Photography of cats, dogs, and other animals for posting on PetFinder
Creation of one- to three-minute videos of adoptable dogs for PetFinder
Samples of my shelter pet videography may be found at this 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.
Showing the animal interacting with a human can make it look more approachable.
Sometimes a fill flash can help get the right exposure on a dark subject in a dark corner.
Shots from below or on the level of the animal seem intimate and personal.
Off-center, spontaneous portraits can help show off a subject’s unique personality.
An intimate portrait invites the viewer to bond with the subject.
Animals don’t have to be looking at the camera to look like they love people.
The animal’s expression should say, “You! I’ve been waiting all my life for you.”
A shy subject may come out of his or her shell when the handler gets down on the ground and just loves on them.
Squeaky toys are all well and good, but sometimes the camera shutter is enough to produce a cocked-head “Huh?” pose.
Lighting isn’t always great in a retail store, but expressions and posing can make up for it.
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 cage placed next to a window gives great lighting for portraits.
It’s nice not to see the cage bars, but sometimes they just don’t matter.
Animals with large black and white areas are easier to photograph in natural lighting.
All species can benefit from good photography!
Getting a black dog out into the light and onto a leash can make all the difference in its appearance in a photo.
An “off the wall” portrait shows more of the animal’s character.
A formal portrait background makes the subject “pop”, especially if it’s in complimentary colors.
A good photographer should be ready to catch — and share — spontaneous moments of fun.
Social interactions and props give some character to a subject.
Good photography can help find any species a home!
It’s good to photograph dogs outdoors if possible.
A cage next to a window admits wonderful natural light, and an unconventional cage color adds interest.
Even if nothing else is in focus, the eyes can carry the whole shot.
Sometimes the animal knows better than you do what pose is best.
A shallow depth of field can eliminate less-than-optimal backgrounds.
The insides of some cages make great “plain backgrounds” to show off a subject.
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.
Even the tiniest critters sometimes need homes, and can benefit from a good portrait.
More of the subject’s personality comes out when they aren’t staring right at the camera.
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.
Natural lighting is wonderful! Backlighting makes any subject gorgeous.
It’s possible to get a great portrait even in a small, blank space.
Paris Animal Welfare Society, Paris, Kentucky 40361
