Helping Rescue Dogs Find Homes

 When I think back on my photography journey, I never thought photographing dogs would be where I would end up. In high school and college I worked for a marketing company that produced direct mail editorial magazine for prom dress stores. Every summer was spent traveling the US selecting gowns with designers to fill their Spring lines while also selecting a few to photograph in an editorial spread. Months of planning and test shooting went into preparing for a weeklong photoshoot for a 116 page magazine. While I wasn’t yet a photographer, I had the chance to work closely with the photographer through out the planning process and on site. I learned from lighting experts, changed lenses, memorized camera settings and learned about creating a visual image to market.

In 2008 I began fostering rescue Boston Terriers. We had adopted a deaf Boston Terrier name Bocephus and been introduced to the huge number of great dogs looking for homes. By this time, I’d been working with the marketing magazine for nearly 8 years, and I started thinking, how can I get people to see these dogs. Of course, making a teenage girl want to be the model in the magazine and wear that dress is a little different than getting someone to see that cute dog in the photograph and want them on their couch, but there was something that they shared, a great photograph. 

Photographing my own foster dogs led to so much experience working with dogs and really learning how to get great expression, eye contact, and connection through a photograph. I learned to show a dog’s soul and personality through an image. From there, I started photographing other foster family’s foster dogs. Then I spent two years working as the Office & Intake Manager for the local Humane Society which meant hundreds of dogs & cats each year of all breeds and backgrounds that needed a great adopt me photo done in 5 minutes or less as they came in from animal control. Talk about learning under pressure! But the lesson of a photograph making all the difference stayed true.    

Partnering With Rescue Groups

 

Just recently I was able to create a small studio space to photograph dogs which not only allows me to offer clients unique images regardless of the weather, but also allows me to bring in several rescue dogs from different organizations. I called Pound Puppies ‘N Kittens and asked if they’d like to bring in five dogs that have been waiting patiently on a home to have a studio session to update their adopt me photos. 

 

I am so glad they came with Cricket, Pinky, Alice, Sadie, & Cinnamon! 

 

 

 

Giving Back

Giving back has always been a huge part of my life, from photographing foster dogs to founding a dog rescue, and now in using my business to continue to give back.

Throughout the month of October, I am committed to donating $100 to a local animal rescue for every session booked.

Ready to Book Your Pet's Session?

Let me design a custom photo shoot just for you. I’ll capture your pet and create beautiful art work for you to have for years to come.