For more than ten years, Mark Peters has shown up at farmed animal sanctuaries, often before the roosters crow, to immerse himself in the everyday lives of the cow residents. He has earned the trust of individuals by walking respectfully alongside the herd as they stroll and forage, coming to know each animal personally.

In addition to the photographs, Mark’s ability to earn the trust of his portrait subjects has resulted in numerous cows licking his chest or face (which he accepts with glee as a rite of passage into the herd), having his ear chewed on and getting chased (but thankfully never caught) by particularly playful “puppy cows” on occasion.

Mark lives in Maryland with his wife Alisa and the two little dogs who rule their home.