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Livestock Photography

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Phil ReidPhil Reid• Native of Rustburg, VA• Virginia Tech• Penn State• Angus Topics• Zeuswyn Farm• American Chianina Association• Phil Reid Livestock Photo & Video• Livestockplus.com• Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association• Purdue University

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Assembling your EquipmentAssembling your Equipment

• Selecting a camera• Lenses• Flash cards• Cases• Notebooks, pens • Attention getter• Computer, software

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Preparing for WorkPreparing for WorkThe will to win is important, but the will to The will to win is important, but the will to

prepare is vital.prepare is vital. • Make the plan• Site Selection• Equipment preparation• Records• The Work Force• Preparing the Animals• Workflow• Work “After the Fact”……The Follow-up

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Working “In the Pen”Working “In the Pen”• Prerequisites for “Working in the Pen”• Do a walk through with client before 1st animal• Communication is vital• Adjusting to the Animal• Animal Movement• “Ratcheting” the Photograph• Remember you are in charge

– It is you reputation

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• Animals have personalities too• Orient for the correct sunlight• If you can wait, for sunlight• Pay attention to backgrounds• Analyze the animal, compensate for faults• “Ratcheting” for the best photo• Patience, Patience, Patience

Besides pride, loyalty, discipline, heart, and mind, confidence is the key to all the locks.

Working “In the Pen”Working “In the Pen”

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Left to right

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Birds eye view vs.Worms eye view

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Things to avoidThings to avoid• Temperatures under 40 degrees• Rain• Snow• Glitter• Anything that will lessen your reputation

– Dirty cattle– Any poor photo

• Dangerous weather• Any client that will not cooperate

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Rules of ThumbRules of Thumb1. The object is to shoot a photograph that does

not need to be retouched2. If it looks bad in the view finder, it is not going to

improve on paper3. Avoid advice from owners, fitters, etc.4. Be Courteous, but emphasize you are in charge5. If a client did not pay you last year, he probably

won’t this year either

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Rules of ThumbRules of Thumb• If people do not want to clean up or clip their

animals, do not photograph them• Don’t be afraid to walk away from a job, if it

compromises you feel uncomfortable• Do not fool with unruly animals, take precautions• Keep some “working area” around the animal in

the frame

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Don’t Shoot baby calvesDon’t Shoot baby calvesDon’t shoot cattle that are at restDon’t shoot cattle that are at restDon’t Shoot things that are not Don’t Shoot things that are not

“Commercial”“Commercial”

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Try not to shoot in snowTry not to shoot in snow

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The Business EndThe Business End• Comply with all local and state laws• Keep certain documentations with you• Be courteous but firm• Keep meticulous records

– Business records – Photographic records

• Be accessible• Develop a network• Travel-see and be seen• Read & Study, observe and learn

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To Photoshop or not to Photoshop?To Photoshop or not to Photoshop?

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To Photoshop or not to Photoshop?To Photoshop or not to Photoshop?