By Katie Knapp, The Ag Photographer

Harlen Persinger, a freelance photojournalist out of Milwaukee, has been an AAEA Photographer of the Year a few times throughout his career, which has earned him Master Photographer status. I asked him to share how he created his favorite photo story.

Photographing and preparing this article on the bread-making process at Kamm’s Farm Bakery near Brooklyn, Wisconsin, on a chilly February morning was a memorable experience.

During the two hours at this location, I was able to capture close-up scenes, a still life situation and dynamic expressions. There were also opportunities to zero in on the continuous workflow and multiple chances to literally touch your subject. The cramped space of the tiny kitchen provided a tough challenge. However, relying on a 10 to 24 mm lens solved that problem.

My overall objective was to highlight the daily ritual of this family business, showcase different steps involved in the baking assembly line, and share the unique camaraderie between individuals. The end result was a timeless overview that revealed the romantic lure and heritage associated with a part of rural life that existed years ago.

This photo story won the following awards:
First place in the 2009 AAEA Photo Competition
Category: Picture Story, Photo Sequence or Photo Essay

Note: This is the third in a series about how AAEA Master Photographers create their best work.

##