DeLavalle CowBrush Photo

Photographer’s Note

Not long ago I posted a wonderful romantic :))) winter landscape After the storm and yet a simple cow stole the whole show. I was “hiding” her in the workshop, adding something that I thought that was quite funny and that I had seen the same day I was taking the landscape picture. So here she is, actually another one, maybe her sister :))) I could not resist to go back to this place and try some other versions which never makes things easier and I had to choose from quite a few that I like but one makes the run.

When I look at her and how happy she is, it makes me automatically think that many animals have a bad life. Very often they move them through whole Europe to the slaughter houses because it is cheaper this way so by the time the meat is in the shelves they had crossed Europe twice. The transporting conditions are something you better don’t think about and I am sure the meat tastes bad but obviously as long as something is cheap people don’t mind. I vaguely remember that we had very little meat when I grew up and my grandmother talked about the “Sonntagsbraten” (Sunday roast). We still have this saying but actually it has no meaning as many eat meat the whole week.

But my Frieda (or maybe her name is Elsa …) is such a happy cow. She lives on an organic farm with friendly people around her. When I took the picture we were talking to the farmer’s lovely wife and she said that her cows actually fight for the brush and who comes first … no wonder!

DeLavalle CowBrush … in case you are interested to buy one :)))

WS 1 … I find the movement in the brush attractive ... WS 2 … The farmer’s cute daughter in the late afternoon sun …

feather, zmey, avene, Sistercosmo, Waylim, BlueRaven, fulvio52, Dyerco, gneufeld, Wandering_Dan, ciakgiak, cray-z, plimrn, gunbud, ktanska, mark_mk, MarianneS, Jonas_Schmitt, bibiweb, PixelTerror, Colombiana, Vasa, westcoastgirl1 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

bema (9112) 2008-12-11 10:13

Hallo Barbara,

ein klasse Motiv und eine tolle Umsetzung, gefällt mir sehr gut..
ausgezeichnete Schärfe und schöne Farben..

Dir einen schönen Abend, Gruß Bernd

mesutilgim (37324) 2008-12-11 10:25

Hallo liebe Barbara,
Das ist wohl der grosse Unterschied zwischen unsere Welten; wo diese Tiere jetzt seit vier Tagen hiezulande (und sonst auch in anderen islamischen Landern) geschlachtet wurden, werden sie bei euch "hightech" gereinigt und gewaschen ! Spass bei Seite; sowohl photographisch wie auch informativ, ein recht gutes Beitrag: Echtes TE job !
Danke schoen und
mfg
MESUT ILGIM

zmey (7282) 2008-12-11 10:46

hi barbara

a photo i definitely need to send to my brother who's running an organic farm in latvia :)) it also reminds me of a certain type of japanese veal steak. the calves wold be free range raised and would receive daily massages... supposedly, the resulting meat is way more tender that way...

anyway, an excellent TE post, in my opinion.

regards,
kristaps

avene (11140) 2008-12-11 14:10

you see that cow in the workshop? you see how content she is? I WANT TO BE THAT COW!!! I want to have a daily massage and spa and facials, I want to be able to do nothing else but eat and sleap, and I want Barbara taking photos of me :))
thanks, I needed to laugh :)
jokes aside - I'm very impressed with the quality, the clarity is amazing, every little hair on the cow is perfectly defined. great fun shot :)

regards,
Kristine

nasokoun (0) 2008-12-11 14:31

amazing moment, something unusual in Greece
regards
Nasos

Sistercosmo (2691) 2008-12-11 14:53

Liebe Barbara,
ein wunderbares Foto!! Auch die WS sind spitzenklasse. Die süße Tochter hättest du auch als Portrait einstellen können. So ein toller Gesichtsaudruck.
Ach, diese Kuh hat es gut! Du hast Recht, das ist nicht überall so.
Vielleicht können wir sie dazu überreden für uns Portrait zu stehen, während wir im Pyjama auf Fototour gehen... ;-))
Liebe Grüße
Linda

sanguo (117) 2008-12-11 15:33

Hi Barbara,
just...:))))
funny picture.
ciao.

ribeiroantonio (21975) 2008-12-11 16:16

In here, it feels good but in the WS1 it feels much better! I never saw a cow being brush/washed this way. It is for any competition or is it normal care?
The shots are all excellent with a superb definition and wonderful natural colours. Well done.
Antonio

aadilj (17950) 2008-12-11 21:11

Hi Barbara, I am really tempted and go and stand there as well and feel what she's feeling!!! Lovely composition

Waylim (11159) 2008-12-11 23:56

Barbara,
Oh look at that expression in her face, she is loving it. Funny how cow should have this much expression that we can actually tell how they feel. I sometime wonder how the Swiss keep their cow so clean. Not that they will get that dirty anyway, not like the cow in Asian they bath in mud to keep themself cool from the heat and the mud protect them from pest and insect bites. The Swiss cow roam on green hills and mountain, so they don't really get that dirty. This brush just keep them extra clean, I can total go to sleep with them :) to keep me warm if I have to. Thanks for going back for this shot. I love it. Oh yeah baby, It feeeeels gooood.
Ciao Barbara,
Way

BlueRaven (35) 2008-12-12 1:28

Hallo Barbara,

aaaaah, das sieht aber gemütlich aus! Man spürt förmlich, wie sehr sie die "Massage" genießt! Und wenn ich diese freundlichen braunen Augen sehe, wird mir wieder einmal klar, daß meine Entscheidung vor ca. 20 Jahren, kein Fleisch mehr zu essen, richtig war.
Das Bild in WS 2 ist total süß... und super umgesetzt, ganz tolle Komposition und ein wunderbares Licht, einfach klasse.

Liebe Grüße aus dem ungemütlichen München
Claudia

fulvio52 (8314) 2008-12-12 2:32

Wonderful shot, Barbara.
To judge from her ecstatic expression she absolutely LOVES it! Just look at the way she looks... I mean, I don't recall ever seeing such a healty cow, her fur is... SHINING! Brilliant, funny, perfectly presented, great complementary note! Have a nice weekend, I'll be seeing you. HUGS,
Fulvio.

Dyerco (9310) 2008-12-12 6:50

Hi Barbara
Great shot of this happy animal. I agree many people treat animals as if they have no feelings and I don't agree. It looks like they have to line up to take turns.
Phil

gneufeld (15235) 2008-12-12 13:22

Hi Barbara,
That's cool - a welcome brushing it appears? Good idea and well done. TFS. Gerald

Wandering_Dan (3297) 2008-12-12 16:08

Hi, Barbara -

That is really funny - the tilt of the cow's head as well as her expression! Nice strong shapes and colors too.

Best,
Dan

PS: I have to say that having an automated cow brush strikes me as so very very Swiss!

brandstaetter (14434) 2008-12-13 3:28

Hallo Barbara,
eine Schweizer Luxus-Kuh, kommt frisch vom Friseur, Ohren und Kopf sind ja auch frisch gewaschen und gekämmt ;)
lustig, aber was für eine fremde Welt muss das für unsere indischen oder afrikanischen Freunde sein..
LG Christian

ciakgiak (11270) 2008-12-13 7:17

Hello Barbara,
beautiful, nice, loving image that also gave me the chance to admire the magnificent "after the storm."
Delightful composition with a good sharp.
A huge greeting.
Have a nice week end.
Giorgio

Nicou (45777) 2008-12-14 0:27

Hello Barbara,

Trop génail ton iamge, il a vraiment du plaisir à se faire gratouiller,, elle apprécie ce genre de toilett, très bien vu.

Bravo et amitié

Nicou

cray-z (48) 2008-12-14 7:16

Wow... this cow has A LIFE!!! This picture reminds me on japanese cows. They too got the royal treatment. The japanese are perfectionists in every way and in order to get the best milk and beef meat they often masage cows and treat them with occasional bottle of beer (Link on Wiki)

Good to know there are still people caring for stock animals as pets.

Have a good one,

Luka

plimrn (19740) 2008-12-14 9:14

Dear Barbara,
I just had to show these photos of cows being massaged to my 92 y/o father. He has no short term memory so it's hard for him to carry on a conversation. Still he tries to interact by reading the newspaper out loud. It was wonderful to have this way to initiate a conversation with an old farm boy. Thank you.
HLJ, Pat

gunbud (28165) 2008-12-14 20:46

Hi Barbara,
Wonderfully humorous shot of Elsie getting a massage and facial.
She really look like she benefits from the pampering because she is a real beauty.
In Japan they get beer with their massage so if I gotta come back as cow I hope it is a Japanesse one.
Excellent clarity and sharpness to this fine shot.
Regards, Tom

ktanska (16695) 2008-12-15 0:46

Hi Barbara,
Beautiful portrait. I don't remember if I've seen such a device before. But looking at the ecstatic impression it must be well worth the investment. Does it run continuously or do they have a start button? :)
Kari

toto (18767) 2008-12-16 6:53

Bonjour,
belle photo de cette vache qui va se faire gratter le cou par ce système ingénieux.
Plus ingénieu encore, vous qui avez trouvé cette scène et l' avez prise.
De toute beauté, jamais vu, étonné, merci de ce partage.

Rosa et moi nous vous souhaitons a vous et a votre famille de merveilleuses fêtes de fin d' année et une très bonne année 2009.
Amitiés Thomas

mark_mk (246) 2008-12-17 5:19

Hi Barbara,
haha, eine Waschanlage für Kühe, nicht schlecht!
Es ist zwar keine atemberaubende Winterlandschaft, aber mir gefällt es wirklich klasse, hat was humoristisches und eingefangen ahst du die Szene perfekt. Immer gut wenn jemand Bilder von Kühen postet, damit die Leute wissen, dass unsere europäischen Kühe nicht lila sind ;-)))))))))))
Ich hätte auch genug Kühe hier im Allgäu, hab mich aber bisland nie breitschlagen lassen eine echte Allgäuer Kuh zu fotografieren, sieht aus als müsste ich das mal.
Sehr schönes Bild und wie immer eine klasse note.

Beste Grüße
Mark

MarianneS (14436) 2008-12-17 13:35

Hello Barbara,
It is incredible! These cows seem to appreciate these massages a lot!!
They are beautiful animals and your note is very interesting.
I like your ws with the little girl, could have been a separated post :-)
Regards,
Marianne

feather (50168) 2008-12-18 8:01

Frieda or Elsa!? Everybody knows cows are called Daisy or Buttercup! ;D
What a wonderful image; she looks so ecstatic; probably even more so in the WS. I have never heard of a cow brush, but they obviously like them if this image is anything to go by. Excellent shot; something different
Kath

Jonas_Schmitt (3074) 2008-12-20 2:04

Hallo Barbara!
Hehe, ein wirklich lustiges Bild....kommt mir durchaus bekannt vor, da ich ja im Allgäu wohne, aber es ist immer wieder schön zu sehen :)
Technisch ist natürlich auch alles gut gemacht und du hast im genau richtigen Moment abgedrückt. Super!
Beste Grüße,
Jonas

Leonie (8647) 2008-12-22 4:05

Hallo Barbara,
hahaha das ist ja wirklich lustig! Sowas habe ich noch nie gesehen! Die Schweizer Kühe sind halt Luxuskühe! Den Indern würde so eine Maschine sicherlich auch Spass machen, da ihre Kühe heilig sind..lol..und die hätten es nötig mal gebürstet zu werden...nicht nur die Kühe wohl gemerkt! :)
Dir auch frohe Festtage! Gruss, Léonie

Bluejeans (33113) 2008-12-22 5:35

Ola Barbara,
Que foto bem cómica com esta vaca a ser escovada parece que está a gostar , bem meiga a cara dela , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

Bom Natal

bibiweb (8) 2008-12-22 12:02

Hello Barbara,
even though I live in Switzerland, I must admit that I have never seen an automatic cow brush before. So your photo is really fulfilling its role of teaching me something about the world! :o)
Great framing with the cow's tilted head, though I think I have a slight preference where it's actually closing its eyes in content.
Cheers.
Bibi

Wahclellaspirit (3017) 2008-12-22 12:36

Hello Barbara,
What a cute shot of this cow making the most of her "Spoiled Life!" A great shot, and definately not one to miss...
Steve

Buin (38310) 2008-12-23 2:54

Hallo Barbara!
Toll! Wenn ich das früher für meine Söhne gehabt hätte - wenn sie vom Spielen heimkamen. Ein originelles und "eyecatching" Foto, das einen schmunzeln lässt - das Beste was ein Foto tun kann ...
Dir und den Deinen Gesegnete Weihnachten und alles Gute für das neue Jahr!
Frank

PixelTerror (86861) 2008-12-26 7:54

Halloooo Barbara,
How sweet :-)
All the strength of the image is in her expression telling how much she enjoys it, lovely and different cow image, I guess mine would deserve such a treatment to lift her mood, AI cows looks sometimes a bit rude ;-) Just back from Ebenalp to taste first snow of the winter, good snow but facing north and no sun, however the view is great !
Schööönen Abend, bist Du in Unterwasser ?
JY

Colombiana (2580) 2008-12-26 11:45

Awww!
How adorable and funny!
Judging from the expressions, this cow definitely loves it! Who can blame it? I want a nice massage myself… Those sacred cows from India would give up the sacred status to live the Swiss luxurious life of this one! ;)) Loved the workshop—it indeed seems like it really Feelzzzzzzzzz Good!

Best wishes!

Maryori

CaesarP (3666) 2009-01-07 13:36

Hello Barbara,
great capture of this great instrument.
We are not different - the happiness of her face proofs my statement.
Regards Caesar

smarcell (14653) 2009-02-10 6:52

FUnny ! She seems she is really enjoying the brush !
I did not know that such a tool existed !
Regards Stefano

Vasa (6373) 2009-02-20 3:06

Bonjour Barbara,

j'adore cet image et je suis bien heureux de voir que ton model, lui aussi, aime ce moment de la vie. Ton idee est super et ta realisation de haut niveau. La photo concue un peu avec la logique qui m'est bien proche.

Tres heureux de te connaitre,

Branko

westcoastgirl1 (1567) 2009-11-28 5:06

Hi Barbara

She has that content look on her face
Cute story and write up
Good close-up view
Great focus and clarity

TFS,
Tosca