The Primal Gaze: Black & White Animal Portraits by Darrel Rhea
Published Oct 28, 2025
In The Primal Gaze, photographer Darrel Rhea strips away color to reveal the raw, sentient essence of the animal world. This series of monochrome portraits confronts the viewer with unwavering eye contact, creating an immediate sense of connection and equality between subject and observer.
Rendered in striking detail, these black and white studies transform familiar creatures like lions, rhinos, foxes and vultures into keen watchers, their stares filled with awareness and presence. Darrel’s masterful play of light and shadow intensifies every texture and contour, emphasizing not just physical form but emotional resonance.
You can explore more of Darrel Rhea’s photography on Behance.
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