I’m a pet photographer from Brisbane in Australia, and I am truly fortunate to be able to work with a number of local dog and animal rescues providing photography for their adoptive dogs.Unfortunately, the number of dogs looking for new homes only increases year after year and social media is flooded with photos, usually taken with a cellphone, of sweet furry faces pleading for a new family. But because of the sheer numbers, many dogs get lost in the sea of social media posts and overlooked, especially those that on the surface may not stand out.My goal when photographing all dogs, but especially rescue dogs, is capturing images that showcase their unique personalities. Be it sweet and shy, loud and boisterous, or wacky and goofy, every dog has something special which I try to bring to light and make them stand out from the crowd, and I’m proud to say this has been super effective.More info:leighhorwood.com.au|InstagramThis post may includeaffiliate links.
I’m a pet photographer from Brisbane in Australia, and I am truly fortunate to be able to work with a number of local dog and animal rescues providing photography for their adoptive dogs.
Unfortunately, the number of dogs looking for new homes only increases year after year and social media is flooded with photos, usually taken with a cellphone, of sweet furry faces pleading for a new family. But because of the sheer numbers, many dogs get lost in the sea of social media posts and overlooked, especially those that on the surface may not stand out.
My goal when photographing all dogs, but especially rescue dogs, is capturing images that showcase their unique personalities. Be it sweet and shy, loud and boisterous, or wacky and goofy, every dog has something special which I try to bring to light and make them stand out from the crowd, and I’m proud to say this has been super effective.
More info:leighhorwood.com.au|Instagram
This post may includeaffiliate links.
Jack was so smart and full of energy that he would need a new dad who could keep up with him. Luckily he found one!
I’d owned a camera for years, had taken a few snapshots here and there for fun, but had never really found a passion for it. But one day, I came home to find my house had been robbed and among other things, my camera, which had only been gathering dust, had been taken.
This lil' guy was the only chill one in a litter of 7.
Taking photos of people’s furry best friends is amazing and I love having the opportunity to meet, photograph, and hang out with so many different breeds and pooch personalities. But I knew there were so many dogs out there that didn’t have a home and maybe needed a little help being seen.Having a rescue dog myself, I follow many independent rescues online and I know firsthand that adoption photos online are often…. lacking. Now that’s not a slight on the rescue groups at all, they do an amazing job and literally give up sleep and financial freedom to help dogs in need and the sheer amount that comes through their doors each week is staggering. But I knew if I could get them into the studio and show their dogs a little love and kindness, I could provide them with images for their adoption profiles to really help them stand out from the crowd.
Taking photos of people’s furry best friends is amazing and I love having the opportunity to meet, photograph, and hang out with so many different breeds and pooch personalities. But I knew there were so many dogs out there that didn’t have a home and maybe needed a little help being seen.
Having a rescue dog myself, I follow many independent rescues online and I know firsthand that adoption photos online are often…. lacking. Now that’s not a slight on the rescue groups at all, they do an amazing job and literally give up sleep and financial freedom to help dogs in need and the sheer amount that comes through their doors each week is staggering. But I knew if I could get them into the studio and show their dogs a little love and kindness, I could provide them with images for their adoption profiles to really help them stand out from the crowd.
This sweet lady named Ladybug doing her best ‘Paint me like one of your French girls Jack’ pose is perhaps the sweetest soul I’ve ever met.
I’ve met so many rescue dogs over the years and there is really no way to define them. Some that I meet are hyperactive and literally running up the walls, some are super sweet and just want some love, some are cheeky and mischievous and some are just big loveable goofballs.
One of my favorite images ever, this sweet lady wasn’t going to be homeless for long.
Olive had perhaps some of the best head tilt games I’ve ever witnessed.
Now you can very quickly find their vice, be it treats, or toys, or squeakers and noises, and all of these help a lot, but the one thing that really brings them out of their shell is simply time. I try and give every dog, be it someone’s beloved pet or a rescue, time to relax, get to know me, and realize this is a safe and fun space. With just a little bit of patience, their personalities start to emerge and you are treated to meeting their true personality.
Rosie was an ultra-lovable ball of pure energy who was at risk of turning into a cyclone of craziness at any moment.
Who could ever resist a litter of Border Collie puppies?
I usually try and provide rescues with 4 to 5 different images of their dogs so that when people see them online, they get a better understanding of who they really are. If they are super sweetheart couch potatoes, I’ll try and get an image of them stretched out in their best Titanic ‘paint me like one of your French girls, Jack’ poses, if they are super high-energy, a photo of them chasing the ball or leaping into the air, and if they are goofy and loveable, you really can’t lose with a crazy-faced treat-catching pose. I really don’t have a specific set agenda for what images will work best, it all depends on what they reveal to me as we get to know each other in the studio.
Zumi had the lankiest legs you’ve ever seen! Future 6-foot fence escape artist in the making right here.
I know you’ve probably heard the phrase ‘adopt don’t shop’ before and I certainly would never suggest that rescuing a dog is the right thing to do, I’ve had both bred puppies and rescues before and they’ve all held a special place in my heart. But if you’re looking for a new furry-faced member of the family (I’m not talking about grandpa) don’t rule out a visit to your local animal shelter, there are so many dogs out there that are looking for a new home who might not be exactly what you imagined for yourself, but once you meet them, you can’t imagine life without them. My current boy Toki is a rescue border collie and although I’ve had many dogs over the years, I can honestly say he’s my fur soul mate and the best buddy I’ve ever, and quite possibly will ever have.
Little guy just told me a joke… It was about me… He found it funny… me, not so much.
Who can resist a man in a bow tie?
Even if you’re not currently looking for a dog, check out a few independent local dog rescue groups' social media pages, follow along, offer support, and maybe even throw them a few dollars in donations now and then. Having followed and worked with a number of these small rescues, I’ve had the opportunity to really see how selfless and beautiful these human beings are, and they give up so much of themselves just to make sure that each dog gets the love they deserve.
Mr. Serious here, otherwise known as Odie, was a giant who just wanted someone to love him. 2 minutes into meeting him made it impossible not to.
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Aivaras Kaziukonis
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