WELCOME MESSAGE

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Thank you for wanting to help. Photographing animals is meaningful, fast paced, demanding, sometimes hilarious, and always rewarding. I cannot do this alone at shelters or events, and your help truly makes a difference for the dogs we serve.

 

I focus on volunteering with rescues & shelters, because it is where we have needed the most help. They never have enough volunteers. Everything basically applies the same, but you don't always handle client pets. You are mainly there for me or help with multiple dogs.

 

This work, whether volunteering or private sessions, is my passion. I have been doing this for more than twenty years, and every image I create carries a piece of my heart. Even though I volunteer my services, it is still my photography work. When someone says “well, that will have to do,” it does not sit right with me, because this work is more than a task. It is my life’s work, shared with people all over the United States. I care deeply about what I create, and I ask that you hold that with me as we work together.

 

Our shared goal is simple. Give each dog their moment in front of the camera, so they can be noticed and adopted through powerful photographs.

 

We are working with animals. We cannot force them to do anything. I wish I could say it was easy and they posed. But often, this is not the case. Every animal is different, every animal has a past, every animal has a story. If we let them, they will tell their story through photographs.

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This really is fun, but you will be tired.  That is why I desperately want a group of people that I can ask to help & assist.  Nancy regularly assists me, but she has a life too.  How dare her!  :-)   She is not always available to help and there are times she could use some help with these strong energetic dogs.  It helps having more than one person. 

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I may only need help once or twice a year, or I may ask for help every month.  

 

Your calm energy, your patience, and our teamwork matter more than anything else.

 

 

 

TOP 10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE ASSISTING

 

1. Follow my lead.  Timing matters.  When I give direction, respond quickly.

2. Keep hands out of the frame.   Do not reach for the dog unless I ask.

3. Give the dog space.   No hovering, baby talk, or hugging.  Confidence photographs beautifully.

4. Hold the leash correctly.   Straight up, taut, no dangling, do not let it skim the body (Sandra gets mad!)

5. Stay calm.   Dogs feel your energy through the leash.  Stay positive.

6. Let me talk to the dog.   I will make noises, give treats, and get their attention.

7. Wear neutral colors.   No bright or neon clothing. It will cast color onto fur.

8. Never stand back against the backdrop.   (Sandra gets mad!)   Your body causes deep black shadows and will ruin photos.   Stay approximately 3 ft away from the backdrop, you face the dog, step back as far as possible.

9. Be flexible.   Shelter dogs are excited, wiggly, strong, and unpredictable.  We need to rotate handlers, take breaks, take all the time we need and laugh through the chaos.

10. Remember the mission.  This is not about feeling sorry for a homeless dog.  This is about action.  In this dogs rescue story, our small part  is to create powerful images that allow each dog to be seen, to stand out, and to rise above the thousands of homeless dogs listed online.  These photographs are not just images.  They are opportunities for a future and a forever home.

 

Here is a number eleven to add to that top ten list. Do not give up on a hard dog. For some dogs, this may be their only moment in front of the camera to be seen. There is no guarantee they will be chosen, and we all know the reality of our local shelters. Every extra minute, every reset, and every deep breath we take, gives that dog a better chance.

 

 

EVENT VOLUNTEERS (Shelters, Retail Stores, Rescue)

I am cutting back on fundraising events this year. However there are a couple in the works.

 

• Help manage lines or crowds.

• Keep dogs spaced apart.

• Assist with props, treats, or positioning.

• Same leash and body‑language rules apply.

• Events need to move fast.  Please get them in position quickly.

• The less you interact with the dog, gives me a greater chance for them to look at my camera.

• Stay upbeat and patient.

 

 

PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT - Client paid private sessions

98% of client sessions, I do alone.  There are times that I may need an assistant, in studio or on location.

 

Your role:

• Move lights.

• Straighten backdrops.

• Remove pet hair.

• Grab treats or props.

• Assist with equipment.

• Sometimes - I need a person with me, because I am meeting strangers or inviting strangers to my home. (My husband is here when not on business trips.)

 

Professional expectations:

• No cell phones.

• No rushing.

• Sessions may take one to two hours.

• Remain professional but have fun.

• Follow directions.

 

Pay:

• Forty to fifty dollars per session.

• Paid in cash.