Photographer brings pets to the people before adoption
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Micha Sanders speaks in soothing tones to Tide Pool, a diminutive mixed-breed poodle perched atop a wooden picnic table. He moves his face closer to the animal’s snout and strokes his head.
When Sanders’ attention diverts briefly to a bulky camera and a pouch of dog treats, Tide Pool takes advantage of the distraction. The little dog hops down from the table and wanders over to the other end of the fenced yard at Heartland Humane Society.
“It’s just like with children. Every pet is different so you have to go with their personality and be patient,” Sanders says as he attempts to coax the animal to return. “I just take my time and don’t rush them. Some of the dogs, you can come out and immediately get a great shot. Other ones, like this, just don’t want to be with you.”
It’s not uncommon for Heartland to take calls from people in Portland, Bend or northern California who are interested in adopting animals that they saw and read about online. Websites such as petfinder.com and petango.com have changed how people seek out and choose their potential shelter pet match. So Sanders figured it makes sense that the animals should have a great photo that showcases their personality to potential adopters.
“Once they get comfortable with me, they start acting normal and their expressions come out,” Sanders says. “If they’re a shy dog, I’ll try to capture that in the shot instead of getting them all animated and smiling. I’ll put them on the table, and I don’t mind if they shake a little bit, because that’s their personality.”
Some of the worst Heartland pet photos were taken with a point-and-shoot camera in an exam room, he said. They were dark and out of focus, with the flash causing distracting red eyes. The angle was often unflattering, with the animal’s expression not always reflective of its personality.
For example, when cats aren’t relaxed, their pupils get huge, and it shows in the picture, he said. Some dogs get fixated on a treat they’re waiting for, a concentrated stare that doesn’t transfer well in photos.
Typically, animals get adopted faster when they have a good photo, according to Heartland director Andrea Thornberry.
“People can see the animal and connect with them better,” she said. “A lot of people shop for their pets at home, so if they have pictures that really capture the personality of the animal, it helps them to get engaged before they even have to walk into the shelter.”
Sanders says a crisp, close-up shot of the pet with a muted background is more effective than using loud or bright backgrounds that tend to take the focus off the pet.
After Tide Pool’s photo shoot, Sanders sets his lens on a jolly chocolate Labrador retriever, Gunner.
A lively Sanders barks and squeaks and shouts.
“Whatever it takes to get those expressions,” he says.