Meet the Interns: Blakeley Hittson

Blakeley Hittson of Yreka, California, was selected as a media intern for the 2022 North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE). Currently, Hittson resides in Visalia, Ca, where she attends Fresno State University majoring in agricultural communication. As a media intern, Hittson will be on the green shavings helping  capture the excitement NAILE brings exhibitors. 

To Hittson, this internship was an opportunity to establish connections with others inside the agriculture industry while continuing to grow her portfolio. Hittson’s experience in agriculture and behind the camera made her a perfect candidate for this internship. 

“I was excited for the out of state opportunity and to travel to one of the most competitive livestock show,” said Hittson. 

While this is Hittson’s first time at NAILE, she is no stranger to the show ring and grew up showing beef, dairy and goats. Hittson grew up participating in her local 4-H and FFA programs andalso served as a Northern California State Beef Ambassador. 

Hittson first picked up a camera in high school and hasn’t put one down since then. Following high school, Hittson got the opportunity to move to Montana to help a professional livestock photographer and was able to learn how to picture livestock sales and shows.

“I have experience in the show industry photographing the West Coast National Swine Show, Big Fresno Fair and Tulare County Fair,” said Hittson. 

Currently Hittson manages her own photography business, which she recently started in 2020. Through her photography business, Hittson captures ring shots at various shows and helps market her clients’ animals from the beginning stages to the sale ring. In addition, she works at Showtimes Feed, where she helps manage their social media pages. 

Hittson’s favorite part of working in agricultural communications is building connections with those around her. She enjoys getting to work with people and truly working as a team to accomplish their goals. 

“The livestock industry is made of some of the best people and being able to work in it I have built lifelong relationships with the amazing and wonderful families. My favorite part of my job is helping those set goals for their families operation and contributing to their success with my marketing abilities,” said Hittson. 

One aspect of this internship t Hittson has enjoyed includes getting to manage different social media accounts. With such a large platform, Hittson has gained a better understanding of communicating with audiences from all perspectives: exhibitors, breeders, sponsors, and families. Hittson hopes to use this experience to better understand her future clients' reach.

After graduating in May 2023, Hittson plans to continue to expand her livestock photography business. She wants to grow her client base and help  market different livestock species. While continuing her photography, she plans to find a marketing or communications-based career within the agricultural industry.