Volunteering for shelter

[thatkimgirl]

I've been reading the forums for awhile now but this is my first actual post. I wasn't sure if it would go here or the business section but here goes...

A year ago I was in contact with a local animal shelter about offering to take photos of all the animals to put on their website or adoption listings (i.e. pet finder.com) They just got back to me recently. I was wondering if anyone had any tips for me about photographing animals and which lens would work best out of these...

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

I'm not sure if they are just going to have the dogs sit or let them run around but I need them to look all cute and pretty. I'm leaning toward my 85mm just because it's never done me wrong and would work well both inside with the low light and outside.

Also, what kind of release would I need for this? There are no humans in it (or at least no faces) and I want them to be able to use them, possibly give them to the new owners, but not sell them. We're going to work out a link to my website on their home page so I'll be getting credit and they're also giving new owners a flyer for a free shoot with their new family member.

Thanks

[kady05]

Yeah the 85mm would probably be great. I photographed shelter dogs for 2yrs. (up until a couple months ago, starting back here soon) and almost always used my 50mm f/1.8 lens. I wouldn't go for anything too heavy.. it's a pain (literally) and shelter dogs tend to try to jump on people, less lens for them to potentially hit ;)

Be prepared to make an idiot out of yourself to get them to look cute! Make lots of weird, funny noises, or bring out a squeaky toy. It's best to have another person to hold the dogs, hopefully a shelter volunteer will help you. Focus on the eyes.. adopters love that (so I've heard!).

Here are a few of my favorites I shot (these were all with the 50mm)...

http://kadysturtsman.smugmug.com/Animals/Shelter-Dogs/i-4h6bL2F/0/L/Piper-L.jpg

http://kadysturtsman.smugmug.com/Animals/Shelter-Dogs/i-w4WXCxT/0/L/Tigger-L.jpg

http://kadysturtsman.smugmug.com/Animals/Shelter-Dogs/i-JgdQ6Q2/0/L/Whitesocks1-L.jpg

Some dogs HATE the camera, so you might have to get creative to get them to look at it.

As for a release.. I'm not sure, I never did that. Thank you for helping shelter pets!

[Mahgnillig]

I work at an animal shelter and do all of our animal portraits for our website (I'm an animal control officer). Since I also have my own job to do, I can't take as much time as I would like with the photos. Some of them turn out very well, some are just okay... but it's better than no pic at all!

I usually do the pictures indoors because it's a more controlled environment. I would love to have a separate space set aside for photography, but I have to make do with a corner of our intake room for the dogs, and the play room for the cats. I always get someone to help with the photos because the dogs often get over-stimulated when out of their kennels. If you are volunteering your time for dog walking as well as portraits, it might be a good idea to take each dog out for 10 mins or so before trying to take a photo, just to calm the dog down a bit. I use a combination of me whistling, a squeaker or a treat to get the dog's attention. You will want to have your helper keep the dog leashed while you are taking the photo as the dog will be more interested in you than posing! I usually just clone out the leash in post for indoor shots.

My personal setup is a cloth backdrop draped over a door as the backdrop. I use a 50mm f1.8 as my main lens for the portraits, along with a speedlite mounted on the hotshoe but bounced off the ceiling. I know that I can get better lighting if I put the speedlite on a stand and trigger it, but I don't have space for this (tried and failed!) so I get by with the minimum. Mounting the speedlite on the hotshoe also means that I don't have to mess with anything if I need to move closer or further away. I always hand hold the camera as animals are constantly moving and getting them to stay in shot with a tripod is next to impossible. I shoot manual, about f5.6 seems to work for me, and adjust shutter speed/flash to expose correctly.

Cats are much trickier than dogs because you can't control them with a leash like you can with a dog. I usually bump up the shutter speed a bit so I can catch them even if they are moving, but you'll definitely need a helper, some toys and some treats, as well as a lot of patience, when dealing with cats.

I also shoot all the evidence photos so I have a 10-20mm for interiors and 18-55mm for getting all the good angles on injured/sick animals. Gruesome, but it sure tests your photography skills!

[Richgsr]

I'm about to do this on Saturday. Thanks to everyone who posted tips on this subject. Hopefully I can help get some animals rescued!

[smorris985]

I do pet photography at my local shelter. We do the puppies and small dogs indoors, and have a lead secured so we can tether the dogs in place a bit. Sometimes the squeaker noises can be too much as the dogs are already so overstimulated... for me, shaking a box of Milkbones works rather well! I've been using a 50mm lens, but last week I used my 28-135mm and the extra distance did help with camera shy dogs. Though I wouldn't have wanted anything heavier! It's so great that you are doing this!

[rick_reno]

I'm about to do this on Saturday. Thanks to everyone who posted tips on this subject. Hopefully I can help get some animals rescued!

Great you're doing this.

[Richgsr]

Here are the shots I got last weekend.

http://rj23photography.smugmug.com/Photography/Volunteer-Work/Halo-Rescue/22840448_Fj66g2#!i=1833239814&k=6tTqm36

This is definitely much more challenging than I thought. A few dogs were easy, but most were so hyped up it was difficult to get a decent shot.

One thing I found useful: Put one of my flashes on the ground (wirelessly triggered) with a bounce card a few feet in front of the dogs. The fill flash really helped when shooting the dogs from above.

I can't wait to do it again.

[rick_reno]

^^ those are great, they should get those dogs homes

[erikfig]

Here are the shots I got last weekend.

http://rj23photography.smugmug.com/Photography/Volunteer-Work/Halo-Rescue/22840448_Fj66g2#!i=1833239814&k=6tTqm36

This is definitely much more challenging than I thought. A few dogs were easy, but most were so hyped up it was difficult to get a decent shot.

One thing I found useful: Put one of my flashes on the ground (wirelessly triggered) with a bounce card a few feet in front of the dogs. The fill flash really helped when shooting the dogs from above.

I can't wait to do it again.

Great Shots! Hey I'm new to photography and I'm targeting the pets area cause I love pets :). What lens did you use for those shots? I just ordered a 50mm 1.8 II and I also have the 28-135mm. I will appreciate your advice.

I'm practicing with my dog, even though the shots are not perfect it's a start. I shot this with my 28-135mm IS USM. Also I don't have an external flash, Do I need one?

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz142/erikfig1/Chiki5.jpg

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz142/erikfig1/photo-1.jpg

[Richgsr]

The majority of the shots were taken with a 50mm 1.4. I shot them around 2.8 to 5.6 though so a 1.8 should be fine.

[wilvoeka]

I have been doing this for a few years now, it is the only type of photography I enjoy doing any more.

Here are some of my shots.

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4096/4757494745_25a3e66420_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilvoeka/4757494745/)
DSC_0269 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilvoeka/4757494745/) by wilvoeka (http://www.flickr.com/people/wilvoeka/), on Flickr

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4101/4768444917_e42551a992_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilvoeka/4768444917/)
Pickle: Color version (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilvoeka/4768444917/) by wilvoeka (http://www.flickr.com/people/wilvoeka/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2627/4034901269_b201318578_z.jpg?zz=1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilvoeka/4034901269/)
Chausette (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilvoeka/4034901269/) by wilvoeka (http://www.flickr.com/people/wilvoeka/), on Flickr

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4028/4283209220_f4e179a9c3_z.jpg?zz=1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilvoeka/4283209220/)
Joe (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilvoeka/4283209220/) by wilvoeka (http://www.flickr.com/people/wilvoeka/), on Flickr

The dog in the following shot was in the shelter for 3 years. I got this shot of her while she was out playing. After it was posted she was adopted in less than a week by a firefighter that jogged every day and wanted an active dog.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3446/3882841558_f5f1da3d93.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilvoeka/3882841558/)
Princess effortless jump (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilvoeka/3882841558/) by wilvoeka (http://www.flickr.com/people/wilvoeka/), on Flickr

[JReichert]

I have been doing this for a few years now, it is the only type of photography I enjoy doing any more.

Here are some of my shots.

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4096/4757494745_25a3e66420_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilvoeka/4757494745/)
DSC_0269 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilvoeka/4757494745/) by wilvoeka (http://www.flickr.com/people/wilvoeka/), on Flickr

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4101/4768444917_e42551a992_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilvoeka/4768444917/)
Pickle: Color version (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilvoeka/4768444917/) by wilvoeka (http://www.flickr.com/people/wilvoeka/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2627/4034901269_b201318578_z.jpg?zz=1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilvoeka/4034901269/)
Chausette (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilvoeka/4034901269/) by wilvoeka (http://www.flickr.com/people/wilvoeka/), on Flickr

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4028/4283209220_f4e179a9c3_z.jpg?zz=1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilvoeka/4283209220/)
Joe (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilvoeka/4283209220/) by wilvoeka (http://www.flickr.com/people/wilvoeka/), on Flickr

The dog in the following shot was in the shelter for 3 years. I got this shot of her while she was out playing. After it was posted she was adopted in less than a week by a firefighter that jogged every day and wanted an active dog.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3446/3882841558_f5f1da3d93.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilvoeka/3882841558/)
Princess effortless jump (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilvoeka/3882841558/) by wilvoeka (http://www.flickr.com/people/wilvoeka/), on Flickr

These are incredible and it's really heartwarming to hear of your photos doing exactly what they were intended to do - draw in that perfect Forever Home. :) As a photographer and former HSUS employee, this really brought a smile to my face. Too many dogs neglected and dead because of our inhumanity towards them. Keep up the excellent work!

[Elizabeth44]

I've been shooting cats and dogs at our animal shelter for years. You definitely will require having a helper. The dogs are usually hyper because they are caged for long periods. Get your helper to get them sit for a treat and then I employ one of my many "noises". High pitched trilling will usually make the give that cocked head look that is adorable. Squat and take the photo straight on somtimes.
Cats are more tricky. They are being caged for long periods and will obviously want to get down and roam. I generally use a chair with a blanket backdrop and sit opposite. I have a helper bring the cat in and then jingle a toy above my camera to get it to look my way or again...a weird sound will sometimes get them to look at me with cute expressions. Some will be terrified of new surrounding and might have to be either shot in the cage or if they are really busy or scared I'll get my helper to hold them over their shoulder and turn away from me and I'll zoom in. Make sure your camera is on AI Servo and use your centre focus for very busy cats.
Another good idea is to take the cats to a play area if possible...then your get more natural play pics.

[Tanya De Leeuw]

Volunteering your photography services at a shelter is SO rewarding - I hope everyone who's serious about their photography and with great compassion, gives this a try!

It can certainly be a great challenge. I shoot mainly cats - in a tiny kitten room (with a purple wall that colours everything - shoot RAW!), in a house, and in an outdoor run.

Having a helper with you, who also loves the animals (ie: isn't nervous around them, or someone who doesn't particularly like that type of pet), will be a great help! Depending on the cat, I try to set up on a cozy chair with a sheet draped over it (creating decent backgrounds is always a challenge in shelters!), or my helper with have the sheet draped over his chest, arms and hands while the cat snuggles in the crook of his arm - I like to avoid having people-parts in the photos. Very skittish cats I allow to settle wherever they want, and just do the best I can with the angles I can find. Nothing worse than forcing the shelter to post photos in which the animal looks terrified because they've been forced into a situation they're uncomfortable with.

While I do try to get the animals into a "set up" situation to simplify the shots, I still keep my eyes open for cute actions and expressions as they interact with one another and the people.

I use a 24-70 2.8L and 70-200 2.8L (non IS) depending on the circumstances. I also use my 580 ex II flash on-camera and turned 90 deg to the side, with a flash-bender (love love love this tool - its a bit clumsy and takes a bit of practice to get used to, though!).

I recently acquired a steel "frame" that I can have the camera and flash attached to, but allows me to have the flash off-camera by as much as a foot - haven't tried it yet, though - anyone else use one?

The few times I've shot dogs, it has been done outdoors in park where the dogs are comfortable and familiar with their surroundings - definitely the 70-200!

My shelter gallery is here: http://tanyadeleeuw.smugmug.com/Animals/ICAN-Invermere-Companion/20521292_32xLRN#!i=2070907197&k=CCsSX7B

Good luck!

[eyeclick]

I would ask them if the dogs are trained or haave had basic training , if they havnt it will be alot harder to get the shots you need. i would also do one or 2 dogs at a time , if u have em all running around at once they will not sit still be distracted by the other dogs. also candid semi posed shots are nice such as these on my gallery.

www.eyeclickphotography.com.au to give u an idea

[eyeclick]

got some great shots there what camera setup do you use.

[SexyDSM95]

I know this thread is a couple months old, but it's inspiring me to volunteer at my local SPCA. May be the right thing to start off the New Year!

[Immaculens]

the dogs certainly need walks - and - good photos of them to get them adopted.

[HTPhotography]

I volunteered at one this year, I'll be sure to do it again.

[RPCrowe]

I like a zoom for shooting dogs. I use my 70-200mm f/4L IS both shooting action

http://rpcrowe.smugmug.com/Other/MALTESE-RESCUE-DOGS/i-5D8wV4s/0/L/Felicia%20running%20with%20toy_2027_edited-1-L.jpg (http://rpcrowe.smugmug.com/Other/MALTESE-RESCUE-DOGS/12443645_zQBPRj#!i=1984789799&k=5D8wV4s&lb=1&s=A)

and for formal portraits...

http://rpcrowe.smugmug.com/Other/MALTESE-RESCUE-DOGS/i-xPn2RsN/0/L/Teddy-2_3982_edited-1-L.jpg (http://rpcrowe.smugmug.com/Other/MALTESE-RESCUE-DOGS/12443645_zQBPRj#!i=2277709028&k=xPn2RsN&lb=1&s=A)

http://rpcrowe.smugmug.com/Other/MALTESE-RESCUE-DOGS/i-WMpRDKG/0/L/Gunner_3325_edited-2-L.jpg (http://rpcrowe.smugmug.com/Other/MALTESE-RESCUE-DOGS/12443645_zQBPRj#!i=2193547006&k=WMpRDKG&lb=1&s=A)

http://rpcrowe.smugmug.com/Other/MALTESE-RESCUE-DOGS/i-57qkbCq/0/L/Romeo_3086_edited-1-L.jpg (http://rpcrowe.smugmug.com/Other/MALTESE-RESCUE-DOGS/12443645_zQBPRj#!i=2126208749&k=57qkbCq&lb=1&s=A)

And I also use it to shoot bigger dogs...

http://rpcrowe.smugmug.com/Pets/Holly-Doodle/i-XLvVPFm/0/L/Shadow%20in%20ice%20plant%2001%20100%20pixels-L.jpg (http://rpcrowe.smugmug.com/Pets/Holly-Doodle/4347180_Sb4Pqd#!i=1062061379&k=XLvVPFm&lb=1&s=A)

http://rpcrowe.smugmug.com/Other/Boxers/i-LTTGxRd/0/L/Boxer%20003.-L.jpg (http://rpcrowe.smugmug.com/Other/Boxers/12453921_GKHtpF#!i=891839093&k=LTTGxRd&lb=1&s=A)

I would expect that your 55-250mm lens would work just fine...

[Tanya De Leeuw]

Thanks for sharing, Dick, I really enjoyed looking at your work!

[kady05]

Been awhile since I posted on this thread! I photograph the dogs at one of my local animal control's now. Here are a few:

http://kadysturtsman.smugmug.com/Animals/Norfolk-Animal-Control-Dogs/i-vPhNpr2/0/L/A017323-L.jpg

http://kadysturtsman.smugmug.com/Animals/Norfolk-Animal-Control-Dogs/i-Gt22gnG/0/L/A017521-L.jpg

http://kadysturtsman.smugmug.com/Animals/Norfolk-Animal-Control-Dogs/i-NXJ7m5s/0/L/Capone-L.jpg

http://kadysturtsman.smugmug.com/Animals/Norfolk-Animal-Control-Dogs/i-xMc6Xf8/0/L/Holly-L.jpg

I use my 70-200 for them.