Tia schram of seven d media

I had the absolute pleasure of asking Tia some of my burning questions I had for her - like how she got started, what motivates her and so much more! The answers that came back were phenomenal and I cant thank Tia more for putting her heart and soul into these reply’s. Weather you are interested in photography or not I think there’s something here we can all take away from it - and better yet getting to know Tia, the photographer you see at almost EVERY show a little more!

What first inspired you to pick up a camera and focus on livestock photography?

The first time I picked up a camera was to photograph a set of sale heifers our farm was offering. The previous year, we sold a set and I felt they could have been better presented through their photos, so I figured I would give it a try. Haha! I can’t say the photos turned out any better, but I did develop a desire to learn more about photographing livestock.

In university I was a student-athlete, and between volleyball and my course load, I didn’t have much time to have calves in the barn throughout the year, and in turn, I didn’t show nearly as much at the end of my junior show career. However, I knew I still wanted to be involved in the beef industry and remain connected to the show community. I would credit this desire as one of the most influential factors in deciding to focus largely on livestock imaging. 

Do you think photography changes how the general public views livestock and agriculture, and why?

Absolutely! I always say that when you are taking photos, you must consider all audiences. Is the image professional and proper for a producer? Is the image mindful of urban eyes? No matter what audience you are serving, you always want livestock to be perceived in a positive and professional manner. I think photography can be extremely beneficial in advocating for agriculture and supporting marketing efforts, but if utilized incorrectly, it can also be extremely detrimental. 

In your view, why is livestock photography so important to the people involved in the shows like the breeders, and the industry as a whole?

It may be the marketing degree in me, but I truly feel that how livestock are showcased online and in print is extremely important. Perception is very critical to this industry, and first impressions are what make people stop scrolling, click on your sale book, or take a second look. 

With the growth of online sales, some buyers may over analyze an image, and continually look back to talk themselves into or out of a sale. With timed auctions especially, it gives buyers multiple opportunities to “look” at the calves before making their final purchase. A strong photo will often generate bids, and impulse purchases on live auctions as well.

Overall, I believe high quality, professional, and accurate images of livestock help showcase not only the livestock but represent one’s operation, and the beef industry as a whole.

You’ve gone beyond backdrop shots and really carved a niche for action and behind-the-scenes photography. Why do you think those moments matter so much?

I have always believed the most magic is actually created ringside. (Hence the magazine title.) I have a big soft spot for these images whether it be posed family photos, fitting candids, or reaction shots. 

In my mind, some of the greatest cattlemen and women rarely step foot in the show ring. There are fantastic fitters that don’t exhibit the cattle but are extremely talented at their craft. There are breeders who don’t bring their own livestock to town but come to support those exhibiting calves with their prefix. There are parents who drive long hours, spend countless dollars, and are there to support their kids. There are so many people of importance at every show, so in my mind, why limit yourself to the show ring? I believe in capturing everything you can, and truly demonstrating the atmosphere of a show through your images. Few remember what place they stood in class, but almost everyone remembers the friendships they made and the feeling each show gave them. 

Is there one photograph you’ve taken that stands out as your absolute favourite? What’s the story behind it?

There is one photo that truly reminds me how much I love my job every time I see it. 

In the fall of 2021, I was contracting for ShowChampions at Farmfair International in Edmonton, AB. This is my hometown show and I could not have been more excited to cover one of my most anticipated events. One night after the breed shows, someone mentioned that we needed to get some photos of tie outs. Although this could have been done any day, by anyone, I took it upon myself to be on the grounds at 5am and be camped out waiting for cattle to come into the barns. I chose probably the coldest and windiest day of the week, but in my gut, I knew it was going to be worth it. 

If you are familiar with the old tie-outs in Edmonton, the cattle came from the horse stalls, up a little hill, and onto the track to get into the main barn. I laid on the ground at the top of the hill trying to capture cattle being led between two big lamp posts. So I would shoot, shoot, shoot, then pop-up and get out of the way of the cattle… and boy was it magic. 

These images are still used today on advertisements by the different breeders I got to encounter that day. However, my favorite shot was one of Springside Farms with their Charolais string. 

When you contract as a photographer, you are typically compensated on a day or half-day rate. I was not being paid extra to get up early, I did this purely out of passion and love for capturing moments like these. Whenever I wonder why I chose this as a career, I pull up this photo to remind myself. 

What’s one of the coolest or most memorable experiences your job has given you?

Oh goodness, this camera has opened more doors and given me more opportunities than I could ever imagine. Some that come to mind include my more recent work with Alberta Beef Producers. Through ABP events, I have gotten to tour some fantastic operations, interact with politicians in all levels of government, and shake hands with some very influential and important people to the agriculture sector. 

On the flip side, are there any tough or unexpected challenges have come with the job, and how have you overcome them?

Where do I start… Most recently, at the Canadian Junior National Heifer Show I had a camera suddenly quit mid showmanship class which was not on my 2025 bingo card. 

But in all seriousness, the most unexpected challenge is being away from home. I always say, the best and worst part of this job is the travel. I have said yes to a lot of  opportunities that have come my way, and it has taken me to some incredible places, and brought wonderful friendships into my life. I always loved the travel and the experiences, but in doing so, I have sacrificed a lot at home. It is hard to build a life and a farm at home when you are rarely there. Needless to say, work-life balance is something I have yet to master. 

That being said, I am so so grateful for every opportunity and experience this career has given me. I also need to say a huge thank you to my team at home for maintaining my cattle and the farm, as well as my cattle partners who manage our cattle in their outfits. Without these people, I would not be able to maintain my herd and chase this dream.

What motivates you to keep growing and pushing your brand and creativity in this field?

The people. 

When exhaustion hits, creativity is the first thing to leave. In these moments, I try to remind myself that every calf, every kid, every family has a story. I take it extremely personally to try and take a photo of every exhibitor and animal in a class. Even if they are nineteenth in class, that could be their last show animal, or it could be their first show without their grandparent earthside, you truly never know. 

The people in this industry keep this job fun, and my motivation 1000% comes from being trusted to capture their moments and memories. I was chosen for this role, and no matter the size or quality of a show, that is a privilege and an honor I do not take for granted. 

What’s a piece of advice you wish you had when you were starting out?

Asking questions may feel uncomfortable, but the answers will give you comfort. (wow what a quote!)

In a creative field, imposter syndrome is so present, and it can be terrifying to ask questions, take criticism, and seek advice. But that information could change your life. That sounds dramatic, but instead of feeling scared, that advice could give you’re the confidence to excel. At any age, at any stage in the game, ask questions! 

I will preach community over competition until my last breath. I truly believe in surrounding yourself with people far more talented than you. (And yes, this can feel very intimidating.) I have learned so much from fellow photographers, and the only way to grow and develop the media industry is to share experiences and knowledge with one another. 

You have worked so hard on creating many lanes in your profession, including things like Ringside; Where do you see the future of Seven D going and excelling in? long-term Goals and short-term goals?

I used to joke that I would retire from photography and just raise cattle when I turned 25… now at 25 and a half, I don’t see myself slowing down too much. We have some exciting projects in the works and look forward to bringing more talent to the team to be able to better serve our clientele. Aside from that, short-term, I look forward to attending a few conferences, and continuing to learn about media and the agriculture sector. Long-term, I want to provide others with opportunities to experience this aspect of the industry. I got to where I am because of the experiences I had and the people who took chances on me. I am not sure if this looks like an internship program, a mentorship opportunity, or small clinics, but I am excited to explore this idea further. 

Building a show barn

💧 A Next-Level Drainage System

• Floors slope toward the center aisle → water flows into a gutter.

• The gutter drains outside into a drop pit.

• Solids settle, liquids drain away.

• The best part? The drop pit is skid steer bucket–sized! Just scoop out the solids and keep your drainage flowing

💨 These Blower Setups Are a DANDY Thing!

If you’ve ever tripped over a blower hose or worried about leaving your expensive blower on the ground, this setup is a game changer. The overhead bars keep your blowers up off the floor where they’re safe, and they’re mounted on a swivel system so you can move easily from one animal to the next without needing those extra-long hoses.

Another slick feature — you can hang a blower on every post in the barn thanks to the simple welded brackets. It’s quick, easy, and keeps your barn neat and functional.

Calf prospect checklist

We touched on some important things to look for when looking for this years prospect calf in one of our newsletters, included in this newsletter was a checklist to keep close to you when walking sale pens and pastures. We have shared it here for you to utilize, click the link below!

Calf Checklist

Jirl Buck

Mitch and I have been so fortunate to meet and work with incredible people through our shared love of cattle. Most recently, I had the amazing opportunity to spend a few months in the States working alongside two top-notch cattlemen, one of whom was Jirl Buck. Jirl is one of the most reputable breeders in the country, surrounded by some of the very best in the business. Being part of their sale and show prep was such a valuable learning experience. From the daily details of feeding and clipping, to setting up the show and sale barns, I got to see firsthand what it takes to run a successful operation. Their barns were so well thought out—everything from pens and gates that one person can manage, to sloped drainage that keeps things clean, to blower and fan hangers that swivel making everything easy. They even had a cooler for the show cattle (trust me, you need it down there—it gets HOT!). But beyond the logistics, what stuck with me most was how Jirl and his crew built success the right way—by staying customer service driven, always putting God first, and treating every animal and human along the way with kindness and respect.

I had the chance to sit down with Jirl and ask him a few questions about his program, his advice to young cattlemen, and where he sees the future of the industry heading. Here’s what he shared:

Q: What’s your biggest advice for someone starting out?
Jirl: Find good mentors—whether it’s working for them or just hanging out and helping. Those relationships are priceless.

Q: What traits do you consistently look for when selecting breeding stock?
Jirl: I look for cattle that are sound structured, easy fleshing, good uddered, and backed by strong maternal genetics. Of course, I also like the good-looking ones with some added power.

Q: How do EPDs fit into your program, and how has that changed over the years?
Jirl: EPDs are a valuable tool, but the cattle still have to work for our program. I use them more when selecting herd bulls than females.

Q: You’ve had some very successful sales. What’s the key to building a sale that people trust and want to come back to?
Jirl: Customer service has been the key to the long-term success of our program. Whether it’s helping an exhibitor at a show, assisting with breeding decisions, marketing, or herd health—we want our customers to benefit from our experience.

Q: What advice would you give to someone starting a purebred herd today?
Jirl: Work with breeders that are producing the kind of cattle you want to raise. Start with a good base cowherd—that’s the foundation. Even if you only tie to a couple of good operations, that consistency will carry you forward.

Q: If someone is on a limited budget, how should they prioritize their purchases?
Jirl: Study pedigrees and look for cattle that haven’t reached their full potential yet. In every sale, there are younger or greener cattle that will mature and become competitive with time.

Q: What’s the most important thing juniors should take away from showing cattle—besides winning?
Jirl: Showing cattle is one of the best experiences a junior can have. It teaches responsibility, work ethic, social skills, and how to be a good competitor—win or lose.

Q: How can young people get involved in the purebred business?
Jirl: Find a program with a good reputation that will stand behind their cattle and help you with your purchases. Their experience will be valuable from selection, to breeding, to marketing.

Q: What motivates you personally?
Jirl: I enjoy the challenge of producing the next great one and watching them grow and develop.

Q: Where do you see the cattle business heading in the future?
Jirl: The future looks very bright. The market always changes, but now is the time to make your cowherd as elite as possible. There will always be demand for quality.

Conversations like this remind me why I love sharing stories through Mapleview Livestock. There’s so much wisdom to learn from people like Jirl who have built their programs on integrity, consistency, and a true passion for cattle. For juniors and anyone starting out, it’s encouraging to know that success doesn’t come overnight—it’s built through mentorship, hard work, and always keeping people first. I’m grateful for the chance to learn from Jirl, and I hope his words inspire you to keep chasing your goals in and out of the show barn.

Don’t Forget to watch out for Buck Cattle Co's Fall sale the OCTOBER 12th!