By Kerri Reynolds Lotven; Today’s Farmer Magazine; 2019 First Place Photography Winner Nuts and Bolts – Crops Category
A lot of photography is willingness to go where the picture is. It’s about not being afraid to ask, “Is there any way I can get over there, up there, behind there, etc.?” Sometimes the answer is no, and that’s okay. But sometimes people surprise you. Even during busy times, like harvest, they make time to show you something because they’re proud of what they do.
On this day in early October, I went to shoot some stock photography at one of MFA’s retail locations. The corn harvest was shaping up to be a record one, and we wanted to document the activity.
During this season, employees work sunup to sundown at grain facilities. They stayed late, so I stayed late.
When I arrived at the location, it was a little after 5 p.m. I took a few photos from the ground—images of the corn going into the pile, employees working, trucks hauling grain in and out—but I needed to be higher to show the sheer scale of the 1-million-bushel ground pile. I’m certain I stood there visibly perplexed figuring out how to get the shot I wanted because someone noticed. They asked if I needed something. I told them what I wanted, and they then asked if I’d like to get in a lift. For me, the answer to that question is always “yes.” I took some photos and videos from inside the lift.
At that point, it was obvious this was a willing crew. Though they were working well past normal quitting time, there was enthusiasm around this harvest. I could see the top of the grain pile now, but I couldn’t see the line of trucks. I needed to be higher still. So I asked.
This photo was taken from the top of the elevator. It’s a familiar place for me now. I can’t count how many I’ve climbed. I should also note, I work for an agricultural retailer that also happens to produce a magazine. I’ve been instructed on the safety procedures of the company, and I am only doing what fellow employees who work in other positions also have to do from time to time. Not everyone will let you do this, but sometimes you just have to ask.
Photographer’s note: This photo eventually ran as part of an article titled “River, rail and road” in the October 2018 issue of Today’s Farmer Magazine, which focused on the logistics of moving grain.