For this edition of Blog the Change, I decided to write about a subject that’s near and dear to my heart – shelter pet photography. I’ve written about this subject often over the past few months, but I feel like it’s a message that just can’t be shared enough. Better photos help shelter pets find homes… period.
Today, I want to tell you about a nonprofit called Second Chance Photos. This great organization aims to help shelter pets through photography by encouraging people to donate their time to take personalized photos of animals in need of a forever home. The founder, professional photographer Seth Casteel, does more than just encourage – he even teaches workshops to help aspiring shelter pet photographers get started. I attended one, and it was great!
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| Shameless plug – adopt Ernie! |
The right photo really can make a difference – check out some of these before and after photos and see for yourself.
Do you have a camera and love to take photos of your own pet? Turn that hobby into a volunteer opportunity! I contacted several local shelters, and ended up going to take photos for one of them in the fall. (Don’t be discouraged if it takes a little while to get your foot in the door or find a shelter who is interested in your services – I’m heading back to the shelter soon for general volunteer training, and hope to take more photos for them soon.)
I’ve rounded up some info to help you get started. Check out the links below:
- The Second Chance Photos website, which includes tips for getting started and a wealth of other information.
- A list of upcoming Second Chance Photos workshops – maybe there’s one in your area! (If you’re wondering what it’s like to attend a workshop and interested in some tips, you can read my recap here.)
- Even if there’s not a workshop near you, don’t worry! Here’s a PDF full of tips from Second Chance Photos to get you started. It covers everything from approaching shelters to taking photos and beyond.
- For more info, you can keep up with Second Chance Photos on Facebook and Twitter.
- Here are some more inspiring photos – don’t you just want to adopt them all?
- I recently interviewed Seth Casteel of Second Chance Photos – to learn how he got started and pick up a few tips, click here (Part I) and here (Part II).
Have you ever taken photos for a shelter before? Are you considering giving it a try? Go for it – you’ll be glad you did!
I encourage you to visit the other great blogs participating in this event today- so many fantastic causes being highlighted. Check out the list after the jump!
Great post AJ. I could not agree with you more. Good pictures really do make the difference. It was because of your first post on Second Chance that I offered to take some for my rescue. I can't wait to get started!
Thanks for sharing this really cool organization with the rest of the Be The Change for Animals community!
Mel
BtC4animals.com
No Dog About It Blog
P.S. Thanks for the George points! 🙂
P.S.
What an awesome blog post! And an awesome idea. Thanks for sharing!
~Maggie
Most people don't realize the importance of shelter pets' photos – and so many shelters don't either. Thanks to Seth (I've met him, he is unbelievably awesome!)that perception may be changing. And all for the better for these animals, no question about it. Kudos to you for volunteering your photography skills! I'm sure there will be many lucky animals ultimately grateful to you.
The rescue I volunteer with is so lucky to have an amazing amazing pro-photographer who comes once a month to take pictures. These rescue dogs really shine in her shots and it makes all the difference. After your last post, I sent a note to our local SPCA who has really crappy photos on their Petfinder page, offering to come out and take some nicer replacement shots. We'll see what happens – they already have a HUGE volunteer force, but it seems like this particular need may be over looked.
Great post – I've just recently started taking photos for the shelter dogs. They sometimes post them on petfinder or their facebook page. It really does help promote the individual dogs and their personalities!
It is a great cause, I have signed up with Our Companions but haven't heard from them yet.
I think I mentioned before Delilah's picture was awful. Thankfully the rescue group was the one who recommended her. 🙂
So cool that you'll be taking photos for your rescue! 🙂
Thanks! 🙂
Thanks, Kim. Seth really is great!
How great that your rescue has a pro stopping by! I hope the SPCA takes you up on your offer. 🙂
That's great, Jen! 🙂
Hope they get back to you soon!
I'm glad that the rescue recommended Delilah to you, photo notwithstanding. 🙂
What a great post! It's such a terrific idea for a cause!
That is so true. Photos are so very important when trying to find homes for the shelter dogs and cats. I know when I am trying to get some attention for a cat that needs adoption, I look for cute pictures. Fantastic post. Take care.
I am so proud of you for donating your time and mad skills to helping animals. It's easy to think about doing it but it takes work to actually follow through. This is no small gift you have given to the pets in your community. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi! Pixel's mom, Jenny, here. This is one of my favorite posts for the January Blog the Change day we had yesterday! I have been a photographer for close to 20 years now and I have never even thought of this amazing idea!
I have done so much freelance work, and of course Pixel & our other pets have never escaped my lens, but this is a new idea. I love capturing their personality, smiles, and the sparkle in their eyes. Thank you so much for an inspiring idea to help in yet another way!! I looked at your other posts on this too. I hope we can stay in contact. (sorry for the long comment…Pixel's usually keeps her comments a touch shorter, haha! )
Jenny
Great post! I also am a big believer in having great adoption photos. Sadly, I am no photographer, and I am too far away to be involved in these workshops (or so I assume – going to check out the website now ;)). BUT I will advocate this cause, and I'm even thinking about setting up a volunteer photographer directory in my state with people willing to help take lovely photos of animals in search of a new home. This means that shelters and rescue groups could search for these photographers and have them help out with photos as required.
Hi Y'all,
Don't think you can remind humans to offer such a simple service to their local shelters.
Y'all come back now,
Hawk aka BrownDog
Thank you! 🙂
Thanks! 🙂
Aw, thank you! I need to do it more often, but I'm still experiencing that "getting my foot in the door" challenge myself. I have a feeling it will come in time.
Thank you so much! Sounds like you were made for a project like this one. 🙂 I'd definitely love to stay in touch and share tips!
Setting up a volunteer photographer directory is a fantastic idea! It would be so great to help make those connections.
A-W-E-S-O-M-E!! Yes, we've seen at the shelter where Mommy volunteers how effective good photos can be. And videos too! Once we began to do this, the average stay time in our shelter for kitties dropped from 26.5 days to 7.6 – amazing isn't it?
We are so glad you chose this topic to blog about!!
What a great post for Blog the Change and what a wonderful thing you are doing!
Such little things can make such a big difference. Excellent focus for Blog the Change! (Sorry, you're not the only one allowed to make bad jokes.)
Thanks for discussing this, AJ. Just about everybody has a digital camera these days, making it such a simple act to carry out. The little bit of time invested to take the best possible photo of shelter pets doesn't end there, either. The added benefit of helping an animal give good face and sell themselves is the same benefit you can apply to taking better shots of family and friends. Save a life and better your skills. I'd say that's a pretty terrific time investment.
Thanks for Blogging the Change!
Kim C.
BTC4animals.com
Thisonewildlife.com
So true AJ – those photos really do make a difference in whether people will consider adopting an animal. I've seen so many before and after photos of shelter animals (typical mug shot vs. a photo showing a calm, relaxed, friendly animal)and the difference is just amazing. And it's something both amateur and professional photographers can do to help animal shelters and rescue groups.
I love the way you've approached this subject in so many ways over the past couple of months. It's very effective to keep the issue in people's minds. It might be a good idea to approach the same issue during all the BTC4A posts this year. Maybe you could highlight some shelters that have improved their photography recently.
What a great blog the change post. I definitely agree that the photo makes a difference – I found our dog Meadow online, and from the moment we saw her we just "knew" she was meant to be ours. I hope your post encourages those that are talented with the camera to go out and volunteer their skills to help homeless pets.
Such a great idea, thank you for getting it out there!!
Thanks Hawk!
Wow – that's a great stat! 🙂
Thanks Jen!
LOL… wordplay!
That's a great way to look at it – two benefits for the price of one! 🙂
So true – you don't need to be a pro to help out this way. 🙂
Thank you, Pamela. That's a great idea! I'll have to ponder other ways to address this issue or what else I can do to encourage people to volunteer their time this way.
I hope so too! 🙂
Thanks!
Great idea. That Seth-guy has a good thing goin'. Is he as handsome and charming as he looks? Orrr…is that just a really good photo?!! :oD
Hehe… he's not tough on the eyes!
I agree completely with you. Photos can make all the difference when people are looking at shelters and rescue groups. Love that you included some resources for everyone!
http://skwestdesigns.blogspot.com/
All the animals I have had in my life, has inspired me that when I go to college I am going to help cute very sick animals around the world and then find them better safer homes.