By Harlen Persinger, AAEA Member and 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
Editors Note: Harlen Persinger selected each photo within this article because they have never been published before now. All of these scenes exhibit certain guidelines: such as leading lines, rule of thirds, tight cropping, contrasting light in late afternoon and early evening, vertical vs horizontal, a strong focal point on the subject matter with a blurred background and for portraits, most importantly, focus on your subject’s eyes.
After three decades of working in the world of agriculture public relations, which included writing and photographing various assignments for internal and external company house organs, I started my freelancing business 17 years ago.
While a bit reluctant to move into a different aspect of ag journalism, the prospect and challenges of working directly with multiple blue-chip clients played a major role in that decision. I felt that good timing, teamed with confidence and a stroke of luck, would be the primary factors in achieving success. That formula worked perfectly.
For example, the days of shooting 35 mm slide film were winding down and digital photography was quickly becoming the new kid on the block. It was imperative to upgrade equipment and enhance my portfolio. Prior to making that investment, I received a request from a national farm publication to photograph an ATV Rodeo. This was an excellent paying job but the catch was everything needed to be done in only digital format. So, I immediately purchased a new camera, some lenses, was able to make a nice profit and instantly stepped into the arena of digital photography.
“Mooving Reflections”
(Courtesy: Harlen Persinger)
To establish a viable freelance enterprise, I’ve always followed a few guidelines. These include: building a solid relationship with your contact person or client, making sure to meet deadlines, discussing billable rates and time required for the job, being accurate on invoices, taking pride in your work, doing the best possible job you can and always making sure to have fun. I also like to maintain personal contact after completing the assignment, which often leads to another project.
“Passing the Torch”
(Courtesy: Harlen Persinger)
It’s difficult to outline some of my best work but I would mention a four-page story, “True Blessings”, which was in the April 2020 issue of Progressive Farmer, and can be found on line. After attending the 2017 International Federation of Agricultural Journalism (IFAJ) Congress in South Africa, I visited a nonprofit organization that provides farming expertise and lends support for rural communities in that country. The contacts proved to be a priceless experience and recently I was asked to travel back to that location and highlight various construction and other improvements now in place for possible publication of a second article. Click here to read the full story.
“Beards and Boards”
(Courtesy: Harlen Persinger)
Growing up on an Iowa farm and being involved in county 4-H projects, taking pictures was never on my radar screen but I learned the basics of photography while serving in Vietnam and just stuck with it. As a freelancer I have tried to carve out a niche which resembles photo art. Photo stories are also a great avenue to enhance your overall creativity.
“Talewinds of Agriculture”
(Courtesy: Harlen Persinger)
Two of my favorites entitled, “Pulling their own weight,” and “Bread of life,” were published in the February and March 2008 issues of the Wisconsin Agriculturist magazine. Both were awarded first place in the annual AAEA photo contest.
“Winking, Blinking and Nod”
(Courtesy: Harlen Persinger)
I feel the primary component that drove me the most in my initial years of freelancing was proving to myself that I could succeed and make a viable living. Also registering for AMS every year, attending seminars and interacting with other freelancers and editors really helped me.
“Best Buddies”
(Courtesy: Harlen Persinger)
Thinking back over my agricultural journalism career I received some advice from a professor/counselor while attending college that has always stuck with me. At the time I was underachieving and on the verge of not being able to continue for another semester. During our conversation he focused on one word, application, and noted, “Be diligent in every endeavor you may encounter during life. Just persevere and you will never fail.”
Harlen Persinger established his freelance/photo business, Hlensphotos, in 2004 after a 30-year career working in company and agency corporate PR. Some past and present clients include: BASF, BouMatic, Cargill Inc., Challenger/Cat, Case-IH, Cottonseed Inc., Dow AgroSciences, Harvestore, Pfizer, Semex, Syngenta and Wesby, Wisconsin, Creamery Coop.
Persinger was AAEA Photographer of the Year in 2000, 2005 and 2008 and received the CHS Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. He earned bachelor’s degrees in Dairy Science and Agricultural Journalism from Iowa State University.