Need help getting started? We have recorded a webinar designed to help you. The cost is $40 for the two hour online class. Purchasing the download is in some ways better than attending the class live because you can watch it multiple times.
Here’s what we cover:
1. How to identify and approach a rescue group or shelter in your area. Picking the right group can make a huge difference.
2. How to build a relationship with your target group and how to plan your work for optimal success. Different types of animal rescue groups have different needs, we’ll talk about the different things that you can do to help!
3. How to MAKE BETTER RESCUE PORTRAITS with your existing camera and some inexpensive tools you might have around the house. We’ll have diagrams and lots of sample photos to illustrate what we do. We will not be discussing professional studio lighting techniques – just lighting that everyone can do at home or in their local shelter.
This webinar is for beginners. Professional photographers will learn a lot about pet photography, but we’ll be keeping everything about the equipment basic and won’t spend a lot of time discussing professional level equipment and techniques.
To purchase the download of the Focus on Rescue class, use the button below.

Invite a friend from your rescue group and watch together! The class includes lots of photographs and information to help you get started.
You will need a PC (sorry, this file will not work on a Mac) with speakers connected to your computer, Windows Media Player and something to take notes on. Thank you so much for wanting to help!


Hi Teresa,
I am unable to attend your webinar that you are having next week, I will be occupied celebrating Rosh Hashanah. Are you planning to have another webinar soon? I am in Austin and am happy to come to Dallas if you are having any seminars at your studio soon as well.
Thanks very much,
Cheri Robbins
cfrobbins74@gmail.com
Hi Cheri
I understand. I wish the timing were better!
In person classes will be offered in Dallas based on demand. If we can help more people by doing online classes and we don’t have very many who want to attend in person, then we’ll offer the in-person classes less frequently. Just stay tuned to this blog and you’ll be “in the know”
thanks!
How much of the time is spent covering taking better pictures? I already have a rescue I work with, so I don’t need the first two topics.
Probably 1/3 of our time will be spent talking about working with rescue groups and 2/3 spent on photography.
Looking forward to “attending” Wednesday. Thanks Teresa for making this available. – Isabel Forbes
Also looking forward to the webinar – hope to get my email invite soon.
Hi Teresa, I just signed up for the webinar but realized that I clicked on the wrong date?? It was already too late by the time I noticed it. I wanted to attend the one for Thursday 09/29/11 but clicked on Wed 09/28/11 instead. Is there a way for you to switch the dates around on your end? I would really appreciate it!
Thank you so much,
Sarina Mercado
Such a long list of names to sort through… I’ll do my best to find it and make the change…
Teresa
Aww, Thank You so much Teresa, I really appreciate your help!
Sarina
Hi Teresa,
I just wanted to confirm if you were able to make the change for me for tomorrow…….so far, I have not received an invite for tomorrow as of yet. I am also wondering if there is a link I would have to go to in order to get into the webinar class?
Thank You,
Sarina
I am really sorry for the inconvenience!
Thanks,
Sarina
Teresa, are you recording the webinar so that those who cannot attend might purchase an archived version?
David
We’re going to try! I’ve attended many webinars but this is the first time I have hosted one. It looks fairly simple but I’m not making any promises — hopefully the technology gods will be smiling upon us.
Teresa
If you could have recordings up for purchase that would help me tremendously! Working 9-5 doesn’t allow me the flexibility to attend these webinars however, I would gladly pay for the recording!
If you’re using WebEx, recording can be fairly easy. Depends on the webinar provider. Good luck. No matter what, I am interested in this class.
We’re using gotomeeting.com and the recording is not a problem… it’s posting the recording for easy access that I think will be the biggest issue. We plan to record and then see what size the file is and try to find a way….
great last name, David… are we related? LOL
Hello, is there a different fee for a copy of the slideshow? Or do we register and pay full to get the slideshow? I’m not able to attend the scheduled webinars. Thanks again!
We’re still working on how we’re going to make this information available. It’s not really all that helpful (at least I don’t think it is) without the narration. Diagrams and bullet points are good for some people but not easy for others. If you can’t attend, just keep checking this blog and whatever we come up with will be announced here, whether it’s a recording or a pdf. I just don’t know at this point.
thanks!
Teresa
Hi Teresa,
Any plans of having a workshop in Dallas anytime soon?
Hi Teresa,
I paid this afternoon for the webinar tomorrow, Wed and haven’t receive any info. Will you be sending this yet tonight or tomorrow morning.
Thank you.
Joyce
Hopefully, you have recieved the invitation via email and have now signed up? we sent out a big group of emails last night….
Ahhhh, how do I get on webinar page? I paid and can’t find it!!!
I checked my email, and do not see an invitation. I’m missing the webinar ;( Can I attend the complete webinar tonight?
I’m sorry Rosanne — the invitations are sent to the paypal email addresses. were you able to join us?
Ok, I see it’s Central time, so I have an hour to hopefully figure this out.
On Monday, I paid for today’s webinar. I have not yet received any information. I hope I receive it soon, or I will miss it. Please check your records.
Cherie S.
So sorry, the Paypal account was under another email account- I am registering. Thanks
Hi, not able to attend the webinars for tomorrow, but would love to either purchase a copy or sign up or another day.
I signed up today for tomorrow’s webinar and never received an email invitation. How do I access the webinar?
Thanks.
Hi Teresa,
I just wanted to confirm if you were able to make the change for me for tomorrow…….so far, I have not received an invite for tomorrow as of yet. I am also wondering if there is a link I would have to go to in order to get into the webinar class?
Thank You,
Sarina
Got the invite for tonight Teresa! I registered and I look forward to seeing you! Thank You so much!
Sarina
Hi Teresa!
I payed for the webinar through paypal for the seminar tonight 9/29 and have yet to receive my registration info. Please advise. I would hate to miss this as your story has inspired me.
Thank you!
Shannon
I sent out all the invitations that I had rec’d paypal confirmations for…. did you check the email address from your paypal account? I’ll double check on this end
I did check it.
Here is the receipt number that came with my receipt. 1966-5809-7080-0448
okay, re-sending to the reply address for this comment.
Hi Teresa,
I am so glad I had the opportunity to go to your webinar today! It was very informative and helpful! Thank You for sharing such great tips with us! You are an INSPIRATION to the community! Please let us know if you will have more of these in the future.
Thank You so much,
Sarina
Hi Teresa!
I’m just writing to confirm that I just signed up for—and look forward to—tonight’s webinar. I’ll need that invitation pretty swiftly though, since I waited ’til nearly the last minute. Cheers!
No sooner did I send my note than the invitation appeared in my inbox. Thanks!
~Steve
thank you! see you at the webinar!
Just saw this – great idea but per normal I’m a day late and forty dollars short! If (when?) you get to the point where you’re offering an archived session with materials, etc. my wallet will be wide open! Teresa, you rock!
Good morning. I am a 15 year old girl scout and I’m working on my gold award. I knew I wanted to do something with animals and I would love to help save their lives. When I saw the program on Sunday Morning I immediately thought that this is what I wanted to do. I felt really touched and knew that this was something I could do to make a big difference. I am sure you are really busy, but for my award I need a mentor. I hope it would not take a lot of your time but if you have a chance, I would really appreciate speaking/emailing with you to see if you have any tips on how to get started. Thanks, Morgan
Hi Morgan
There are lots of tips on this blog as to 1) select a group to work with 2) approach the group you select — then comes the photography! I will send you an invitation to our next webinar so that you can attend our next class via your computer! We will schedule one for November, I just don’t know the date yet…. will that work?
Thanks for wanting to help!
Teresa
I am very interested in attending a webinar in November, should you have one. Is there a way to sign up now or get on a waiting/mailing list? Do you have a tentative date/time? Thanks! ~Dyan
Hope you have had a chance to sign up for the webinar? It’s November 15th at 6pm Central time. Sign up by clicking the tab at the top of the blog and following the instructions there.
thanks!
I would love to be a part of the webinar, but I have a class that Tuesday night from 6 to 8. Is there a way to purchase the video and the handout? If not when will the next webinar be? Thanks, Christy!!!
I’m sorry you can’t attend! At this time, we don’t have this available on video. And the notes are really not very helpful without the webinar, so we only send them out to the people that attend the webinar. I don’t have a date for the next webinar, but if you subscribe to this blog, we will update it regularly and you’ll be notified.
Please notify me of upcoming webinars!
Subscribe to the blog for all the latest news! We’ll post webinar dates as soon as we get them
thanks!
Hi Teresa,
I love your work. Just dazzling and even better your dedication to this cause. My question is, What is your favorite lens for photographing the rescue animals? Thank you.
Thank you. It depends, but usually: outdoors, I use a 50mm 1.4. Indoors I use a 24-105m 4.0 But remember it’s not the equipment, it’s the photographer that makes a good portrait!
Teresa – I still haven’t received my invitation or link for the class that is schedule on December 14. Just want to make sure that I have that and it works prior to the actual meeting. Thanks for your help. Angie
Fantastic – Thank you so much and I look forward to it. I am planning on approaching 3 different shelters in my area that are looking for this type of help. I own a Canon 7D and all of the lenses except a 50mm – but will plan to purchase that once I attend your webinar. Thanks again for all of your help to us and the one’s without a voice!
Hi Teresa,
Any idea of when the next webinar will be?
Hi Christy: The next webinar will be Monday, January 16, 2012 at 6pm. You can pay the $40 fee here: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=SABEUS232YD3A and we will send you an invitation!
thanks for wanting to help!
Teresa
Hi Teresa,
When I go to sign up for the January Webinar, it shows the total charge is $80.00. It shows 40 for the webinar and 40 for shipping and handling….. is that the total cost or is that a mistake? Please advise, I really would like to sign up. Thanks!!
I signed up for the webinar, but I would also be interested in a workshop in the Dallas area. Do you also do those? I love photography. I love dogs. I always wanted to help, but never really knew what to do, since I already have all that I can take myself. Thanks to you, I have now found a way I can do what I love and help!
I may do a workshop in Dallas in the spring — it keeps getting pushed back because I’m just so darned busy! Stay tuned to the blog. If we can make it work, it will be posted here first!
Pingback: Photography to the Rescue
…Why is there a $40 fee for this? Is the money donated to local animal shelters?
I understand that you’re spending your limited time on something that doesn’t pay, but to benefit personally from teaching other people how to champion a cause that you yourself support seems wrong.
Since I started teaching webinars and ‘going public’ with my rescue work I have had to hire a part time assistant, give up a lot of studio time and have many other expenses, including the monthly fees to the webinar hosting company. After those expenses are paid, we donate to rescue charities. I now spend two hours per day answering emails and posts (like this one).
When I offered small classes at the studio for free, people would sign up and then not show up –no matter how many times I reminded them that we had a waiting list for their seat. I honestly feel that if there is not a nominal fee involved, people will not value it.
Dear Teresa,
I signed up for the Webinar on Monday (Jan 16). I am planning to be there!
Peace and continued good things for you!
Sincerely,
Diane
I am completely upset over not being able to make the last webinar! I am planning on implementing your techniques with a local shelter that is bursting at the seams with dogs and cats. Do you have an idea of when your next seminar will be? Would you be willing to offer a private session if there isn’t a way to fill a class?
Hi Sarah
I’m sorry you missed our January class! I usually do one per month…we need at least 10 attendees for the class to work, and that’s never been a problem. Our next class will probably be late February or early March. Stay tuned to this blog for all the details – and in the meantime, you can start practicing your photography using the tips provided here.
Thanks!
Teresa
Teresa,
I learned of you through an article in a recent issue of Country Living. I love what you are all about. I am most interested in taking your webinar class and was wondering if you will be offering another class after the Feb 20 one? I have been wanting to work with a rescue group/shelter for some time now. My husband and I live in the country with our family of five rescue dogs and two cats. Photography has been my passion for a good five years and my pets all love the camera and make wonderful subjects. Anyway, I’m glad I found you, your website/blog and would really like to take your webinar class, but this upcoming date would be difficult for me. I look forward to hearing back from you. Thanks, Teresa. I am so excited that I found you:)
I just found your site and I am in heaven! I volunteer with a rescue in NW British Columbia and began taking pics of rescued animals and shelter (2 shelters) dogs & cats a couple of months ago. Is there any chance you have your webinars recorded, on downloadable or stream-able video? I am struggling with getting photos of excited, wiggly dogs and annoyed cats! I am going to scour your website now! LOL Thank you sooooo very much for sharing what you have learned! I never thought of bringing ribbons, etc.!
I am a nurse in Tx. Found a copy of Guidepost in the hospital where I work. I take pics. Sold a few. But, I saw this and my heart jumped for joy. I read the short article, tore the page out and began to tell my husband about it. I am so thrilled. Your pics are wonderful. There is a place for you in Heaven. Sharon Preteroti
Thank you so much! This is great
Starting to help the pups in Chicago!
Hi, I read the review from the blog link. First, I loved the before/after pics of attendants, and I also loved the description of learning how to not chase the dog and hope to get some good shots lol. Will this recorded seminar have that information as well? Tips on how to handle the pets?
Yes, the webinar covers tips on body language, getting them to look at the camera, etc. also lots of information about setting up the shot, backgrounds, props, and working with rescue groups. This webinar is geared for non-professionals and people using pint and shoot cameras. If you’re looking for advice on DSLRs and which lenses to choose, etc. you should buy the Dog Hots book as it is written for experienced photographers.