Last month, I read a post on Jezebel entitled “Pet Photographer Says Better Photos Save Shelter Dogs’ Lives.” Not long after that, I read another article on FIDO Friendly on the same topic. Through the FIDO Friendly article, I learned about Second Chance Photos, a non-profit that encourages people to donate their time to take personalized photos of animals in need of a forever home.
I was intrigued – the idea makes perfect sense. The cuter that furry face looks in the photo on the rescue group or shelter website, the more likely someone looking for a pet is going to fall in love. Not convinced? Check out some of these before and after photos.
As someone who’s obsessed with her camera, I couldn’t think of a better way to volunteer! Inspired by Second Chance Photos, I contacted some local rescue groups to see if they could use my services. One group, Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA), took me up on the offer. FOHA is a non-profit, no-kill shelter that operates in the DC/Northern Virginia area. (Remember Dozer? He’s a FOHA alumnus.) According to its website, FOHA typically houses more than 100 dogs and 30 cats on site (as well as more in foster homes). As you can imagine, that’s a lot of animals that need photos for the website!
This weekend, I visited FOHA to take photos of some of their adoptable pets. I’m so glad I did. A friend came along to handle the dogs while I took photos – we spent the afternoon playing with dogs and (fingers crossed) helping them find homes. It was rewarding and fun – I hope they’ll be willing to have me back.
Want to see some of the photos? Allow me to introduce you to my new friends…
If the slideshow didn’t work for you, check out the set on Flickr. For more information on these pups, visit Friends of Homeless Animals.
Interested in learning more about volunteering as a shelter pet photographer? Second Chance Photos has some great tips on how to get started, as well as tips regarding equipment, how to conduct the photo shoot, and editing.
You don’t have to be a pro – it just takes a little bit of homework and a lot of practice. It’s nice to think that all of my time playing pupperazzi has a practical application.
Have you ever taken photos for a rescue group, or are you considering doing so?
Thank you so much for posting about it. Ive actually thought about doing this but im worried that my skills arent good enough. I really wonder if this is what I could do to help the homeless pets.
You did a fantastic job! What a great way to help out!
I'm a little obsessed with camera too:)
Wow, that's awesome. Great job and such a worthy cause too.
What a wonderful cause!! It seems like such an obvious idea, but I never would have thought of volunteers being able to do something like this. Love your photos, thanks for sharing about this great program!
Super duper idea. I'm sure that this will be helpful!
Great way to help a great cause!
I'm no photographer but I think your photos are just awesome. Good job. I am sure the rescue organization really appreciates the gift of your time. Good for you, and the dogs!
Great photos. You did a wonderful job. If/when they end up on the website for FOHA, could you post a link?
I, unfortunately, am a terrible photographer. If I took pictures for the local shelter, the dogs would never find homes. I can even make Honey look homely. Or at least very, very blurry.
this is really such a great idea. i was just contemplating a new way to get involved at the shelter we got desmond from, because our current volunteering situation isn't working out. i'll have to propose this.
Wonderful! Great photos and nice job getting involved.
I've been taking photos for my rescue groups and recently started talking to a local shelter about taking pictures for them.
I'm sure to refer back to the Second Chance Photos website now that I know of it. Thanks!
I read those article, too. I started talking to people about it, especially my photog friends. I hope more people will volunteer their time in this way. Really excited to have read this and foudn Second Chance Photos as well! I'm actually looking to expand my photography hobby, upgrade cameras, and this is one of the things I plan to do with the skills I develop. Kudos!
Terrific photos! Mom's thinking that it might be a good idea to see if our local shelter could use a volunteer to take pictures!
Hi Y'all,
What a difference a picture can make when someone has good camera skills and takes their time with the dogs.
BrownDog's Human
Hound Girl – You should give it a shot! I think it would be a great idea. 🙂
Julie – I know! I wouldn't have really thought of it on my own.
Pamela – I definitely will. (And I happen to think you have some great Honey photos!)
Lauren – You should definitely give it a try! It takes some time to get a good photo, and I think it's good to have someone focused on that.
Leslie – That's fantastic!
Erin – Awesome!
Prudence – She should definitely check it out. 🙂
BrownDog's Human – I took over 180 photos so I'd have plenty to choose from!
Wow!
First of all, great photos! You've got a good eye, and do a great job of capturing some personality in each dog.
Second, you – and the other articles – are so right. Picture quality can make a huge difference for adoptable pets. And with so many online rescue sources like Pet Finder, they become so much more important.
Great job! I am saving up for a camera upgrade myself, and once/if I get there (and then figure out to properly use the darn thing), I'd like to offer similar services myself. I know there is at least one local professional photographer that does the same, and I think it's a great – and directly impactful – way to help out.
Our adoption group lives about two hours' drive from us, but I do love photographing Greyhounds. It's not something I'd really thought about, but I can see where it would be a huge help to groups to have someone willing to do it!
I think you did an AWESOME job!! You took some really great photos of such cute doggies! I hope they all get homes soon! 🙂
Mommy has been to that website before, and has even talked to my human sister, Taylor about volunteering some time at one of the local shelters… it's a really wonderful thing to do!
Woofs & hugs, <3
~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)
Boo flash! My iPad hates you Adobe ;0) I bet the pictures look great though! Good for you!
I read about this too! Love your photos. The slideshow worked great too!
Diane and Cosmo
What a wonderful way to help those who need it the most!
backalleysoapbox – Thanks! It was really fun working with each dog. 🙂
houndstooth – Too bad they are so far. The photos on your blog are amazing!
Bailey – That's a great idea! Your human sister would enjoy it. 🙂
Koly – I sent you the link to the Flickr set on Twitter and added it to the post in case anyone else has problems too. 🙂
Diane & Cosmo – Thanks! 🙂
Brian – Fun and a way to help… a good combo!
Awesome post. I do this at our shelter quite a bit, but moreso, I think the photos I take of our fosters on our blog are the #1 thing leading htem home. People see the photos and fall in love, just as you suggest. Good photos are very powerful. Thanks for volunteering!!
Aleksandra, Sir Chick, & foster darling Curious Georgia
What great pictures! And what a great idea! I'm so happy to hear of your afternoon with the pups taking pictures. I can't think of a better way to help.
Very important post. Thanks for sharing with us.
Have a nice day.
Woof, woof,
Chicco
Bless you for doing this. 🙂 I saw so many unflattering photos of the less-adoptable black shelter pets (especially the cats) that I blogged about a while back, that I felt like I needed to call the foster parents and offer to help them (even though I'm not a photographer). I've still got it on my radar. Thanks for the extra inspiration.
This is a great post & a great idea. My mom person wishes that she had better photo skills.
Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar
Those are some adorable pups and your photos are amazing! Made Mom want to adopt them all! Can you keep us posted when they find their forever homes? That little white Chi with the icy blue eyes is incredibly unusual! They are all just beautiful. Love that you were able to capture some of them being playful 🙂
The Road Dogs
Wonderful and creative idea. I can't imagine a rescue group turning down the chance to help their critters find homes!
Pat
http://www.critteralley.blogspot.com
What a great way to volunteer your time! That is sooo awesome! Hopefully that helps sell the pets and get them into good homes 🙂
I read those articles too, and agree it's brilliant. Good for you for volunteering! Love the pictures, I esp. like the little black lab pup with his tongue sticking out.
That is such a good idea. I know myself, when I look at the different shelters to post about a cat or dog that needs a home, I am drawn towards the shelters that have good pictures. Other wise no one is going to take a look and that is so important. Those are terrific pictures in that they show the dog's great personality. I really like this post.
What a great idea for a way to help out rescue centres!! Brilliant. Hope it works.
Love and licks, Winnie
Aleksandra – The photos on your blog of your fosters are definitely amazing! I don't know how anyone could resist after seeing those.
Elizabeth – That's awesome. Black dogs and cats are definitely harder to photograph, and getting a good one can really make a difference.
Road Dogs – Definitely! I'll keep you posted. 🙂 The little white Chi is named Mozart. He's actually deaf, but he was so observant and awesome!
Peggy – I loved that cute little tongue! It's those impromptu moments that I really love because they show playfulness and personality.
Marg – I so agree. Thanks. 🙂
Kirsten, Chicco, Oskar, K9 Friend, Stacy & Winnie – Thanks!
You are a hero. A picture's worth 1,000 words, right?
Every time I try to snap dog pic, the beast yawns, blinks, or turns his head. Makes me nutz.
Aw, thanks Life Student! 🙂
If it makes you feel better, Bella does that to me too.
Just an FYI – Dimples, Mozart & Macey found forever homes! 🙂
Awesome!!! They are adorable…
Dimples, Mozart & Macey, you lucky doggers!!!
I agree, Steve – so happy for them!