Many of the livestock and dairy magazines, sale catalogs and newspapers read every day are filled with attractive, quality photos taken by professional photographers. With the increased popularity of online sales and social media marketing, photos and videos of animals are continually increasing in demand. Krista Styer, dairy farmer and owner of Krista Ann Photo + Film Company of Menomonie, Wisconsin is one of the many photographers looking to help producers market their animals effectively and share their photos with the world.
Even though Styer photographs seniors, families and weddings as well, one of her favorite aspects of her business is the livestock and dairy photography side. Growing up in agriculture and on a dairy farm, instilled in her a love of the industry and animals, that she decided to incorporate with another one of her passions, being behind the camera. She can say from experience however that picturing animals is much more of a challenge than photographing people, and she has learned much more patience from the experience.
Styer compares the importance of these photos to selling a house. “When you sell a house you want to have it looking the best, and you want to be able to market it the best you can,” Styer says. The same concept can be said for animals as well. Shooting photos in the best light, having clean and good looking stock and having a good location for the shot all play in to getting a quality photo.
She has had a series of unique and helpful experiences to grow her business as well. A few years ago she had the opportunity to travel to Holland and Germany to learn from one of the best in the business. Han Hopman, one of the founders of Holstein International, served as a mentor for her and taught her the in’s and out’s of his experience in dairy photography. Since then, she has done photography for World Dairy Expo, ST Genetics, Holstein International, PDPW, as well as many family farms and livestock operations around the state.
If you’re in need of a photographer or videographer to help promote your operation, or you’re interested in learning the skills yourself, Styer says don’t be afraid to reach out to someone in the industry. Many photographers post their work online, so you are able to see if you like what they do and how they price their time. Styer also mentions that most livestock and dairy photographers are always willing to lend a helping hand and serve as a mentor for those getting into the business.
