Reclaimed: Barnyard Portraits
For over a year, I photographed growth cycles on 14 different organic farms. Each farm had a small cluster of oddly displaced animals. After numerous visits, I discovered that the animals where separated from the herd for one reason or another. While well cared for, fed, and sheltered, they also appeared isolated and lonely. I would arrive on the farm at sunrise. After shooting the happenings in the fields, I'd visit with the animals. We were happy to see each other, shared breakfast, and conversation. As I developed trust with the animals, they seemed to willingly pose for portraits. "Reclaimed" is truly an accidental and rewarding series. The special barnyard connection provided both the animals and this photographer with a relationship that held a real sense of purpose.