Let's Talk Valais Blacknose Sheep Photos
- Cheryl Hayes
- Jan 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 30
A while back, a well-known breeder called Fred and asked something unexpected: “Do you Photoshop your sheep photos?” When he told me about the conversation, I was honestly taken aback. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized, if someone thinks our photos look too good to be real, I’ll take that as a compliment.
Here’s the truth: I do edit our photos, but I never alter the sheep. I may remove a mineral bin, a feed bucket, or a ball in the background. I might crop, lighten, or add contrast to make the photo clearer or more visually balanced. But the animal? Never touched. No altered wool, no enhanced markings, no changed structure. That would be unethical and it would undermine everything we work so hard to uphold.
What I do have is patience. I can easily spend over an hour waiting for a sheep to move into the right light or angle. This is why we always encourage potential buyers to ask for video, live FaceTime, or in-person visits. A photo might catch a moment, but video shows the movement, the temperament, and the truth. Great photos come from being present, not from pushing pixels.
And about AI: Yes, I use it - for research. I consult multiple large language models to gather insights, compare information, and make informed decisions. But when it comes to photos, brochures, or anything visual representing our sheep, nothing is AI-generated. Every image on our website was taken by me personally, except for the few that illustrate breed standards from Switzerland. Those are always credited appropriately and used purely for educational purposes.
I know AI is becoming a tool in the livestock world, and I respect innovation. But for us, transparency is non-negotiable. If a potential buyer thought I used AI to create or alter our images, that would damage the trust we work so hard to earn, and we’re not willing to risk that.
At Valais Blacknose of Lovers Lane, what you see is what you get. Always.
Comments