With a background in dog rescue, training and behavior I have the unique honor of being able to see more than just a photo. I can recognize when a dog is nervous, shut down, anxious, or otherwise uncomfortable or unconfident and work to help mitigate those things so that the dog can be comfortable with not only me, but also in the environment.

Why is that important? Because I see a lot of photos of shelter dogs that are afraid with a bandana on, or nervous licking with a pretty background. It makes me sad and it doesn't do the dog justice. My photography will always be animal-centric when we go to the shelters, rescues and sanctuaries. It often only takes a few extra minutes to allow an animal to adapt. And that makes a HUGE difference not only in the photos I capture, but also in the next interaction that the dog has with a human...and THAT makes a difference for them.