Use Photographic Skills to Help Animals

Kind volunteers at animal shelters often take terrible photos! So if you are a talented photographer, show shelter animals in their true light, with happy faces and natural backgrounds, this helps to up adoption rates. Find out more at Hearts Speak (see examples of before/after images at Bored Panda).

Never disturb wild creatures (nor use flash photography). Stay well away and use a zoom lens. If the creature is looking at you, you’re too close. Keep pets away from toxic plants, even though flowers may look nice. Many dogs have guardian behaviours or allergies, so avoid using treats or dressing up pets. 

Sophie Gamand has good tips (that’s one of her subjects above!) She is very experienced and says that dogs in cages, may go a bit nuts when brought out to play and have their photos taken, so be aware of this.

One portrait Sophie took of a blind senior dog who kept facing the wrong way, went viral after she just went with it as a comedy statement. Of course the lucky pooch found her forever home!

Mutley’s Snaps also has good tips for other pet photographers (his work is beyond amazing!) He uses his skills to take photos of local mutts, to produce a calendar that raises funds for an animal shelter.