21. Behind the Lens: Livestock Photography with Joelynn Rathmann

Summary In this episode of the Club Cultivate podcast, host Whitney Whitaker welcomes Joelynn Rathmann, a seasoned livestock photographer, to share her journey and insights into the world of photography within the livestock industry. Joelynn recounts her early fascination with photography, sparked by livestock shows in her childhood, and how she navigated her career path through various internships and experiences. She discusses the evolution of livestock photography, the importance of understanding livestock anatomy, and the balance between artistic expression and client expectations. Joelynn emphasizes the significance of building trust with clients and the emotional impact of photography on both the subjects and the audience. Keywords livestock photography, Joelynn Rathmann, Club Cultivate podcast, creative journey, photography tips, livestock shows, animal photography, career advice, photography evolution, client relationships Notable Quotes "You can teach anybody to take good pictures, but you cannot teach anybody how to understand livestock." "The second that you think that you are better than anybody at anything, you have lost." "It's important to learn by doing, watching, and asking questions." "You have to treat every participant like they are a grand champion, regardless of their actual placement." "The hardest part about backdrops is having that person trust you in a 30-second interaction." "You need to take those bad days as lessons, not as excuses to leave." "We're all supposed to be on the same team in this industry." "The people you impact and the relationships you build are what keep you going." "Stop trying to impress people; be yourself and find your own style." "You have to keep growing; it's the only way the industry will move forward." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Joelynn Rathmann 01:06 Joelynn's Early Journey in Photography 04:41 Working with Show Champions 08:38 Learning the Craft of Photography 09:50 Understanding Livestock vs. Photography Skills 12:32 Navigating Flattering Angles in Photography 13:19 Challenges in Livestock Photography 13:28 Backdrop vs. On-Farm Photography 15:21 Building Trust with Clients 17:29 Customer Service in Photography 18:25 Creating Memorable Experiences in Photography 20:19 The Emotional Impact of Photography 22:34 Navigating Competition in the Photography Industry 27:32 The Future of Photography and Video at Shows 29:58 Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Photographers