Project Overview

A photographic storytelling project created as a double credit university major work, using photography as a medium to document the life of a working truffle dog on an Australian truffle farm. The project culminated in a printed photo book following Redground Truffle Farm’s lead truffle dog, Sarge, offering insight into an often undocumented side of Australian truffle farming.

Ideation

Research explored visual storytelling techniques, documentary photography and the Australian truffle industry. Initial planning included mind mapping, shot lists and camera testing to determine the most effective way to capture both the working and personal sides of Sarge’s life.

Concept Development

Two full days of photography were conducted at the farm, documenting Sarge’s role in locating truffles, his interactions with handlers and the surrounding farm environment. Image selection, editing styles, book structure, typography and sequencing were refined through experimentation, peer feedback and multiple design iterations to create a cohesive narrative.

Execution

The final outcome was a professionally designed hardcopy photo book combining documentary, portrait and landscape photography. The publication followed Sarge’s journey from working truffle dog to family companion, while also showcasing the unique environment of Australian truffle farming and the products created from harvested truffles. The project aimed to tell a rarely documented story through a visually engaging and authentic narrative. Created using Adobe Lightroom and Adobe InDesign.