Introduction
Despite the lively and interesting daily routine at the piggery, I'd been putting off attempting to photograph it. This was mainly down to the fact that inside the farrow shed is poorly lit and its artificial lighting throws an unnatural yellow tone over everything. However, there came a point at which I just had to 'have a go' and so the following selection of the photos I took is the outcome.
While the purpose of my Wimople photography project has been to concentrate on capturing images of volunteers and staff, there is another group of performers who I now had to take into consideration. These are, of course, the pigs. Even though I've never made any serious attempt to photograph pigs before, I hope that you like the small selection I've included throughout this webpage.
External view
Most of you will be familiar with the layout of the piggery, but if not, it might help to say that the first series of shots are taken in and around the external farrow pens. And, as you can see in the images above, the pigs can move freely from their outside areas through their 'doors' into internal pens.
Much of the morning routine at the piggery is repetitive. Therefore, the photography reflects that. I've tried to capture in the images, all the regular volunteers. So it's with apologies if I've missed you.
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Arthur and Lulu
The vet had to be called out to treat Lulu. She was suffering after a night in the company of Arthur who had managed to manipulate the sliding bolt and get into her neighbouring pen. It was evident that he had been very rough with her and had caused Lulu to suffer a prolapse.
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Moving inside
The routine inside the farrow shed mirrors that which was undertaken in the outside pens. First, the old soiled straw need to be removed before fresh straw is replaced.
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Thanks...
This selection of photographs wouldn't have been possible without the patience and cooperation of the the people who feature in them. So, a big thanks to you all. And, sorry if you didn't feature...I'll do my best to include you next time.
And not forgetting...
....the other star performers. The pigs. Endlessly fascinating animals and great photographic subjects....even if they often get too close to the camera!
Missed previous photo stories?
If so, just follow these links to catch up.....
My Website
Credits:
Photography by Mike Hodgson