2009_02_10_Reuben Reuben I've been thinking

2009_02_10_Reuben Reuben I've been thinking

Spent a few hours on a farm today for a story running in the near future for The Hutchinson News. Farms are always so fun, I loved spending time at my mom's family's farm while growing up and still enjoy trotting around amongst the animals.

Things that are almost guaranteed on a farm.

Mud, a cool dog, and curious farm animals.

Cheers,
Brad Vest

Listening to: How you gonna keep 'em down on the farm, Andrew Bird


He was a mix between something and an Australian Sheep dog, he was awesome.


Adolescent calf hams it up for the camera.


Full grown cow also interested.


I should probably get a pair of boots.

2009_02_05_Tempting pregnant heifers

2009_02_05_Tempting pregnant heifers

The range of assignments that I've been getting here so far is wonderful. I've chased windmills, tracked down geese, explored a landfill, trotted through factories, and just today I had the chance to go a little northeast of Hutchinson and shoot a story about a woman and her cattle.



Now these may not sound like amazing assignments to non photographers. But, don't be mistaken, nothing is better than going to really weird, complex, and unique places. Creativity just seems to flow while on assignments like this, and even if you don't come away with great images at least you spent the day doing something completely different and entertaining.

Today was great. There were around 80 cattle, most still pregnant but some had already had their calves which were now running around and giving baby 'moos'?? Since the cattle were pregnant they had to be coaxed over by the owner with a bag of feed to allow her to check in and make sure they were all doing well. I tried to coax them closer with a handful of dead grass, they were not interested.



I had to fight back the urge to just start running after the calves, they were so hilarious, like big puppies.

Either way, I have a few different things I am working on. But I've been pretty busy with assignments and just general shooting. I'll have a few more things up soon though.

Thanks for looking.
Be well,
Brad Vest

2009_01_22_Dodge City with a side of beef

2009_01_22_Dodge City with a side of beef

I've never seen as many cattle as I've seen while trotting around in Kansas so far. They're everywhere. Just the other day I was sent out to Dodge City, Kansas to shoot a high school basketball game in a tournament. As I was nearing the town I was hit by the overwhelming smell of cow, every single thing about a cow, all in one, all at once. I didn't notice the actual cattle at first just the huge plant with hundreds of freezer trucks waiting to be filled.



I arrived in town an hour or so early so I decided to check around and find the cattle. As I turned back to follow my nose I found a 'scenic overlook' on the outskirts of town. Not overlooking a majestic forest, mountain, or body of water, just a huge mass of cattle mooing and feeding.

It was an experience.

Best,
Brad Vest




Way to many cows to fit into a picture. This is just one of the many feed lots. It was crazy.