The Money Shot

Mar
29

Following up on my post about re-shooting the book cover photo…. Yesterday, I spent what felt like ten hours (but was likely much less) out in the frigid air with no coat up in a barn loft holding a chicken. This is not one of the photos Jerry sent to my publisher, of course. This is an “in between” shot where I was having a pow-wow with the chicken, promising her this really wouldn’t last forever.
mechicken
And reminding her that she had all her feathers on, and I was the one who was suffering with no jacket. So, really, the whole thing was much harder on me and what was she complaining about anyway.

Truly, the chicken was pretty cooperative, considering the length of time she was stuck with me.

Look back at that photo above. See that winch above my head? I just want to point out that not once but three times I got up to go down the loft stairs and look at photos on Jerry’s camera….and hit my head on that winch. THREE TIMES. I’m lucky I didn’t knock myself out and fall to my death from the loft window. MY JOB IS SO DANGEROUS.

Several shots from the barn loft were sent to my publisher BUT. BUT. The last time I came down the loft stairs, after we’d all decided we’d had enough (especially the chicken), I was standing in the doorway of the barn for a minute talking to Jerry. His photographer’s eye saw it and he said, wait a minute. And started taking pictures. The barn is still there, there’s still a chicken, but it’s natural, candid, welcoming, inviting….
barndoor2
Oh yeah. THIS. THIS.

I am lobbying for this one for the cover. Your thoughts?





Comments

  1. broncobetsy says:

    that last one is PERFECT!! You look SO happy and young and pretty!

  2. Glenda says:

    I agree; this is the one to use. It seems so natural like someone just came up and caught you doing some chores…..very welcoming.

  3. merng says:

    That’s the one!

  4. SpinnersEndFarm says:

    It is a lovely and welcoming photo Suzanne. I also liked the photo with your hair behind your ear!

  5. Deezy says:

    BINGO! That’s the one! I don’t usually leave a comment but just had to let you know how PERFECT that photo is! 😀

  6. wvhomecanner says:

    oh yeah – much more believable too than a ‘sitting and talking to a chicken’ shot LOL!
    Great work Jerry as always!

  7. Senny says:

    Yes the last one. That is perfect.

  8. Rainn says:

    :snoopy: oh yeah!!! This is it!!!! :snoopy:

  9. Sandra says:

    Nailed it with this shot…the one to use.

  10. rurification says:

    LOVE it!

  11. hershiesgirl says:

    Too bad it wasn’t the first one, instead of the last one. It’s awesome!

  12. happymocates says:

    you look great although the chicken looks a bit haggard. I like the one of you out in the pasture looking down,walking along with the two horses.

  13. jan n tn says:

    What an eye on Jerry. And ‘look ma, no ears’! Wonderful shot can’t wait to see it on the shelf.

  14. zshawn says:

    THAT is the one! Only thing missing is Chew Mail Pouch on the side of the barn!

  15. GA_in_GA says:

    Yes, that is the one!

    Hope your head has recovered from the 3 bumps. :bugeyed:

  16. Diane says:

    Love it! And you look happy in it too. Good choice!

  17. TwistedStitcher says:

    I still like the first one with the ear better but this one isn’t bad.

  18. outbackfarm says:

    YES, I agree. That last one is great! You have my vote!

  19. piemaker7461 says:

    Your hair looks terrific!!

  20. jerseygirl51 says:

    I vote for the last one too! Very natural and spontanious (hope I spelled that right 🙂 :heart: :heart:

  21. jodiezoeller says:

    Good photo!

  22. Lois says:

    I liked the first one best. Actually showed your face, which beautifully shows you love what your do, so quit hiding behind your hair!

  23. twyn says:

    Hay lofts can be magical places.
    What about a picture of you with a ponytail?

  24. BuckeyeGirl says:

    I like it, but I liked the one you didn’t like too much as well so what do I know! I say send this one if you really like it, or pick three or four that you could live with and let them decide, because sometimes we’re not really the best judge of a good picture of ourselves. They have all those marketing people who really can know a lot about that stuff, (as long as they’ve got parameters to work from, like three or four decent shots! lol)

  25. FujiQ says:

    So it’s called a winch…….I’m impressed!

  26. Mim says:

    I like this one also……when I look at this one…I see…Welcome to my world.. :pawprint:

  27. amysoup says:

    Yep! That’s the one! I can’t wait till your book comes out!!!!

  28. holstein woman says:

    Well, keep the one you want, I’ll keep quiet. You’re beautiful and the colors are good with the perfect coloring in the hen also. Excellent shots Jerry!

  29. mamawolf says:

    :snoopy: :snoopy: I agree with all the above. That is a great shot. Jerry, you’re the best. Waiting anxiously for the book. :fairy:

  30. amateisgal says:

    This is the perfect shot! Hope your editors agree!

  31. MousE says:

    I love this picture! And your hair is gorgeous. :snoopy:

  32. lattelady says:

    Instead of running up and down the steps, why didn’t you use a bucket on a rope to get the camera to see the shots?
    Great pics, but the first one (WITH ears), shows a strong, beautiful, feminine face.

  33. BAfarmer says:

    Hello Suzanne. I’ve been following your blog for nearly two years and for whatever reason wanted to register just to leave a comment on the last photo. I LOVE IT!!! It looks like you are opening a door and welcoming us into your life and your story. On a side note, I can’t wait to read it!

  34. MsJanJ says:

    This is definitely a great photo and worthy of being the cover photo. It is down to earth and represents exactly who and what you are. It is amazing at how far you have gone and how fast you have grown in such a short time at the farm. You are definitely an inspiration and we are so proud of your accomplishments. We are as excited about this as you are doing it.

    Happy Easter to you and your awesome family.
    Jan and the Gang

  35. farmkat says:

    Yes,Yes!
    Looks like you’re welcoming us all into your barn!
    Love it

  36. silentgoddess says:

    It is PERFECT. It actually gave me goosebumps when I scrolled down to it.

  37. leneskate says:

    :snoopy: Love it! :snoopy:

  38. angelridgmom says:

    That’s the one! Perfect!

  39. pugwaggin says:

    I really like the second one of you standing at the door with the hen. The colors are good and the shot more natural. Does she get paid for modeling? Have a wonderful Easter!

  40. AnnieB says:

    That last shot is GREAT! You look as if you’re saying “Howdy, come on in!” So welcoming and friendly. (Your hair looks great too!)

  41. dmcfarland says:

    I agree Perfect!! And I like that is shows a ‘girly’ side with the bright tanktop and coordinating flannel shirt. Just show that women farmers can be girly and pretty. You are stomping on that sterotype.

  42. boulderneigh says:

    It’s PERFECT!!!

  43. lesliedgray says:

    I agree… the last one is PERFECT!

  44. Dumbcatluvr says:

    YES!! The last one is PERFECT!!!

  45. Ruth38 says:

    I agree that the second one is the cover for your book!

  46. NancyL says:

    Absolutely love the last one – still have a big grin on my face as I type. I’d love to accept your offer to come in! However, I still love the one of you pulling Glory Bee.

  47. catslady says:

    I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but I still liked yesterday’s better lol.

  48. Jersey Lady says:

    Yuppers, that last on is the keeper!

  49. Linda Goble says:

    I love this shot too. It is like you are opening your door to us for your adventures on farming.This must be the cover…

  50. joeyfulnoise says:

    Love it – but then, I think they are all good!

  51. California Paintbrush says:

    It’s welcoming us into your life. The dark is popping your beautiful colors! And the chicken says, “That’s IT!”

  52. gardnerh says:

    They both look great, but I like that bottom shot too. It makes more sense – you welcoming people to your place. Really, how often do you actually get a chance to sit around the hay loft chatting it up with a hen? :chicken:

  53. Cheryl LeMay says:

    I agree-that shot is perfect for your front cover. I still like the other one with your ear-maybe they could use that on the back cover.

  54. laur says:

    you so deserve this shot, suzanne…there’s more than 1 pioneer women in the book business !
    laur

  55. whaledancer says:

    Great shot, the best one of you yet. I hope it fits the format for the design of the cover.

  56. Heidi533 says:

    I loved the first one and was honestly a little disappointed when you wanted to reshoot it. But now I am willing to admit that this picture is even better. You really do look like you are welcoming someone into your farm. And that is exactly what you do in so many ways. Love, love, LOVE it!

  57. bonita says:

    I agree, the shot is great and the image is an excellent metaphor for the book. The pose, from your hair to the chore boots, is perfect! Respectfully hope to see more face on the cover of your second book!

  58. lward says:

    I see I am with the majority on this one. I love it.

  59. Ramona Slocum says:

    Yes, the last one is a winner. :sheepjump:

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