Sixteen Dogs, Four Hours and Over $700 for Greyhound Adoptions WA
Seventeen dogs, four hours, a camera and a generous collection of Perth dog owners. That was the recipe for my latest pet photography fundraiser at PetO Joondalup.
And what a lovely morning it turned out to be.
On Saturday 17 October, I packed up my photography equipment and headed to PetO Joondalup for my 3rd charity pet portrait event this year. This time, we were raising money for Greyhound Adoptions WA, a wonderful organisation helping greyhounds find loving homes.
The idea was simple. For a $49 donation, each dog would receive their very own professional portrait, with all the money going directly to the charity.
No humans in the photographs. Just dogs. Even a beautiful dog from Essex, England showed up. Benji is featured above.
A Pet Photography Fundraiser with Sixteen Very Different Personalities
One of the things I love most about photographing pets is that no two are ever alike.
Some arrive full of confidence, ready to investigate everything in sight. Others are a little more reserved and need a moment to work out why a complete stranger is pointing a camera at them.
And then there are those who seem convinced they’re attending a social gathering rather than a photography session.
Over the 4 hours, I photographed 16 wonderful dogs, each with their own personality, expressions and ideas about how the morning should proceed.
My job was to persuade them, ever so politely, that sitting still for a few seconds might be worth their while.
Fortunately, I have a few tricks up my sleeve.
And an excellent supply of patience.
Over $700 Raised for Greyhound Adoptions WA
Thanks to the generosity of everyone who booked a portrait, we raised more than $700 for Greyhound Adoptions WA. That’s a wonderful result.
Greyhounds are remarkable dogs. Despite their reputation for speed, many are fond of a comfortable sofa and a leisurely lifestyle.
Sadly, not every greyhound has the security of a loving home. That’s why organisations such as Greyhound Adoptions WA do such important work.
Every donation helps support their efforts to give these beautiful dogs a brighter future.
And I’m delighted that our little photography event could contribute.
A Photograph That Gives Something Back
There’s something particularly satisfying about these fundraising sessions.
The dogs’ owners receive a beautiful portrait of their much-loved companion. Meanwhile, their donation goes towards helping another dog who hasn’t yet found a family of their own.
For me, it’s also an opportunity to meet more of Perth’s dogs, which is hardly a hardship.
Although I suspect my back might disagree after four hours of crouching, kneeling and lying on the floor.
The things we do for a great photograph.
Thank You for Making It Possible
A huge thank you to PetO Joondalup for hosting another wonderful fundraising event. Big thanks to my assistant, Sharon.
I’m also incredibly grateful to everyone who brought their dogs along, made a donation and supported Greyhound Adoptions WA.
And, of course, thank you to the 16 dogs who patiently (well, mostly patiently) allowed me to photograph them.
You were all magnificent.
More Than Just a Photograph
These charity events offer a little taste of what I love doing at Jane Earle Photography.
At my Perth pet photography studio, I create individual portraits of dogs and cats, taking the time to capture their personalities and the little expressions that make them so special.
My private photography sessions offer a more relaxed experience, with collections of beautiful images for families to enjoy and treasure.
After all, our animals are with us for only part of our lives, but the photographs we have of them can last a lifetime.
And if those photographs can also help another animal find a loving home, then I think I’ve found my purpose.
At my Ocean Reef studio, life moves at a more leisurely pace than at a charity event. There’s time for dogs (and cats) to settle, for their personalities to emerge and for me to create a beautiful collection of portraits. Some families bring several dogs or cats (occasionally even chickens), while others join in the photographs themselves. After all, they’re part of the family too.
If you’d love some beautiful portraits of your own four-legged companions, with or without their humans, I’d be delighted to welcome you to my studio. Explore my photography sessions and let’s create something rather special together.
Best,
