So you're thinking about having your farm documented - the following article is my top 5 tips to ensure you get the best from your photographic coverage.

Good planning will ensure a comprehensive coverage at the end of our time shooting on your farm.  Using the 12 month planner and checklist will not only help you decide if you need the full 12 month collection or a shorter coverage, it will also ensure key activities are not missed.  Once you have pencilled in when things happen around the farm, if you have blank months, that's where we can schedule in things like portraits and family photos. 

Great communication between the farmer and photographer will absolutely give you the best results.

You know your farm like the back of your hand.  If there's a special place on your farm where the views are incredible, or where there's an old piece of machinery, or place that brings back child hood memories - let me know.  If you're bringing cattle into the yards and have to cross a road - let me know.  If there are important people you'd like photographed - let me know.  

I will discover many of these things during our farm familiarisation visit (I ask lots of questions) but assume I don't know anything about your farming operation. I'm here to tell your farming story and the only way I can do that is by getting to know you and your farm.

If something unexpected comes up and you think - it would be great to have photos of that - ring me or text me.  If I'm available I'll drop everything to capture it.  

I received a text late one Sunday afternoon "We're just bringing a heifer into the yards to pull a calf if you're home?"  "Yes, I'm on my way."  I arrived in time to capture the calf being delivered with two "mini" farmers looking on. 

If in doubt - just ask :)

It's also important to let me know if there is anything you do not want to be photographed.

The last thing you want is an accident on your farm.  I'm certainly no wall flower and you'll see me on the back of utes, on top of hay bales and railing, lying in the grass and perched upon railings in order to get a shot BUT safety is paramount.  Every farm as different hazards so make sure I'm briefed on general hazards and those specific to each shoot. 

There are times when people other than your immediate family and permanent employees are working around your farm.  It is important that you let them know in advance what I am doing on the farm, why I'm taking photos and to make sure that they don't have any objections to being photographed.  To date I've not had anyone refuse to be photographed but its important that they are provided with the information to make that decision. 

I get it. You're happy to be photographed doing what you do. In fact, you're so focused on your work that you'll probably forget I'm there at times. But...do I really have to have my portrait taken?

The short answer is no. This is your farm, your album and you are always going to have the final say on what is and isn't captured or included in your album. But...let me try to convince you.

The album is ultimately an heirloom for future generations. Your children and grandchildren. Would they like to have a portrait of you? 

What comes to mind when you think about portraits?  Having to get 'dressed up'?  Being in a studio?  Having to act in a particular way?  Well, that's not what I'm going to ask you to do.  I want to capture who you are in the farm environment.  Your portrait could be taken anywhere on the farm and with anything that says something about you - with a tractor, in the sheering shed, amongst crops - the options are endless.  You don't need to 'dress up' but I guess a clean shirt might not go astray (or not?). 

Portraits taken on farms are some of my favourite images to capture, they do take a little bit of time to plan and shoot but are well worth the effort.

If you'd like to know more about our farm photography please follow the below link. 

If you'd like to arrange a farm visit to decide on what type of photography coverage you would like, click below