Virtual Expert: Harlen Persinger

Freelance photographer Harlen Persinger was awarded first places in the Feature and Nuts & Bolts - Livestock categories in the 2006 AAEA Photo Awards Program.

The Feature category photo appeared in the October 2006 issue of Top Producer.

What was your initial goal with this photo?

My initial goal was to capture an active harvest scene with a different slant on grain handling that showcases bountiful yields and profits for farmers.

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

Scouting helped me determine how I wanted to cover this subject. I felt a low angle would help define the action for the readers. This position provided strong side lighting from the sun to emphasize color on the grain as it flowed into the hopper.

What elements of your photo make it exceptional?

This photo illustrates exceptional light, composition and how the photographer went beyond and worked for a shot that was original. There's the flowing grain, bins and white clouds in a blue, autumn sky making it a narrative rather than just recording of the scene. I was fortunate to balance varying shades of light and technically everything came out perfect.

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

The best advice I can offer to someone taking a photo like this it to allow plenty of time to scout the scene, try to anticipate various angles and then put yourself in position to capture that unique image. It has taken me years to study various lighting conditions and plenty of practice has helped polish my skills. These elements have brought success.

Winning photo: Nuts & Bolts - Livestock category. It appeared in the January 2006 issue of Wisconsin Agriculturist.

What was your initial goal with this photo?

My assignment was to photograph a young woman who was actively involved in the Jersey cattle organization and was also a participating member of the home family operation.

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

During this two-hour photo shoot I knew that I needed more than just people to illustrate the article. During the walk around the farm I noticed the Jersey cattle along the feed bunk and took several photos of them. They were quite curious and seemed to pose for the pictures. To enhance their interest, I made a few barking sounds like a dog and all of them just stared into the lens.

What elements of your photo make it exceptional?

This photo had excellent lighting teamed with a good angle that made use of the natural curiosity of the cattle to create an interesting image. The animals' great expressions revealed the mutual agreement between the photographer and the subject.

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

The best advice I can share when working on this type of assignment is to allow enough time to gather several images that detail the subject's personality plus activities that he or she might be involved with on the farm. Allow plenty of time to build a picture portfolio. Search for various angles, take advantage of lighting conditions and then put yourself in position to capture images that illustrate the story. When involved with an article on people, always remember that a good portrait is essential to reveal the essence of the subject's character.