Photography Guide

Better photos.
Faster adoptions.

The photo is the first impression. Most rescue dogs are scrolled past in under a second, not because no one wanted them, but because no one saw them. This guide changes that.

The best camera is the one you have with you. Most great rescue photos are taken on a phone, and that is more than enough. This guide assumes that's what you're using.

Quick Tips

Three things that make the biggest difference.

Background and environment

What gets dogs adopted

Dog reads as a pet, not a rescue case
Background does not compete for attention
Dog's personality has room to show
Adopters can picture them at home

Lighting

Natural window light or open shade

Coat texture and color come through clearly
Eyes are clear and expressive
Light wraps naturally around the face
Dog looks warm and alive

Angle and framing

Eye level, and know which angle you are going for

Straight-on builds eye contact and connection
Side profile shows the distinctive egg-shaped head. That silhouette is the breed.
Both work. Decide what the photo is about first.
Either way, get down to the dog's level.

Gallery