Photographer/Animal Handler: Paris Animal Welfare Society

Paris Animal Welfare Society, Paris, Kentucky 40361

July 2012 — October 2013

Photographer/Videographer

Photography of cats, dogs, and other animals for posting on PetFinder
Creation of one- to three-minute videos of adoptable dogs for PetFinder

More of my shelter pet photography can be found at Shelter Shutterbug.

Video samples are available at Shutterbug’s YouTube channel.

Animal Handler

Transportation of cats and dogs between vet and shelter
Feeding animals
Cleaning cages and runs
Minor medical care

I take studio portrait photography and have done “on site” photography (pet photos with Santa) as well.

: Animals don’t have to be looking at the camera to look like they love people.

: Taking photos from above the subject can make them look short…or it can produce eye-catching, amusingly distorted portraits with lots of character. Use the effect sparingly.

: It’s possible to get a great portrait even in a small, blank space.

: Sometimes the animal knows better than you do what pose is best.

: Off-center, spontaneous portraits can help show off a subject’s unique personality.

: A cage placed next to a window gives great lighting for portraits.

: Even the tiniest critters sometimes need homes, and can benefit from a good portrait.

: An intimate portrait invites the viewer to bond with the subject.

: Sometimes a fill flash can help get the right exposure on a dark subject in a dark corner.

: A cage next to a window admits wonderful natural light, and an unconventional cage color adds interest.

: The animal’s expression should say, “You! I’ve been waiting all my life for you.”

: Even if nothing else is in focus, the eyes can carry the whole shot.

: Good photography can help find any species a home!

: A formal portrait background makes the subject “pop”, especially if it’s in complimentary colors.

: It’s good to photograph dogs outdoors if possible.

: It’s nice not to see the cage bars, but sometimes they just don’t matter.

: All species can benefit from good photography!

: Natural lighting is wonderful! Backlighting makes any subject gorgeous.

: A shallow depth of field can eliminate less-than-optimal backgrounds.

: Showing the animal interacting with a human can make it look more approachable.

: Getting a black dog out into the light and onto a leash can make all the difference in its appearance in a photo.

: A good photographer should be ready to catch — and share — spontaneous moments of fun.

: The insides of some cages make great “plain backgrounds” to show off a subject.

: The bars of the cage can be used to enhance a picture as well as detract. They gave this cat some artful blur effects, and added color to the picture.

: A shy subject may come out of his or her shell when the handler gets down on the ground and just loves on them.

: Shots from below or on the level of the animal seem intimate and personal.

: An “off the wall” portrait shows more of the animal’s character.

: A good expression, shallow depth of field, and a photo taken at the subject’s eye level can make up for a less-than-optimal background.

: Lighting isn’t always great in a retail store, but expressions and posing can make up for it.

: More of the subject’s personality comes out when they aren’t staring right at the camera.

: Social interactions and props give some character to a subject.

: Squeaky toys are all well and good, but sometimes the camera shutter is enough to produce a cocked-head “Huh?” pose.

: Animals with large black and white areas are easier to photograph in natural lighting.