Waltonpets Furtography Session: Lucy the Beagle

​Wednesday, 9:07 AM – “Lucy” was a happy senior Beagle that was picked up by one of the animal control officers on August 18, 2017. We were hopeful to find her home right away because she had a microchip. However, hopes dropped as we traced the unregistered microchip that was administered in 2008. Lucy would have to wait and hope her owner came forward. By August 23rd, no call. Lacy would need a photoshoot.
 
I often receive email requests for more photos of a particular dog, or to post some “glamour shots.” While I’d love to produce the high quality outdoor shots for every dog, with my other duties as director of animal control, it just isn’t always possible. It can take quite a bit of time for a full workup and photoshoot. How long? Glad you asked!

At 9:00 AM, Lacy greeted me at her kennel door with her excited barking, knowing she would get to go outside for a walk (and a you-know-what). She had a wonderful, excited personality, especially for an older gal. 

From 9:07 to 9:16 we were actively shooting together. After using the bathroom, Lacy spent a good bit of time barking, wanting to get off her leash. I did my usual tricks to get her to perk up and look at the camera: panting, barking, squeeking, throwing up my hat and pine cones just above my head.

From 9:20 to 9:45 it was into the exam room. I drew blood for a heartworm test (unfortunately, she was heartworm positive, but with mild antigens), vaccinated and dewormed her, and sprayed her with a good dose of flea spray. She began a funny wiggle and roll dance as the little buggers writhed in death and fell from her coat.

After putting her back in her kennel, it was to my photo editing desk from 9:50 to 10:33. The first step was culling the 124 total photos to 12 sharp, usable photos. Next, each of those 12 RAW files needed minor adjustments for white balance, exposure, noise reduction, contrast, highlights and shadows adjustments. Then each one is imported into PS for further editing to “make them pop”. My basic edits on every photo include levels adjustments, removing blue hues from black fur, healing brush to get rid of eye boogers and other blemishes, burning and dodging and a final sharpening.
 
From 10:35 to 11:05 it was filling out her evaluation form, writing her bio, re-sizing each photo for web optimization, and posting her on www.waltonpets.net. (During this time I was interrupted twice for incoming phone calls. One from the Tax Assessor’s office, the other a victim of a pit bull attack who wanted an update on her case.)
 
Usually I wait until a later time to load the dogs and cats to Adopt-a-pet, Petfinder, Rescue Me!, and AllPaws. But to keep track of this log, I went ahead and did it so I wouldn’t get distracted by other things that constantly vie for my attention. Last, posting her Waltonpets Furtography Session blog. That lasted until 11:24 AM.
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So, start to finish for one dog: 2 hours, 24 minutes!!!! Granted, I usually have to cut several of those steps out to save time. But of all the duties I have at animal control, this is my absolute favorite. I’d dump all the other stuff and do photography, web posting and rescue coordinating all day if I could! 

Lucy was adopted by an out-of-state adopter who came forward to save this older girl. 

williamwisephoto is saving to replace and upgrade the aging shelter camera. Any donation is a huge help!