One of our models from the May DOG SHOTS Workshop

Our DOG SHOTS workshop on June 22nd is filling up fast! As of right now, we have 8 seats left. If you’d like more information (or a link to pay online) just go here: http://teresaberg.com/blog/?page/116524/dog-shots

Over 50% of the people who attended our last workshop were involved in animal rescue, so we had lots of great conversations about managing the pets, body language and tips about how to set up (and where!) for the best results.

Hope you can join us!

The author’s dog – Flash. Rescued in 2006

We all get caught in situations where we want to photograph a pet (either ours or a foster dog) on-the-fly. I recently did this portrait in my living room with only the dog, a window, a chair, a reflector and my camera. It struck me that this simple technique for a portrait might be just the ticket for a quick photo for an online adoption listing. The pullback showing the lighting set up is above, the finished dog portrait just below it. This was shot with a 135mm lens at f2.8, iso 400.

I hope this gives you some ideas for the next time you’re photographing a dog for his online adoption listing or for an animal shelter or animal rescue group’s website. We’ve just opened registration for a DOG SHOTS Class for June 22nd. The May class filled up so fast we are trying to get one more on the calendar before it gets too hot to shoot outdoors. If you’re interested in attending, call the studio (972-250-2415) to reserve your spot? The all day class (including lunch) with live dog models is $295. It’s held in Teresa’s studio and the nearby park. Hope you can join us!

This workshop is for people with DSLRs — so no point & shoot cameras this time.  We’ll talk about lenses, creating some special effects, getting the dog’s attention and keeping him in one spot, exposure, metering, what equipment to use, etc.  But it’s all shooting, no business, marketing and very little talk about working with animal rescue. Just learning to use your camera.  One day only, shooting with Teresa in a small group setting. The fee is $295 which includes a catered lunch.  I have been getting tons of requests for a workshop like this, so now’s your chance. Come shoot with me! If you want more details, check out my other blog:  www.teresaberg.com/blog.

You can read more about it here  Come join us!

I know — you’re saving dogs– not working on an English degree, but you must communicate clearly and effectively with the world around you if you want donations, helpers, and credibility. Rescue groups are constantly interacting with city government, animal rights organizations, and community business leaders in order to save dogs. If you’re asking for donations for an event, or money to buy dog food, you need to make a good impression.

Many people don’t know how many shelters have a constant supply of puppies. Don’t shop, adopt!

So if you’re not comfortable speaking to strangers, making eye contact and writing an informative email message, find someone who is and designate them an ambassador for your group.

Your group’s website needs to be up-to-date and error free. Keep the photographs fresh and interesting. Update the calendar of events. Nothing spells neglect faster than a website where nothing has changed in two years…

And finally, make sure your message is a positive one. No matter how angry you are at the local shelter for doing something wrong,  don’t make people feel bad just because they stopped by your website.  Very few people want to support someone who is constantly ranting and complaining. They want to help the one with a better idea!

Research shows that more money, more volunteerism and more adoptions occur when we use sharp, bright photographs of happy dogs –as opposed to the quick snapshots of sick dogs lying in the bottom of their crates, or worse yet –through a chain link fence.  Don’t reinforce the public’s perception of shelter pets as pathetic and unwanted. If you’re having trouble getting a good photo, use some of the tips shared on this blog and give them a much better chance. Show them as potential members of the family and very soon they will be!

20% of all shelter pets are purebred

Every year I photograph 13 dogs for the Dallas Fort Worth Dachshund Rescue Foundation for their annual calendar “Picture A New Life.”  These calendars are sold online and at their events and they are big glossy 12×18″ artsy wall calendars. The group chooses the dogs that will be photographed –all dachshunds that have been adopted through their program — and it’s a great way to show off the quality of the animals they save. 2013 is our 6th and we sell out every year! If you’d like to order one, all of the proceeds go to the doxies and they’re available here.

In addition to donating to their silent auction every year,  I try to also donate to the Collin County Humane Society in some other way. This year, we are going to have a food drive at the studio. Everyone that brings a 10# bag of dog food gets a coupon for a free 8×10 print valued at $50.  We’re hoping to fill up a truck!

Profits from The Tiny Dog Calendar benefit Dallas area animal rescue charities

I also personally publish a desktop calendar that I think is adorable. We call it The Tiny Dog Calendar  — and it sits up on a desk or table in a plastic stand which is also the CD case that it arrives in.  Easy to stuff in a Christmas stocking and easy to mail.  Every year I choose some of my favorite shots and sell them in the studio and online. After printing costs, profits are donated to a local animal charity like Paws In the City  and we also sell these at local dog-related events.