Every farm has a story, and great photography helps tell it. I recently had the opportunity to photograph Cold Hardy Berries as part of a project through Cornell Cooperative Extension. The goal was to create a collection of images that showcased not only the products the farm offers but also the people and hard work behind the operation.
Cold Hardy Berries specializes in growing honeyberries and figs—two unique crops that are becoming increasingly popular with consumers looking for locally grown fruit. In addition to fresh fruit, the farm offers homemade jams along with fruit trees and plants for customers who want to grow their own.
To capture the full story of the farm, we photographed a variety of subjects throughout the property. Product photography highlighted the colorful jams, fresh fruit, and nursery stock, providing clean, professional images that can be used in marketing materials, online stores, and promotional publications.
We also spent time creating environmental portraits of the farmer at work. Images of farmers tending their crops, harvesting fruit, and interacting with their products help connect customers with the people behind their food. These authentic moments add personality and build trust in a way that product photography alone cannot.
One of my favorite parts of the project was using drone photography to capture the farm from above. Aerial images provide a perspective that simply isn’t possible from the ground, showing the layout of the fields, growing areas, buildings, and surrounding landscape. These photographs are valuable for websites, promotional brochures, grant applications, and educational materials because they help tell the complete story of the farm.
Agricultural photography today is about much more than documenting crops. It’s about creating a visual identity that reflects the quality of the products, the dedication of the farmer, and the unique character of the business. By combining aerial photography, product photography, portraits, and documentary-style images, farms can build a versatile image library for websites, social media, advertising, farmers markets, and outreach efforts.
Projects like this one with Cornell Cooperative Extension demonstrate how professional photography can help local farms share their stories, connect with customers, and showcase the work that goes into producing high-quality agricultural products.
