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