For this ongoing, long-term project, I have been visiting farm animal sanctuaries and making portraits of the residents. This project began because of my love of farm animals and the knowledge that they are some of the most abused, overlooked animals on the planet. Many view farm animals as utilitarian, simply as a food source or as labor for humans. Not surprising, as exposure leads to understanding, after spending time with the animals I confirmed what I knew in my heart to be true all along. These animals are unique; some are quirky or funny, while others sensitive, shy, playful, intelligent, mischievous, inquisitive, and all seemed to have complex emotional lives.
I am photographing at farm animal sanctuaries because the animals have been removed from abusive and other extreme situations and are now getting the best care possible. The animals at the sanctuaries have escaped from slaughterhouses and live meat markets, lived through animal testing and cockfighting, and other unspeakable horrors. At the sanctuaries, they are free to live out their lives without fear and most have become comfortable with their environment, which enables me to make a more accurate portrait. Each sanctuary I visit is different, but all have a similar spirit and passionate dedication to animals. My goal is to depict each individual animals personality and to push beyond showing them simply as the cute "other". I approach photographing them with respect and in the same way I would a person. I am working within the tradition of portraiture and documentary photography.
I have had the pleasure of spending time with the animals I photograph. I met Jo, a sweet little duck who had her right wing amputated because she had been kicked in her side. Jo now resides in peace with her best buddy Mickey, who can always be found next to her at Woodstock Sanctuary. At Star Gazing Farm I was introduced to Newman, the mischievous, highly intelligent goat who can open car doors and is appropriately named after a character from the TV show Seinfeld. At Grateful Acres Farm Sanctuary in Michigan, I hung out with Mary Jane the beautiful, serene, dainty pig that arrived at the sanctuary malnourished and the size of a guinea pig, but is now a healthy 300lbs.
Understanding each animal is unique, it is important to me to show them as individuals. One way to achieve this beyond the actual image is to title the photographs with each animal’s name. I rely on those that live and work with the animals to help me edit the photographs. As the people are such an important part of the sanctuary, I am making portraits of some of them as well. They share stories and give invaluable input about which photographs best represent each animal. Ultimately, I hope the photographs encourage people to see with compassionate eyes and view farm animals in a new light.
I am photographing at farm animal sanctuaries because the animals have been removed from abusive and other extreme situations and are now getting the best care possible. The animals at the sanctuaries have escaped from slaughterhouses and live meat markets, lived through animal testing and cockfighting, and other unspeakable horrors. At the sanctuaries, they are free to live out their lives without fear and most have become comfortable with their environment, which enables me to make a more accurate portrait. Each sanctuary I visit is different, but all have a similar spirit and passionate dedication to animals. My goal is to depict each individual animals personality and to push beyond showing them simply as the cute "other". I approach photographing them with respect and in the same way I would a person. I am working within the tradition of portraiture and documentary photography.
I have had the pleasure of spending time with the animals I photograph. I met Jo, a sweet little duck who had her right wing amputated because she had been kicked in her side. Jo now resides in peace with her best buddy Mickey, who can always be found next to her at Woodstock Sanctuary. At Star Gazing Farm I was introduced to Newman, the mischievous, highly intelligent goat who can open car doors and is appropriately named after a character from the TV show Seinfeld. At Grateful Acres Farm Sanctuary in Michigan, I hung out with Mary Jane the beautiful, serene, dainty pig that arrived at the sanctuary malnourished and the size of a guinea pig, but is now a healthy 300lbs.
Understanding each animal is unique, it is important to me to show them as individuals. One way to achieve this beyond the actual image is to title the photographs with each animal’s name. I rely on those that live and work with the animals to help me edit the photographs. As the people are such an important part of the sanctuary, I am making portraits of some of them as well. They share stories and give invaluable input about which photographs best represent each animal. Ultimately, I hope the photographs encourage people to see with compassionate eyes and view farm animals in a new light.
