all began to understand how she got her name. Aloha is a Hawaiian word rich wi...
Archival Paper, C Print
Randal Ford - Flamingo No. 3, Photography 2018, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Flamingo No. 3 Available sizes: 37.5" x 30" Edition of 15 50" x 40" Edition of 10 60" x 48" Edition of 5 Alejandra: Alejandra made us take our hats off, Mother Nature never fails ...
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Randal Ford - Blue Cow, Photography 2018, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available Sizes: 32" x 32" Edition of 15 40" x 40" Edition of 10 48" x 48" Edition of 5 Shirley: People often ask what animal is most memorable to me. All of them are in their own ...
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Randal Ford - Baby Raccoon, Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
"Like all young animals, Lewis was a speed demon. And a mischievous little guy. He was getting into everything in the studio, completely unphased by the camera, lights, or my crew....
Archival Paper, C Print
Randal Ford - Saddlebred Arabian Mare No. 3, Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
"Having secured 19 national championship titles and hailed as one of the most decorated horses of her breed, 15-year-old Peanut’s competitive winnings speak volumes to her strength, ...
Archival Paper, C Print
Randal Ford - Secret, Photography 2020, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available sizes: 37.5" x 30", Edition of 15 50" x 40", Edition of 10 60" x 48", Edition of 5 THE EYES OF A WOLF are not like the yes of a dog. But, they used to be. Rooted deep in ...
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Randal Ford - Wayman, Photography 2020, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available sizes: 37.5" x 30", Edition of 15 50" x 40", Edition of 10 60" x 48", Edition of 5 Narrative: Much like his brother Boz, Wayman presented my lens with such an intense glim...
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Randal Ford - Suri Alpaca, Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
"Goldfinch reminded me of a sun-soaked surfer teen with long, beachy hair and a bit of an attitude. Throughout the shoot, his jaw gyrated in circles as if he were chewing a chunk of ...
Archival Paper, C Print
Randal Ford - African Elephant, Photography 2023, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Title: African Elephant Collaboration with Steven C. Rockefeller Jr. Medium: Digital C-Print on Archival Photographic Paper Available sizes: 40" x 40", Edition of 5 48" x 48", Editi...
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Randal Ford - Highland Cow Yearling, Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
"Capturing the eyes of an animal is always powerful but especially so with Highland cows. It is almost as if you’ve uncovered a secret or discovered a hidden gem. And a gem she was. ...
Archival Paper, C Print
Randal Ford - Porsche No. 2, Photography 2020, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available sizes: 32" x 32", Edition of 15 40" x 40", Edition of 10 48" x 48", Edition of 5 Narrative: Poodles are without question the quintessential breed for creative expression. ...
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Randal Ford - Jupiter No. 2 (BW), Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available sizes: 37.5" x 30", Edition of 15 50" x 40", Edition of 10 60" x 48", Edition of 5 Narrative: Jupiter may not have any visible rings, but she sure has some visible rolls. ...
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Randal Ford - Chimpanzee No. 2 (BW), Photography 2018, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available Sizes: 30" x 45" Edition of 15 40" x 60" Edition of 10 48" x 72" Edition of 5 Amari: Compared to his brother, Amari was a bit more calm and relaxed on set. I thought it w...
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Randal Ford - Great White Pelican No. 1, Photography 2018, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available Sizes: 32" x 32" Edition of 15 40" x 40" Edition of 10 48" x 48" Edition of 5 Over 40,000 years ago, we began to depict animals in cave drawings. Throughout history, manki...
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Randal Ford - Chimpanzee No. 1, Photography 2018, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available Sizes: 37.5 x 30 in Edition of 15 50 x 40 in Edition of 10 60 x 48 in Edition of 5 Amari: Compared to his brother, Amari was a bit more calm and relaxed on set. I thought...
C Print
Randal Ford - Saddlebred Arabian Mare No. 2, Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
"Having secured 19 national championship titles and hailed as one of the most decorated horses of her breed, 15-year-old Peanut’s competitive winnings speak volumes to her strength, ...
Archival Paper, C Print
Randal Ford - Ostrich No. 1, Photography 2018, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available Sizes: 37.5 x 30 in Edition of 15 50 x 40 in Edition of 10 60 x 48 in Edition of 5 Over 40,000 years ago, we began to depict animals in cave drawings. Throughout history, ...
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Randal Ford - Texas Longhorn Calf, Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
"Wingman comes from a very special cow. His mother is a TLBAA Grand Champion female title holder, which means that this calf will be the star of his own show in no time. Until then, ...
Archival Paper, C Print
Randal Ford - Young Lion, Photography 2018, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available Sizes: 32" x 32" Edition of 15 40" x 40" Edition of 10 48" x 48" Edition of 5 Over 40,000 years ago, we began to depict animals in cave drawings. Throughout history, manki...
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Randal Ford - Red Crested Cardinal, 2018, Printed After, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Digital C-Print on Archival Photographic Paper Available sizes: 37.5" x 30", Edition of 15 50" x 40", Edition of 10 60" x 48", Edition of 5 Few photographers in the world have phot...
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Randal Ford - Longhorn Newborn Calf, Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
"Bug was brand new to the world and only a week old when his portrait was taken. With his mama close to his side, this bug-eyed baby dazzled my lens with innocence. It’s rare to phot...
Archival Paper, C Print
Randal Ford - White Arabian Stallion No. 2, Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
"Horses have always reminded me of ballerinas, the way their long necks gracefully bend and curve into the most beautiful forms. I couldn’t help but imagine Parisii dancing beneath t...
Archival Paper, C Print
Randal Ford - Bucking Rodeo Bull No. 2, Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
"Nothing sends a cold panic through your blood quite like staring a bull in the face. Titan was by far one of the most intimidating animals I’ve ever stood in front of. He was caked ...
Archival Paper, C Print
Randal Ford - Spotted Leopard Snarl (BW), Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available sizes: 30" x 37.5" Edition of 15 40" x 50" Edition of 10 48" x 60" Edition of 5 Cairo was a curious cat. On leash, he wanted to check out the studio and get a feel for th...
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Randal Ford - American Quarter Horse No. 3, Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
"Beretta was named after the vintage Chevy car, and I found myself thinking about horsepower in her presence. Speed is not the only thing that makes a car exciting. It is when that l...
Archival Paper, C Print
$3,500
Randal Ford - Long Haired Siberian Forest Cat, Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available Sizes: 32" x 32" Edition of 15 40" x 40" Edition of 10 48" x 48" Edition of 5 Over 40,000 years ago, we began to depict animals in cave drawings. Throughout history, manki...
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Randal Ford - Highland Cow No. 1 (BW), Photography 2024, Printed After
By Randal Ford
Located in Greenwich, CT
Available Sizes: 32" x 32" Edition of 15 40" x 40" Edition of 10 48" x 48" Edition of 5 Similar to a Yak, Highland cows have long, beautiful, shaggy hair. Per their name, they are o...
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