This unshorn Merino sheep offered many interesting challenges for me. The somewhat placid expression as it waits to be sheared, the empty notch of a previously tagged ear and the bits of hay still clinging to the tips of the thick wool are a few. The sense of warmth and protection of this animal’s coat certainly inspired me. My hope was to capture the beautiful dimension and textural elements of the wool through the use of light and a dramatic portrait-like setting.