I started doing work for Bob McClaren, owner of 44 Farms, in 2007. Bob and I met when he was president of The Houston Astros under owner Drayton McClane. A man of many talents-lawyer, CPA-Bob also had a family business that he returned to full time, that being 44 Farms. I’ll let them tell you about it….
“More than a century after S.W. McClaren and wife Josie started ranching on the fertile soil near Cameron, Texas, 44 Farms proudly carries on their family values. Five generations later, those values, combined with the best that science and genetics have to offer, have helped 44 Farms grow into one of the premier registered Angus operations in America and producers of ethically raised, all-natural Black Angus beef.”
Bob asked me to be there this particular February for their winter sale, and I roamed the land as the buyers and sellers were trickling in to the custom built sale barn on the property. I came across this fellow, his shiny black coat juxtaposed against the bleached background of morning fog, and gingerly approached. My 70-200mm lens allowed me to keep a safe distance, and getting down on one knee I grabbed some exposures before slowly retreating.
It wasn’t until I went through the images that I saw the angle of the shot, and his slightly offset rear leg stance made it look as if he had only three legs. I assure you he had the full set.
This image was a Gold Award Winner at The American Advertising Federation Houston Show, and was also a 2nd Place award winner in the Advertising Category of The International Black and White Spider Awards.
