I was staying at a ranch in Tarifa, southern Spain, just across the road from a huge, wide sandy beach. Most days I would drive along the coastal road into town, always making sure I had my camera with me.
I've always liked having my camera close by because you never know when you might come across something unusual. Often, the completely unplanned, spontaneous photographs turn out to be the best. That's how I enjoy working, responding instinctively to whatever catches my eye.
One day, as I was driving past the beach, I noticed something I could hardly believe. There was a herd of cows lying on the sand, apparently enjoying the midday sunshine.
In all my years of travelling and photography, I had never seen anything quite like it. Cows on a beach, with colourful kites from the nearby kitesurfers in the background. It was such an extraordinary sight that I knew immediately I had to try to photograph it.
What struck me was how completely relaxed the cows seemed. They looked so content just lying there in the warm sunshine on this beautiful beach. It made me think that perhaps they were enjoying exactly the same simple pleasure that we humans do when we spend a lovely day relaxing by the sea. In that respect, maybe we're not so different after all.
My photographer's instinct had kicked in. I could see the potential for a very special photograph, but getting close enough without disturbing the cows was going to be difficult.
It was an incredibly hot day, with the midday sun beating down on the beach. I decided the best way to approach them was to get down on my stomach and slowly crawl across the sand.
I remember inching my way towards them, trying to make myself as inconspicuous as possible. The last thing I wanted was to frighten them and have the whole herd suddenly get up and wander off.
It took patience, but eventually I managed to get into a position where I could take the photographs I wanted.
I was absolutely delighted.
As soon as I had finished, I headed straight back to the ranch. I couldn't wait to get the memory card into my computer, see the photographs properly and make sure they were safely transferred.
I remember being particularly careful because I had a feeling that I'd captured something quite special. I didn't want to take any chances or make a silly mistake that might result in losing the images.
Looking at them on the computer confirmed what I'd felt on the beach. There was something wonderful about the scene, those cows lying so peacefully in the sunshine, seemingly oblivious to everything happening around them.
At the time, I had no idea just how successful the photograph would become.
Cows and Kites has since become one of my most recognised and successful photographs. It has received recognition from National Geographic, was named Discovery of the Year in Nature at the 2023 reFocus World Photo Annual, received a Fine Art nomination at the International Color Awards, and an Honorable Mention in the Travel category at the Global Lens Awards 2025.
I've photographed many extraordinary places and subjects over the years, but this particular experience has always stayed with me.
Every time I look at this photograph, it reminds me of that day in Tarifa, and it always makes me smile.