Photography Tips from Torie Egger words by Mallorie Boggs It’s that time of the year again. *Typed with a deep sigh*. If you’re like me, the excitement of spring show pig prospects usually accompanies several arguments with my dad about where to stand while picturing pigs and why I couldn’t click faster when the foot was positioned slightly better.
1. What is the essential camera equipment that you use for picturing livestock? I use the Canon 5d mark 4 camera and I like it because of the quality it gives me, it is the newest canon digital camera and it works well for me in low light.
For lenses I use the Canon 70-200mm 2.8 which I love because I can stay further away from livestock/people to catch candid shots. If you are working with larger animals it helps to get everything in focus and the 70 - 200 is super sharp even in low light. The canon 35mm 1.4 is another lens I love because I can get up close to livestock for sale shots, especially with smaller livestock like pigs it works well for me and when In the past decade or so, online sales have taken off. working in smaller spaces you don’t have to be so far Hosting a sale online is a great way to share your stock away from the animal to get them into the frame. If you with prospective buyers all over the country. Because have a large picturing space to work with I recommend a buyer in California can’t take a weekend trip to see a the Canon 70-200 2.8, if you have a smaller picture set pig they are interested in that is in Iowa, the pictures up then I would use the Canon 35mm 1.4. provided can make or break a sale. Tried and true, pictures say a thousand words. 2. What’s the best time-frame before a sale that producers should picture their pigs? Whether you’re the one behind the lens or you’re Honestly, this question varies depending on when each bringing in a professional, here are some tips and tricks producer believes their pigs are at their best stage. It’s from Torie Egger, a talented, livestock photographer: important to give yourself time to advertise. If you Springtime is an important time in a producer’s bottom line- it’s where the initial cost of semen and feed has an opportunity to return itself with selling pigs. Kids are excited to have new pigs in the barn and adults are excited to see how genetic pairings worked out.
Water, feed or anything to gain the pig’s attention Clean, conditioned hair
Feet placed shoulder and hip width apart, square Pig leaning forward in a comfortable position
Clean bedding and background
Experience Berkshire / 31
