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…
Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer
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?
