Dog shelter seeking photographers

LANCASTER — The Shelter Art Foundation recently granted the Fairfield County dog shelter a camera, a backdrop and lighting equipment to photograph dogs for adoption.

Now, the shelter is looking for volunteers to use the equipment.

"Their program (sponsored by Purina) is founded on the belief that better photographs of adoptable dogs will lead to higher adoption rates," Dog Warden Todd McCullough said.

The foundation also offers training and training supplies with the camera equipment. It is up to McCullough to find volunteers interested in photography. He said volunteers could include professional photographers or people who want to use the opportunity as a way to learn photography.

"There are so many things that the talented people of our community can do to help us," McCullough said. "I think in many cases they don't recognize that something that they enjoy can also benefit the homeless dogs of our county."

He said people who want to take photos of the dogs for their own use are also welcome and can use their own equipment, but people who are shooting for the shelter must use its new equipment.

"Fairfield County is filled with talented artists of all types," McCullough said. "Our goal is to provide artists the opportunity to develop their portfolios while simultaneously helping our county's dogs in need. This grant is a great example of that."

He said he is not just looking for volunteer photographers, however.

"While Fairfield County is full of talented artists, there are also many other talents that we would like to utilize and help develop," McCullough said. "We recognize that people have many different types of interests and hobbies."

He said that includes management students who may want to help with project planning to bolster their resumes or early education specialists who could help the shelter create a dog bite prevention program.

"We recognize the value, shared benefits and opportunities that our nontraditional volunteer program allows," McCullough said.

People who are interested in volunteering to take photos of the dogs or provide other services can call the shelter at 740-652-7180 or visit www.co.fairfield.oh.us/dog.

jbarron@lancastereaglegazette.com

740-681-4340

Twitter: @JeffDBarron