Makeover Photography for Animal Shelters
More Animal Shelters Are Promoting Adoptions with Creative Photography
The large black dog was cowering behind the cage door. This is how we usually see the photos of the shelter dog. Lately this image has been changing. There is a movement to make photographing shelter dogs more like glamour shots. The adoption rate has been greatly affected by the quality of the photos at some shelters.
Humane Society of New York
Fashion photographer Richard Phibbs has teamed up with the Humane society of New York to help change the plight of shelter animals there. His photos seem to catch the animals personalities and show them in a different light, literally. Most of the photos I saw were with the animal against a white backdrop. Most had a scarf, necklace, or bow tie to add some color. He has gone so far as to compile the photos into a book, "Chasing Beauty". He is donating part of the proceeds to the Humane Society.
Shelter Dogs
"Shelter Dogs" compiled by Traer Scott is another book done in up close, black and white photographs. A photographer based in Rhode Island that is raising awareness of the many animals that are abandoned each year. She took beautiful, endearing photos of homeless dogs where she was a volunteer. She is also donating part of the proceeds to the ASPCA. Her photos are some of my favorites. The dogs are not dressed up, but face to face, heartfelt portraits.
Tips for Better Photos of Shelter Animals
Photographing the animal at the own height is always a good practice. Most photos are taken from a standing position. Crouch down, get on their eye level, this will make for a better quality photo.
Don't take the photo through cage bars, if at all possible. Taking the photo with another person does help to convey how large the animal is. Having a person hug the animal or help you to get a playful look out of them is worth the additional effort.
Give the animal a toy. Put a ball in their mouth! Tie a bandana on their neck! Help convey the thought that there are many years of life left in this dog to share with you.
Help save a shelter animal, volunteer!
Published by Tracy Vanderford
Tracy supports things green, animals, and the environment. She spends her days in the operating room and her spare time traveling the world. Tracy hopes to help the world become a better place, one article... View profile
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9 Comments
Post a CommentWhat a great idea.
very good, thanks!
What a wonderful topic idea, and how wonderful learning that this type of photography has had a positive affect on shelter adoptions! I never even knew this was happening. It's much like how we used to see photo after photo of starving or deformed children who needed sponsors, until it seems we must have gotten jaded or even disgusted by them. In many ways it's sad that the signs of torment and suffering are having a negative affect on us, but if it takes glamor shots to get our attention back to the need out there, kudos to whoever discovered what works. We've adopted all our cats from shelters throughout the years, and have gotten so much deep joy, love and companionship in return. Super job, Tracy!
Excellent writing - thanks very much:)
Nice.
Nice.
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Nice!
Very cool!