If you're involved in agriculture, you've probably spent a sunny, warm spring day branding calves.

This May Long, I had the pleasure of spending time at the Turner Ranch during one of their branding days.

Branding is a long standing tradition and form of identification for beef cattle. It allows producers to take the needed time to check their calves health, give them any needed medications and of course brand them with their respective brand. All before sending them out to pasture for the summer. 

Branding is a great opportunity for community spirit and camaraderie, as branding is no small task! To quote John Heywood, "many hands make light work." Generally, after a busy days work with the calves, it ends in a celebration of friendship for the humans and plenty of fresh grass and frolicking for the bovines.

If you're a producer, who would like to have their branding captured, message today to get booked in and receive 25% off during our Spring Fling Sale!

As a brand new business to the Thompson-Nicola Region, I would like to introduce myself. I am Bree Patterson, owner and photographer of B.C.P.hoto! Your one stop shop for quality photography!

In good old, get to know ya fashion, I thought it would be more fun to make this post a Q & A styled interview. So if you're curious about your new neighbourhood photographer, keep reading!

Q: How long have you been a photographer?
A: I have officially had a photography business since 2011, however I've dabbled with both digital and film photography as a kid, making that nearly three decades of having a camera handy!

Q: What types of photography do you offer:
A: I have shot all types of photography - weddings, engagement, families, livestock, marketing - you name it, I've probably taken a picture of it at some point. But after years of crafting my business I focus on 4 main pillars of photography:

• Portrait - anything with a person in it
• Agricultural - anything with an agricultural commodity or story to be told
• Fine Art - anything worthy of becoming a canvas on your wall
• Motivational - anything worthy of making the world a better place

Q: What makes you a real photog?
A: In addition to my Bachelor of Arts, I have also attended numerous workshops from across BC, Alberta and Texas, and worked under professional, accredited photog guru's in Alberta that I have met through professional photography organizations I've been a member of.

Q: What is your favourite scene/style/etc. to shoot?
A: That's a tough one. I love shooting images of families and couples, because you get to see the personal and intimate moments that aren't often shared with the general public. But I also love creating artwork from gorgeous scenery and of course, photographing my beloved animal - the cow.

Q: So you say you love cows, what else are you passionate about besides photography?
A: I've coined the phrase Cameras, Cows & Crops for good reason when I talk about my passions! Agriculture is my tribe - the tribe that I not only work and live in, but is one of the main reasons I get up in the morning. I've studied, worked and generally been involved in the agricultural field since I was a child, which only makes me love it more. I'm also very passionate about communications (nerd alert & shout out for my 2nd business!!) and my love of photography fits perfectly into my com-nerd world.

Q: You have another business? Do tell!
A: In addition to B.C.P.hoto, I run an agricultural communications company - Just.Ag Productions - that focuses on 3 main pillars of communications for the twenty-first century producer and consumer:

• Social & Digital Media
• Education
• PR & Marketing

Q: Now that we know all the business stuff, what are some fun facts about you?
A: I love the colour orange (can you tell! ;) ), I have a Cardigan Corgi named Ruthie, I consider myself a Western Canadian as I've lived in both BC and Alberta, I live in the community of Duck Range & I'm a bit of a David's Tea junkie!

After 6 years of providing professional, quality photography to the Vermilion River County and surrounding areas, B.C.P.hoto has moved to the Thompson-Nicola Regional District of BC.  

A change in location has moved the B.C.P.hoto office west and with that change, a thank you is needed.

Without the support and dedicated clients in the Vermilion River County, I would not have had the opportunity to grow as an artist and photographer. To you my clients, I tip my hat with appreciation.

Without the gorgeous prairie morning sunrises and golden canola fields, my portfolio would not be quite as sunny and warm. To the gorgeous backdrops I had the pleasure to play with during those 6 years, I am thankful for the canvas provided to me.

I am thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow among the sloped hills and lush farmland of the prairies. And with the strength and skills gained, I had the ability to  make the journey west to a new landscape and group of clients.

With any change there is always a bit of sadness, but I am thankful for what the prairies has shown me and taught me, not only as an artist and photographer, but as a person too.

Too each and everyone of you that I've had the privileged of sharing the gift of framed time with and learning from, I want to thank. 

Thank you prairies, your gifts have been bountiful and it is time to repay that gift to my new clients, in the mountainous terrain of BC.