By Mary Allen, Agricultural Communications & Ag Business student, California Polytechnic State University
Enamored with a strong passion for agriculture photography I didn’t hesitate when afforded the opportunity to seek out and chat with AAEA Master Photographer Harlen Persinger during the past two Ag Media Summit summer meetings in Scottsdale and St. Louis. He was generous with his time, shared valuable tips and many stories as we poured through his impressive portfolio.
When the session ended, he mentioned he would be attending the 2017 World Ag Expo in Tulare, California, and suggested that perhaps I and a couple of classmates might like to spend a few hours near the Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo campus scouting some scenes, interacting with the camera and enhancing our photo skills.
Well that day came last February. Although Sunday afternoon was cloudy and there was a light drizzle at times, that wasn’t going to curtail us from having fun and working with our cameras. Due to the weather, we spent some time near the campus dairy farm and then drove back into the sprawling, green hills near the ocean. I know that each of us were not only excited but thankful for this golden opportunity. Later we shared our personal reflections.
Samantha Wallace, who will graduate with a degree in agricultural communications, had these thoughts, “I learned about the art of using natural lines to direct the eye to the subject, to always keep in mind the ‘rule of thirds’ and how simple objects have the potential to tell extraordinary stories. The following week I entered a picture from this session in one of my instructor’s classes and received second place.”
“I have a dream that one day I will help improve the way that agriculture communicates and today I got closer to that dream by meeting an individual who has as much passion for his craft as anybody could possibly have,” says Leo St.Corsa, a senior majoring in agricultural communications. “My immediate thoughts were I became inspired and I was humbled to meet such a pro. On campus we don’t take any courses in photography so this was a valuable experience. It was totally fulfilling and fun and I’m grateful as heck for it.”
Sara Tormey, another senior in agriculture communications with a minor in plant protection adds, “I thoroughly enjoyed taking pictures together and was enthused to see the results after loading them onto my computer. It was a captivating time and 100% learning experience.”
Personally, it was an honor to have Harlen share his talents with all of us. I learned how to better position livestock in different situations, work with landscapes and bring out interactions with people. Of course, lighting and timing makes or breaks the image. Harlen let us follow behind and pointed out the lines and angles that tie elements together to achieve the perfect photo composition. He is a worthy teacher, person and friend. I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn from him and form an acquaintance through the AMS connection.
Photos:
A. Clockwise from back row, Sara Tormey, Leo St.Corsa, Mary Allen, Samantha Wallace and Harlen Persinger pause during the rain to capture a personal memory of their California photography session.
B. Leo St.Corsa was inspired, gained confidence and learned photo techniques while chatting about images with Harlen Persinger.
C. Cal Poly students, Mary Allen, Sara Tormey, Samantha Wallace and Leo St.Corsa welcomed the opportunity to enhance their passion for photography with Harlen Persinger.