"You know, I think I could do this." was a comment I made to my dad, Papa John, in the spring of 2008. We were sitting around the show barn making plans for the upcoming Final Drive, a female sale my family hosts every October, when we were talking about which photographer to hire.
"Yep, I'll just invest in the camera; It'll be easy. No problem."
And so I started taking pictures in May with a Canon Rebel XTi, a 24-50 kit lens, and a whole heap of naivety. Starting with what I could remember from Ms. Burkett's darkroom photography class in high school, I jumped in, and only then did I realize what I had gotten myself into. My education was trial-and-error but the work I produced wasn't half bad. Eventually my phone started ringing and my client list began to grow. BigStar Livestock Images, LLC was formed in March of 2009 when I started to think that maybe this photo thing could be something more than a hobby.
At the time I was in my fourth year at the University of Wyoming. As fall came and school began, I was taking pictures on the weekends and reluctantly attending classes during the week. In September, I was contacted by ShowChampions, Inc. and began working as a contract photographer at the shows they cover. By the time I finally got that expensive piece of paper, I knew that working "for the man" wasn't right for me and I committed to being BigStar's first--and so far only--full time employee.
I've since upgraded to a 5D Mark II and bought some really good glass; once I got the 70-200 2.8 in my camera bag I felt what true love must be. Every day that I hop in Yolanda and head to a picture gig I thank the heavens that I am able to do something I love and pay the bills doing it.
Along with photography, BigStar also provides some design and advertising management services to clients. Our portfolio has diversified with the addition of engagement and senior portraits. I always say that I'll travel anywhere to picture anything, so if I can ever be of service to you, don't hesitate to contact me!
See ya down the show road!
