For over ten years, photographer Mark Peters has immersed himself in the everyday lives of the cow residents of farmed animal sanctuaries. He earns their trust by walking respectfully alongside the herd, coming to know each animal personally. Peters’ ability to earn the trust of his portrait subjects has resulted in numerous cow licks, having his ear chewed on and getting chased (but never caught) by playful “puppy cows” on occasion. Peters lives in Maryland with his wife, Alisa, and the two little dogs who rule their home.
Peters is the author of Voices of the Herd: Portraits of Rescued Cows and Their Sanctuary Stories (Lantern Publishing & Media, October 2025), which reveals the emotional lives of rescued cows through fine art portraits and personal stories told by sanctuary staff.
By Mark Peters:
