I am a farm girl, heart and soul, born and raised. My parents run a 200 acre dairy and crop farm in Carroll County, MD. I’ve given many of my clients tours of the farm during their photo sessions there, which I love to do. It’s something that I am extremely proud of and thankful for. I grew up free as a bird with plenty of space to run around in and no shortage of animals, sticks, rocks, or dirt to play with. It was tough at times though and was a lot of hard work. There were many weeks and months when I would go to school, come home and help my dad milk the cows and/or feed the calves, do my homework, eat dinner, shower, go to bed, then do the same thing the next day. But it gave me a strong work ethic, appreciation for the land and animals, as well as enjoying the food that we worked so hard for. My parents taught me all the essential values of running my own business without intending to. No one was waiting to fire them if they didn’t show up to work on time (except for maybe the cows!), which, by the way is every day of their lives at 3 am. Their motivation to feed their family and other families is what drove them, and still does. So I may be extremely biased, but I think growing up on the farm is the best childhood any kid can have. Though it is not my calling for the rest of my life I still cherish the farm and am so grateful to all those who farm to feed my family.

So how does this apply to my studio? Well, I still own a few cows and heifers at my parents’ farm. One of my milking cows was getting pretty old and weak. When they get that way, especially in the winter, there’s a high likelihood they can slip on the ice and break a leg, which is extremely painful. So it was time for my old girl to be sold so we could avoid misery for her. Upon selling my cattle or calves I receive the funds to use as I choose. So in essence, I sold a cow to pay for the renovations in my new studio space. I’ve told a few people this recently and they’ve gotten a kick out of it, so I thought I’d share it with all of you!

Below are a few photos I snapped in February at the farm. I just love the one of the calf trying to lick my camera lens! If you’re interested in coming out to the farm for your portrait session this year, let me know! I’m brainstorming some fun family-time ideas there for this year… so be on the lookout. :)

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XoXo,

Jenna