Photographing Your Ankole Cattle
By Sarel Snyman, Daniel Naude & Sally Blaine
You took the leap!! You invested in Ankole. You are now going to sell, and you need fantastic photos to show your animal off. We have all seen great photos and unfortunately, we have all seen poor quality photos that do not show our animals off. What are the tips to taking great photos? We spoke to two brilliant photographers, Daniel Naude and Sarel Snyman, and this is a summary of their advice.
Firstly, it is advisable to invest into a professional photographer to assist you in capturing your animal in the best possible way. Remember, you are the owner of the animal and know it best. Brief your photographer as to what you need and would like to highlight. This will make the photographic process flow more easily. Then following the tips below will allow you to produce the best possible visual materials.
Tip 1: Allow your Buyer to be Informed
The photographs we use to display our animals to the market is the key aspect of presenting these animals to our audience. We use photographs and videos to show potential buyers what our animals look like. These potential buyers need to be as informed as possible to make their decisions. Considering this, the best pose is critically important. This showcases the animal. It is important to have a hero photograph that is the main portrait of the animal that will be used. Different angles or poses can then be used to present other aspects of the animal.
The video will also capture these aspects. It captures them in movement. This means that the potential buyer needs both the frozen frame of a photograph and the video to effectively analyse the animal. Showing certain unique characteristic of the animal is also important. This could include certain markings, different horn angles, side views, even back views to see the tail top or hind legs.
The variety in coat colours and patterns in Ankole means that an animal can have quite different markings on one side from the other. This means that your photo and video needs to show all aspects of your animal. Include both sides of the cow, their horns, their rump and their hooves. The same is true for their horn shapes. You need to show how they walk and how they carry themselves to demonstrate that they are sound. All this can be done between good quality photographs and videos.
Tip 2: Consider your Background
The background makes up to 40% to 50% of the photograph. Having as attractive a background as possible creates a more appealing effect in portraying your animal. Stillness is the essence of a good, completed photograph. For example, a cow posing calmly in a lush, green landscape with mountains, hills or trees in the background is ideal. This supports the final selection of a hero photograph. Try and make sure that the background to your photos is as “quiet” as possible. Not too much clutter. The presence or expression of the animal can also determine the feel of the photograph. Consider the time of the day and light when taking the video or photograph. Early mornings and late afternoons are best as the light is softer and allows for better photographs. Look at what is in the background of the photo, and how far from your animal it is to make sure that your animal stands out. Don’t let your animal get lost in the background.
Tip 3: Show Every Aspect
Ankole come in many different colours and have huge variety in the coats. When you take photos or make videos, try and capture the whole animal. Show both the left and right sides, show the front and the rear and do close ups if it makes sense. This will allow the viewer to be drawn into the total feeling and presence of the animal. This is where a video really comes in handy. It allows you to demonstrate the full animal and it shows how he or she walks, how they carry their heads and the overall confirmation. It also allows you to show the testes and udder of the animals. One of the tricks with Ankole is to make sure that you show the horns off to their best advantage. Photographing them can be tricky as some horns curve back, which is not visible if you merely photograph them from the front.
The best angle to photograph is where the animal is standing with his or her shoulder facing you and is looking directly at you. This provides a sense of depth and shows both the body, the face and the horns. It is important to work towards a well-balanced photograph where the horns and feet are included.
Take into consideration the surface the animal is standing on. If the animal is standing on a downward slope and you are photographing from the bottom part of the slope, photographing upwards, the posture and stance of the animal will appear differentially from standing on a flat surface.
Temperament is becoming increasingly important in Ankole. Being able to take a video where the temperament shows assists in demonstrating how easily you can work with your animals. Make sure your animals look lively. Animals that are very tame may not appear alert. This is not ideal for photographs and videos. Remember, if you do not produce a video, some potential buyers may think that this is because your animals cannot be worked.
Tip 4: Use the Best Equipment You Can
Photographs that are used for printing in catalogues and for displaying on screens during auctions need to be high definition. This allows for clear, crisp and in-focus images. To get these images use the best quality equipment you have. A camera will always take better pictures than a cellphone. If you do not have the equipment, it’s advisable to get someone to assist you who is experienced in taking photographs and videos for these specific purposes. Self-trained farmers can photograph their animals. You know your animals the best. Photography and videography are skills that you can develop that will support the marketing of your animal. The benefit of this approach is that you can take photographs and videos until you are happy with the content you have.
Your photographs and videos are a key factor in establishing your brand as a breeder. Invest in these so that they capture the quality and essence you would like to showcase as part of your brand. Remember the photograph and video can only capture quality to a point. The condition of the animal plays a big role in how it presents in your visual materials. Having your animals in peak condition provides the best subjects for excellent photographs and videos.
The aim of good photographic and video material is to showcase your animal. Keep it simple and build it for the specific purpose that you have – to allow any potential buyer to look carefully at your animal and decide based on as much information as possible.
Remember, there is always a better photograph to be taken. Invest time and skill in capturing your animals on film and it will always pay off.
Happy snapping.