Through the Lens with Nick Sarbacker - Cowsmo

Through the Lens with Nick Sarbacker

The second in our series to discover the favorite photos of our industry’s talented, creative photographers. Here we feature the artistry of Nick Sarbacker, Whitewater, WI.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

“When it comes to photographing cows and cow people, we can prepare them for a photo, set the stage, build a studio, and setup the perfect shot.  This photo is a favorite of mine for many reasons, but this photo was not staged, it is just a moment of raw emotion.   For me, this photo captured much more than just the emotions of the exhibitors and the cow in the frame.  This photo captured blood, sweat, and tears, not only for me, but for the breeder of this cow.  The moment after I took this photo, I made the call to Alan Ainger back on the farm on Stateline Road, Harvard, Illinois, to tell him that he bred the Intermediate Champion of the Royal Winter Fair!  He was even more ecstatic than Kim Côté & Richard Villeneuve are in the photo.

The year before Alan had called me to come look at an Advent senior 2-year-old that he had, springing with her second calf. She had never been shown or even halter broke, and she was in the pre-fresh pen in the free stalls. Shortly before calving, we worked out a deal and I had my work cut out for me, with just over a month before Madison. That’s where the keen eye of Richard Villeneuve spotted her after only two days on the grounds, and we sold her to Richard’s employer, Ferme Blondin.  This photo captures the potential I saw in “Bambi” the first time I saw her in the free stall.  Look at a cow not only for what she is, but also for what she can become. “ 

Scroll to Top