Name: Ellie

Photographer Notes: We learned right away that Ellie’s favorite treat was a sweet drizzle of molasses on her nose. Like a pup to peanut butter, she flicked her tongue across her nostrils until every last drop was had. Ellie was special. She reminded me of one of the very first cows I ever photographed—the inspiration and impetus for the hundreds of animal portraits that would follow—Shirley. The two of them shared an irresistible charm and place in not only my heart but also an unrelenting sweet tooth.

About this series:

Say Hello to Highland. It’s been several years since my original images of Highland Cows, so I was very excited to get back into the studio with these beloved animals. This time my crew and I flew to Minneapolis and drove 3 hours east to a small town in rural Wisconsin. We worked around the clock to transform a steel barn into a full-scale studio. My focus for this series was to highlight what makes these animals special using key lighting techniques, texturing wind machines, the utmost technical precision, and an eye for Highland flair. As always, it is an honor and a joy to work alongside these animals. My hope is that each image captures a bit of their story and creates the space for you to connect with it.