Awesome Article - Another Way to Help Dogs in Shelters

[zuse]

http://gizmodo.com/5842278/how-to-save-a-dogs-life-take-better-pictures (there is also a news video/clip).

Photography | How to Save a Dog’s Life? Take Better Pictures

So many dogs are euthanized every year because they can't find a family to adopt them. It's not their fault. With some better picture taking, a few cute poses and accessories, dogs can find a new home in no time.

It's true, Dallas pet photographer Teresa Berg has taken it upon herself to "better market" homeless dogs so they can find a family to take them in. Instead of just snapping a random picture of a dog behind a chain-linked fence, in poor lighting and unflattering poses, Berg takes time with each shot, dressing them up and creating pictures of dogs you can imagine on people's mantles. Gone are red-eyed, blurry shots. In are dogs with a soul.

The results of her pictures were instant. Every dog Berg took a picture of was adopted and the entire dog shelter as a whole has seen a 100% increase in adoption rates. Berg is now starting to teach volunteers how to take better pictures of homeless dogs. It's a pretty great idea for any professional photographer who wants to give back. [Teresa Berg via CBS via The Daily What]

Strangely, this makes me think a lot of eBay. Even with inanimate objects, presentation is everything!

[Baby Sugarberry]

The saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words - pets or ponies, make sure your photographs are speaking the right ones. 

[fiwen30]

Yes! Totally agree. Our nearest Dogs Trust's website is full of unflattering mobile phone pictures of the dogs, and I feel so sorry for the long term residents whose pictures havn't been updatedin months and months I understand that rescues are busy, but a good photo to start with could make all the difference.

[kaoskat]

That's why when I take in fosters I like to take my own pics for the website. It hasn't failed yet. Every foster I've taken in, with the exception of the ones I chose to make permanent residents, has gotten adopted pretty much the second they were available. If the pics are good, shows the dog's adorableness and personality he/she will quickly find the right home for him/her.

[Kiwi]

It's so true

[HavACrumpet452]

True and agreed with the pics for items for sale as well. Often times you can barely tell what it is in the picture and people still think its good enough to post.

[Eviecorn]

Very much agreed.  My local shelter takes great pics of their animals (my bestie works there) and they seem to be more successful for it.

[ZettaMomo]

Very true! My mother works for the local animal shelter and they take a bit of time every week to take pictures of their featured dogs for the Sunday paper.

What used to be really nice is the local news would go to each county's animal shelter and have their interviewers show off some dogs or kitties. It was great because they would not stand out in front of the kennel and talk about the dog, but they would actually take them into the 'visiting rooms' and play with them. It is a shame they don't do that anymore.

[Roogna]

our local shelter had a professional come in and take some pics (for free - she is a dog lover) and then give tips to the shelter photographer. better photos definitely helped! AND they offer to sell you hard copies of the cute photos of your pet when you adopt

[melodys_angel]

Awww!  Im glad that something soo simple is working out^^