Hello! Please help me, Ifat Zohar, realize my fine art photo book BEAUTY IN UNITY.
Without your help, this unique project will not be possible.

‘During a shoot, I am not just creating beautiful portraits but also capturing the unique connection, personality, character, and emotions of each animal and their humans.’

Israeli photographer Ifat Zohar's world is captured in beautifully bright colours, sharp precision and immaculate execution. She would think it is only about technique, but Ifat combines her knowledge with an unstoppable imagination and penchant for creatively depicting invisible worlds.

Ifat developed her love for photography around 15 years ago, when she made the decision to relocate to the Netherlands, alongside her horse trainer husband. Photography became a window to a new world, studying the behaviour of young mares and their foals, the way horses communicate and the interaction with humans.

‘I realised that I was learning by watching and studying their behaviour, their silent language and became acutely aware of their movements and communication. Once I knew that this is what I wanted to do, I invested in a better camera than I had been using and bought bigger lenses.’

In her work, Ifat shows the special bond between humans and animals in its own unique way. A bond so evidently present, but still hard for an outsider to capture. Ifat’s own equine background means she can add a extra dimension to her work, allowing the viewer a glimpse of this unique equestrian world in all its glory!

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THE PROJECT
How it all started

Three years ago, the Beauty in Unity project started. A work of art in the form of a book. What followed was three years of meticulous planning. The search for characters and their stories, finding or making the period costumes ourselves. Driving for hours from location to location, waiting for the right shot or light, because photography doesn't just happen, this is what you call the blood sweat and tears process.

To present this work as it needs to be presented, the book is designed by one of the best designers in the Netherlands and printed on top-quality paper. Because of this presentation, the book exudes luxury, timeless class and quality. A centerpiece in any home library!

STORYTELLING THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY
A unique glimpse into the world of our Dutch equine masters

Looking at a new and timeless way of storytelling, Ifat has spent the last few years specialising in photography in the “Oude Meesters’ (Old Masters) style. Atmospheric sets, flawless use of chiaroscuro and sumptuous use of colour, capturing scenes that would not be out of place in Rembrandt's time.

'I needed to include the connection, the personal stories, and the magic between the horse and the owner that was rarely highlighted in equine photography. That’s when this project started.'

Ifat has continued her Old Masters style in her project 'Beauty in Unity'. An intimate look into the lives of various horse women and men in the Netherlands, documented in a stylish coffee table book. In this book, Ifat highlights present and past professions that focus on working with horses. You step into the world of a farrier, a riding school owner and a funeral director who still uses carriage and horse.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Twenty-five masters, twenty-five stories

It took a lot of work to pick the best images from each photo shoot to create this inside look at Dutch equestrian culture and beauty.

The design of the binding method, uncoated paper, and unique folds with hidden images, is created by the Dutch graphic designer Sybren Kuiper. This unique and complex design is created to give viewers an experience and slow down to look with attention at those 25 characters and their stories.

Book specifications
Linen hardcover with pressed gold foiling
132 pages, including 12 fold-out and 12 fold-in pages.
Size 236 mm x 32o mm portrait

Deluxe book box
Outside - Linen cover with pressed gold foiling
Inside - Foam frame to hold the book + envelope for prints

Photography and texts by Ifat Zohar
Book and graphic design by Sybren Kuiper

Would you like to contribute to this inspiring project?
We'd be delighted!

Every contribution, great or small, is one step closer to making this project a success.
And in this way, you are involved in a timeless, atmospheric, and unique document about the Dutch equine masters!