Why photograph goats?

Because of a unique goat named Heidi introduced herself to me. Actually, she forced herself into my life and made sure I knew she was important.

In the fall of 1997, I was full of ideas or ideals of how I wanted to photograph. I wanted to be different, fresh, and innovative. I wanted to be artistic. I wanted to make a statement, although what that statement was, I did not know. So I tilted my camera a lot, blurred and over exposed objects, in an attempt to look funky and different. I decided to click the shutter first, think second and not judge the choices of my subject. I tested this new concept while photographing the Frederick County Fair for an article that was to be published in the Frederick Magazine.

The editor was not thrilled with my new artistic vision. The photos I deemed interesting were cropped, poorly reproduced or not included, while the more conservative photos dominated the magazine layout. The art director’s favorite photo was of a goat peering over the rail. “It is so cute,” she giggled. Everyone in the design group smiled in agreement. My managing editor echoed their thoughts. I was a little annoyed. I did not even remember taking the goat photograph. I am an artist, I thought, not a person who photographs bunnies, kittens and other cute furry creatures.

But over time, and after many compliments, I accepted the power of the goat photograph. I thought it was a little silly and fun, so as a whim I made a promotional card of the photograph. I sent the card out to my clients and friends. After a couple of weeks, I received a letter.

Lisa, We thought it was so fitting that our goat, Heidi appeared in Frederick Magazine in October 1998. She thinks she is really special, she is our head goat. I was so surprised and happy when I saw your card in the mail as I was delivering the mail. (I am a postal carrier in Frederick) Could we get some copies? Thank you.

I did not think it was possible. So I made arrangements to visit Heidi the goat and determine if this goat, Heidi was the same goat I photographed. And also to discover this goat’s mysterious power that drew me unconsciously to photograph her and forces grown people giggle, coo and ogle adoringly.

The postal carrier proudly pointed out a medium size grey goat. The goat stood serenely and squarely still while the rest of the goats scurried around begging for food like scared rats. I looked at her through my camera and she non-chalently responded with an untrusting gaze. "Heidi is really bossy," the postal carrier commented. Heidi without a doubt was the very same cocky goat that beckoned my attention at the Frederick fair.

I went back several times to photograph Heidi and the rest of the herd and noted their unique personalities. I admired their ability to open fences, stand on awkward surfaces, scheme for food and bond emotionally with their owners. Without a doubt their large round eyes watch you and study you. They like you or don’t like you. They can hold grudges or they can be sweet. They test you and try like children to see how much they can push you. They are clever, so clever in fact that many farmers refuse to keep them. Sheep I am told are much easier to control, while each goat has a unique personality and is not likely to do as they are told. I found this very appealing, very creative, very unexpected and strangely human.

I don’t know if Heidi had an issue with how journalists covered the Frederick fair when she saw me walking through the goat section that day at the fair. I think her stare is just the force of her personality. But in 1997, goats, chickens, sheep, cows, turkeys were faceless, nameless, and somewhat unimportant creatures that all blurred together. I was more interested in what I could do, what the editors wanted, not what I could see if I only looked at the subject closely.