The Goat Portrait: Taking Pictures to Sell Livestock

This is Rita and her "kids". She had triplets, and I knew I would be selling them. The best way to promote animals is with photographs of them. People want to see the conformation of the animal they are going to buy. They also hope that they can see a bit of the animal's personality. The goat was not posed in this picture, nor were her kids. Rita is a proud animal that also is a devoted mother. This picture shows both.

Rita, born on this homestead as one of triplets, had triplets too. An aged goat, Rita out-lived her two sisters. She owes us nothing as she has raised many goats for us to sell. I always keep my camera around the homestead with me. We have cattle and goats for sale at various times, and people want to see them. I happened on Rita and her family and quietly took the camera out and snapped four pictures. The goats were taking their nap time, and my presence did not interrupt them.

If I had tried to get this same image by trying to pose the animals, it never would have happened. The best pictures of livestock and pets come from the moment. Animals have emotions, but they do not provide them on a command. Looking at Rita's face, the strength and love of this animal shows.

This goat portrait sold all of her kids, but the picture means more to me than selling a few goats. Rita is part of the foundation of our herd. She has been a friend, a pet and a financial asset to us. It is the friend that means the most. This is the only time I have seen her or any other goat doe with their children in this tight, photographic position. The goat portrait is a once in a lifetime picture.

Many homesteaders and ranchers photograph their animals for a picture record. Males, like goat bucks, are sometimes photographed every few weeks. The pictures are then sent to prospective buyers so that they can see the rate of growth and development of the animal.

For animal lovers, taking pictures is a labor of love that turns to a habit. The best part of this goat portrait is that long after Rita passes; I will still be able to enjoy her memory. I have a special fondness for this goat, as other people do with their pets.