Cowabunga

Amanda King looked to her own backyard – and some gorgeous hairy cows – for inspiration when launching her fine art photography business

- Fiona Ralph

Photographer Amanda King’s subjects aren’t your usual models. The Highland and Angus cows that star in her fine art prints are residents of the farm she lives on in Darfield, Canterbury, with husband Fraser, daughter Grace and son Dudley, and the family’s many pets (two cats, a pug griffon cross, two lambs and four cows).

While training in photography to teach the craft to her students, the former schoolteacher discovered she had the knack and soon took it up as a hobby. After taking a number of other courses, a children’s photography business became her creative outlet. Last year, she shot a large-format photo of a hairy cow for her living room. Her friends instantly wanted prints, which signalled the genesis of her new venture, By The Horns. “I sensed an opportunity, and within nine weeks had built up a following of 16,000 on Facebook,” says Amanda, whose business now boasts 22,000 followers.

Amanda also sells botanical prints, scenic shots and other adorable animal photos, but cows will always be the stars of the show. She tells us how she juggles a burgeoning business with life on the farm.

What inspired you to start By The Horns?