Ben Doubleday loves to see stud stock and livestock in general portrayed in quality images, like the days of old when bulls and rams were photographed by dedicated livestock photographers to show their best attributes in sale catalogues.
“Its such a digital world now, it makes sense to get your stock photographed by a dedicated stud stock photographer so you have great images to market your animals in catalogues and on your stud website,” said the Canterbury-based livestock photographer.
At 27, Ben has been taking photos of animals since he was playing around with his cellphone on his parents small block on the outskirts of Christchurch, and when his brother came home from University with a proper camera, Ben was hooked and knew he had to get his own.
While working for a sheep breeder for the past 10 years, opportunities to hone his skills on his employer’s Dorpers, Texels, Beltex and Swiss Valais (the world cutest black and white sheep) has helped him build his craft and experience.
Lately he has pivoted to also photographing cattle and he travels all over the South Island cataloguing bull sales, ram sales and doing onfarm photo shoots for website images. Many of his images have also featured in the beef breed magazines for the Charolais, Hereford and Angus breeds.
“I want to produce the best images of their stock for farmers because it’s an international marketplace, and overseas many breeders use professional livestock photographers.”
“New Zealand produces great stock – and I want to help lift the imagery and profile of New Zealand breeders’ with really sharp photos of their animals.”
Growing up and working rurally along with being involved in sheep judging competitions gives Ben an edge on knowing the best way to pose and stand animals and how to get the most attractive shots and angles for the photos.
Check out Ben’s work on Ben Doubleday Photography on social media platforms Facebook and Instagram.
To discuss livestock photography requirements, call or email Ben on 0273697649 or benjidoubleday@gmail.com