I started volunteering my photographic services at the Benton-Franklin Humane Society July 5, 2008 and since that time, I’ve photographed 186 animals including cats, dogs, rabbits and ferrets. It has been a rewarding and learning experience for me and I believe that our collaboration will only continue to grow with time.
Like many humane societies, animal shelters and rescue groups, the Benton-Franklin Humane Society utilizes the Petfinder service to help match the animals with new homes. As I’ve mentioned in the past, my thesis project starts with the premise that professional photography makes a real difference in helping pets find homes. While the Benton-Franklin Humane Society has no means to ascertain whether or not my services make a difference in adoption rates, Petfinder’s analysis tools show that my work is at least calling more attention to the animals in their care. Since they only upload pet profiles and photographs once a week, my tenure with the BFHS effectively began at the start of July. When the January through June pet profile tallies are compared to the July through December tallies, there was a 19.1% increase page views for the second half of the year. When compared to the 2007 views for the same time period, the jump is even higher showing a 81.5% spike! To be fair, there was a 33.4% increase in the first half of 2008 views over the first half of 2007 yet I think these numbers are telling. In comparison, the numbers at the Woodford Humane Society in Kentucky were I had been volunteering until my move, dropped nearly 15% in the second half of 2008.
In the end these numbers may or may not be significant in terms of actual adoption rates yet I can’t help but be encouraged that my premise that professional photography can make a real difference in finding homes for the animals. Obviously there are other factors involved but I think the next logical step is more education. I am fairly confident that there are many animal loving photographers out there that would be willing to volunteer their services to their rescue organization of choice if only someone suggested the idea to them. This next year while I (hopefully) finish my thesis project I will continue to watch these numbers and see how 2009 compares to 2007 and 2008. It is my hope that upon earning my degree and finishing my project that I will be in a position use my work to further help the animals both directly and by encouraging others to volunteer their time and talent as well.
Below are photographs from today’s session at the Benton-Franklin Humane Society. To see the rest of the gallery, please visit my artist page on Facebook.
