Known for his distinctive approach to wildlife portraiture in a controlled studio setting, Randal Ford creates stripped-down images that allow each animal’s power, mystery, and individuality to emerge. Guided by technical precision and patience, his work achieves a timeless clarity, offering an intimate view of his subjects—and, in the quiet exchange between viewer and animal, a subtle reflection of ourselves. Take a behind-the-scenes look at Ford at work, along with select photographs and the stories behind them, shared by the artist.
Cesar, White Tiger No. 1
“Caesar was a massive Siberian white tiger but extremely calm around all of us. For this pose, Caesar was laying down with his chest and belly on the ground and head up. Which is similar to how a domestic cat 20 times smaller lays down or sits. But with his head up, this pose felt relaxed and distinguished. If you look closely though, there is an intensity in his eyes as if he’s looking for something in the distance waiting for it to get closer and closer.”
Perry, Upside Down Sloth
“Oh boy, who would have thought a Sloth would be so challenging? Perry, which is short for Perezoso (lazy in Spanish), was a character. Most of my subjects can either stand on their legs or sit upright. Sloths, on the other hand, do neither. They lay or they hang, that’s it. It was impossible to create a shot of Perry laying because he just melted into the floor. However, once I saw him hang, the light bulb went off, THAT was the shot. Despite his namesake, he moved constantly, literally spinning, which made it super challenging for me to capture just the right moment. After working patiently with him I laughed at the irony of my hyper active sloth and finally captured a shot I was happy with.“
Iridian, Mandarin Duck Profile
“Iridian is a living masterpiece. His extraordinary colors—unique among all ducks—symbolize a centuries-old tale of love and fidelity. Originating in East Asia, mandarin ducks are revered for their strong pair bonds and represent a lifetime of devotion. Photographing him was an exercise in simplicity and precision. I used a single light source to the right of the camera to highlight his shape and magnificent color display.”
Lily, Huacaya Alpaca No. 4
“Alpacas are often misunderstood and can be mistaken as dopey or doltish. Lily is a shining example of just how intelligent these adorable animals are. Known for her sharp intuition, Lily has an uncanny ability to read and observe the people around her. Like a best friend, she seems to perceive exactly what someone needs, whether it’s a good laugh or a good nuzzle. Alpacas are wonderful animals; while they are incredibly intelligent and intuitive, they also make room for a lot of fun and play. During Lily’s yearly spring shearing, her owners decided to fashion an Abraham Lincoln beard for her. You wear it well, Lily.”
My interest in art began at a young age, driven by a love of working with my hands and creating something meaningful. As I’ve grown, my passion has evolved beyond the visual aesthetics of a finished piece—what captivates me now is the process of making. I’m deeply drawn to the journey a work takes, from fragments and raw ideas to a unified, complete form. I’m fascinated by how simple relationships between form and color can evoke emotion.
Working in an art centered field has driven me to work in some very beautiful places. Merritt Gallery is no exception. Being surrounded by artwork everyday is inspiring and adds joy to my work day. You often meet the most incredible and passionate people working in the arts.
Annie’s Favorite:
Catherine’s Favorite
Christian’s Favorite:
