Winter Cattle Tagging at Provence Stockyard

A sweeping beam of artificial light cuts through the deep winter night, illuminating a metal drawer unit mounted on a wooden post. Dust motes swirl visibly within the cone of illumination, highlighting the humid air that hangs heavy after recent rain. The steel surface of the drawer reflects the harsh white light, against the dark, damp earth of the loading ramp. A weathered hand reaches into the open compartment, fingers brushing against rows of plastic ear tags in red and blue. Behind the subject, the stone arches of a Provencal stockyard fade into the shadow, their rough texture softened by the moisture in the air. The beam ends abruptly, leaving the rest of the scene in absolute darkness, while one drop of water slides down the side of the metal drawer to join the puddle below.