Virtual Expert: Jim Patrico

Jim Patrico of The Progressive Farmer magazine was awarded first place in the Portrait/Personality category in the 2006 AAEA Photo Awards Program.

What was your initial goal when taking this photo?

I took this photo in connection with an article on agro-tourism in Iowa. People come to this Coon Rapids farm to experience life in the country, and this woman is their host. I wanted to show how laid back she is, how easy going. To hear her soothing talk and to watch her slow movements, it was always 110-degrees outside and a cool 75 on her porch. So we sat on her porch and discussed her farm and its operation.

What was your thought process and procedures in approaching and/or setting up the photo?

My wife was with me and her presence helped divert the subject's attention from me, which was a good thing. I used a wide-angle lens so that I could show as much of the scene as possible. The napping dog and cat told a lot about the atmosphere I thought.

Technically, the shot was not challenging because the light was nice and even on the porch. I did have to use a tripod because light levels were low. A judge at the AAEA photo awards said the photo gave him a feeling of sitting on a farmhouse porch in the middle of a warm, relaxed summer day. Me, too.

How did you begin your career?

I started as a newspaper photographer/reporter with a degree in photojournalism from the University of Missouri. I got into ag journalism when I was 30 years old and wanted out of the daily grind of newspapering.

What does it mean to be a member of AAEA?

Joining AAEA at that time gave me perspective on how my work compared to others. It also introduced me to a legion of folks dedicated to agriculture. Through the years, the professional relationships I established within AAEA have had the side benefit of being a kind of continuing education, not only in agriculture, but in the practice of ag journalism.

What advice can you offer to young photographers in pursuing a photo like yours?

If you are just starting an ag journalism career, I'd suggest you keep your options open. The field is changing daily, and you will have to be nimble to keep pace. Learn as many technical skills as possible while remaining vigilant for new opportunities. You may not spend 20-plus years in ag journalism as I have, but learn to value your experiences for how they might prepare you to alter your career path.

How do you maintain a high standard of ethics in your writing and your career?

It seems to me that a journalist maintains high standards of ethics in his career the same way he does in his life: by doing what is right. You can read about what is right in a book. But most of us have an innate sense of what is fair and what is honest. Ethics is the practice of following those instincts.