Recently, I had the opportunity to photograph the Duplin County 4H Livestock Event at the Duplin Events Center in Kenansville, North Carolina. This was my first time taking portraits at a livestock event. When I first arrived, I wasn't sure if they would let me take photos in the show area, or if I would have to take photos outside the fence. It wasn't long before I met Charmae, who helps run the event, and was also my contact for this portrait session. She let me know that it was okay for me to be in the show area with the animals and handlers to take photos.

I did my best to stay out of the way as the contestants maneuvered their animals around the show area. This event consisted of four (4) different shows. Lamb showmanship, lamb second market, heifer showmanship, and heifer second market. One of the first things that struck me was how skilled, patient, and hard working the contestants were! Many of the children and teenagers were in several shows and I could tell that it was hard work to get the lambs and heifers to pose in the correct manner so that they could be graded.

It was much easier to photograph the lamb show because of their size. When the heifers came out, I felt like they moved much more quickly and had more of a temper. I used four (4) studio strobes for the lamb event. I used strobes because the lighting in a barn type facility isn't always very flattering. I was told not to use the strobes for the heifer show because it can make them angry. The last thing I want to do is make a 1,000 pound animal angry so I just used natural light for the heifers.

I was very impressed with the judge, who walked around and graded the handlers and their livestock. He was amazingly articulate and was very informative as to what he was looking for in a prize winning animal. He had something positive to say for every contestant, but then explained what made the best animals stand out from the rest. 

I really enjoyed learning about livestock and how to photograph them. I was completely worn out from getting different angles and doing about 300 squats. My shoes needed a good cleaning when I finished, but I really had a great time at this event.