Through My Lens: Organized Chaos

2 days ago
3 min read

I know you see the quiet photos.

The posed photo.

The dog looking at the camera.

The culled and edited photos.

Looks like I’m some kind of dog whisperer with a magic touch.

I know what you think. I have heard you.

Truth be told - it's chaos.

Three dogs at Back to School Pet Portraits by Sandra Ferguson Photography. Two handlers getting dogs in position, even if it means carrying her.

It’s loud.

Dogs barking.

Leashes tangling.

Volunteers moving in every direction.

People calling their dog’s name — over and over — trying to help.

Squeaky toys, noise makers, treats.

And I’m standing in the middle of it, looking for one split second for the dog to see ME.

Two dog handlers, the dog is paying attention and reacting to them.

Dog looking at pet parent instead of the camera

Rescue photo fundraiser events are fast. They have to be. We move dog to dog, family to family. There is no luxury of slow styling, posing or perfect conditions.

Well-meaning pet parents often call their dogs, wave, squeak, clap and suddenly the dog is looking everywhere except the lens. I understand pet parents, I am a pet parent myself. Its natural.

Being fast, in the moment, quick decisions - does not mean its unintentional.

Handlers have to trust me. When I say, “Step back,” its for a reason.

( I only get a few seconds)

When I ask you to step away from the backdrop, its for a reason.

(You cause dark shadows on it. Step to the side)

When I ask for quiet, it’s for a reason.

(The dog may be stressed)

Don't talk to the dog, don't give treats, don't adjust the dog, it's for a reason.

( They respond to YOU and not me)

When I reposition a leash or shift a body two inches, it’s deliberate.

(All about composition and editing)

I am the person seeing from the prespective of the camera.

It is not to be bossy or hard to work with. Through my lens, if a handler or pet parent steps away quickly and I get the dogs attention quickly... we got the shot. But if a handler is close, dogs react to the person holding the leash. That person has already talked to them and petted them. Then we go in circles.

I’m not chasing side view photo. I’m watching for connection through my lens. I want the dog to look into my camera. For atleast one shot. I want personality. I want soulful eyes.

Even in the chaos, I’m reading body language.

Watching ears.

Watching tension in the mouth.

Adjusting for light.

Clearing distractions in my frame.

There’s no time to be wasted. In these moment and quick sessions, every second counts.

These events are fundraisers for rescue. I volunteer my services. Not just the hours on-site, but the days afterward. Culling. Editing. Refining. Delivering images families are proud to purchase, knowing we did all this for animal rescue.

Organized chaos demands teamwork. Clarity. Big hearts. Experience under pressure. I step into it willingly because serving rescue means using my skills wherever it’s needed.