Pet and nature photography blog by William Wise - WILLIAM WISE PHOTOGRAPHY

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Abbie and Addie

4/28/2017

Friday, 9:40 AM - Imagine leaving two cuties like this on the side of the road and driving off. Where is your heart? Well, that is what happened to these cute twin sisters. The gentleman that called Walton County Animal Control said someone in a red pickup truck put them out on the street and drove off.

I had just finished editing their photos and was about to post them on the web when a local rescuer came by to meet "Ziggy" and "Cassidy". So, without even advertising these cuties, there were already out the door and safe!

Abbie and Addie were photographed for Walton County Animal Control on April 28, 2017 and rescued the very same day by Circle of Friends Animal Society!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Ziggy

4/28/2017

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Friday, 9:44 AM - Those adorable eyes! I had to make them pop using some new burn and dodge techniques I learned in Photoshop this week.

“Ziggy” was a pretty pittie pup picked up in Conestoga Mobile Home Park on April 27, 2017. It was a cloudy morning, so I sat him up on a stack of hay bales near the rear of the shelter and fired away. Almost immediately, a shelter friend from a local rescue saw those eyes and came by to meet him.

Ziggy was photographed for Walton County Animal Control on April 28, 2017 and put on the website www.waltonpets.net. He was rescued first thing in the morning on May 1 by Circle of Friends Rescue! Ziggy had a generous $50 sponsorship from D. Miller.

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Trevor

4/27/2017

Thursday, 9:25 AM - “Cat season” has begun. Each spring commences a flood of stray cats trapped by citizens and surrendered to the shelter. Trevor was a big, unneutered male cat brought in on April 26, 2017, at the beginning of that wave of cat intake.

Trevor was trapped by a citizen on Rambling Woods Drive. Even though he was fat and healthy, he probably had no “owner”. People might feed an outdoor cat for years, but still call it a stray and not take responsibility. Being fairly tame, it was worth a shot at getting him adopted. He’d make a good barn cat… and there are a lot of people with barns in Walton County!

I shot Trevor in the shelter's "kitty studio" using a black sheet as a backdrop. Exposing for his white fur helped completely blacken the background.

"Trevor" was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control shelter on April 27, 2017. Trevor was rescued by Leica's Saving Paws rescue on May 1, 2017 and was sponsored with a donation by Catherine and Jim!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Conner

4/26/2017

Wednesday, 8:56 AM – Assembly line photography! I came in fired up and ready to get caught up on the photos this morning. I grabbed two lenses and my bag of squeaky toys, treats, bandanas and leashes. All the photos would be in the same spot behind the shelter, one after another, but I wanted to push through and get as many dogs done as I could.

I started in the A kennels and went down the line. Although “Conner” was microchipped and his owner most likely would be contacted, I grabbed him for a quick photo session anyway. I knew this handsome Dobie would be quite photogenic. Perhaps he’d even generate a little money as a stock photo sale (a whopping 42 cents per photo, lol).

Conner was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control shelter on April 26, 2017. He was claimed a few hours later by his owner.

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Bowser

4/26/2017

Wednesday 8:41 AM – Big Boy Bowser! He was a handsome Lab boy that was picked up stray by one of the animal control officers on April 25, 2017. He had been hanging around a house out in the country for a couple of days, but no owner had come looking for him, so he came into the care of the shelter.

Bowser didn’t think too highly of the black box that I kept pointing at him (my camera) and played the bashful boy. In fact, he was so stiff during his photo session, I actually had to pull him up into a sitting position and move his legs into a comfortable looking position! No amount of squeaky toys, imitation barking or offers of treats could get him to perk up his ears and get enthusiastic about having his pictures taken. But still a handsome boy nonetheless!

Bowser was photographed for Walton County Animal Control on April 26, 2017 and put on the shelter’s adoption website, www.waltonpets.net. Bowser was rescued by Niagara Dog Rescue on April 28! His rescue was sponsored by a donation pledge from D.!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Mickey

4/26/2017

Wednesday, 9:05 AM - “Mickey” was a really cute, young, medium-sized Beagle mix that was picked up stray at the Loganville Police Department on April 25, 2017. Being a smaller sized dog, he’d probably have a good shot at getting rescued quickly.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get his cute, little playful personality to come out in the photos. He didn’t like being leashed to a tree for photos too much... he would much rather have been playing with me than sitting for a photo shoot!

Mickey was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control shelter on April 26, 2017 and put on the shelter’s website, www.waltonpets.net for adoption or rescue. Mickey was adopted on April 29! His adoption was sponsored with a free neuter voucher from Paradox Spay/Neuter Clinic!

williamwisephoto is saving for a new professional level camera for the shelter photography and every little bit of support helps. Thanks!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Brody & Preston

4/26/2017

Wednesday, 8:09 AM - These two “brothers” were surrendered to the shelter late on Tuesday afternoon along with a couple of other strays. There was no time to get all their photos, heartworm testing, vaccines, etc done before leaving for the day.

Knowing I would have a busy morning, I came in to work a bit early. The sun is climbing earlier and earlier each day. Since I like to shoot in the shade, I have to beat it. The sun spots start coming through the trees around 9:05 AM now.

I did some rapid-fire sessions with Brody and Jasper. With so many dogs to photo and post, I edited and posted only one shot of each, intending to get to the rest later in the day. Well, within an hour of posting single photos of Brody and Preston, both had a rescue commitment on the way! Preston even got a second rescue inquiry.

Perhaps I could have saved time and just done an in-the-kennel shot. But I was quite motivated for the morning photography sessions having thought about them all evening.

Brody and Preston were photographed for the Walton County Animal Control shelter on April 26, 2017 and rescued within a few hours by Country Livin’ Pet Rescue!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Onyx

4/24/2017

Monday, 2:26 PM - I was finally able to turn my attention to a recently surrendered cat named Onyx. She was a calm cat that sat perfectly posed for her session. I probably should have used a white background, but wanted to give the grey muslin a chance.

Barbara from California, always a supporter of our shelter, went to the shelter photography wish list. She purchased the muslin backdrop and had it shipped directly to the shelter. Surprise! It is wonderful to have supporters that believe in what we do and partner with us!

Onyx was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control shelter on April 24, 2017. She was rescued by Morgan County Humane Society on April 25, 2017! Her rescue was sponsored by a pledge from Donna.

williamwisephoto is saving for a new professional level camera for the shelter photography and every little bit of support helps. Thanks!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Trenton

4/21/2017

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Friday, 2:03 PM - This was the week for some very pretty, photogenic dogs!

“Trenton” showed up at a gentleman’s house in Social Circle on April 20, 2017 and spent the night on the back patio. When he was still there in the morning, and no owner could be found, the man called Walton County Animal Control to pick him up, not doubting that a gorgeous boy like this would get a million applications.

“Trenton” had that wonderful, Aussie personality: quite happy and energetic. Wanting to get his photos done before leaving for the weekend, I did his photo shoot in the hay barn to get some shade from the bright, overhead, afternoon sun.

Trenton was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control Shelter on April 21, 2017 and put on the shelter’s website, www.waltonpets.net. Trenton was a popular pup and got 7 adoption applications and 3 rescue inquiries! He was adopted by one lucky family on April 26, 2017!

williamwisephoto is saving for a new professional level camera for the shelter photography and every little bit of support helps. Thanks!

Photo-Bombing American Robin

4/21/2017

William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. "Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is His work." Psalms 111:2

American Robin bird, Monroe, Georgia Picture

American Robin redbreast bird, Turdus migratorius, thrush. Backyard birding in Monroe, Walton County, GA, USA.

An American Robin hops by as I take outdoor photos of the animal shelter dogs needing adoption. It was either curious, or looking to photo-bomb our pet photo session!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Venus

4/20/2017

Absolutely gorgeous! That’s all I can say. Gorgeous! I love the Huskies and Malamutes. (Years ago I had a wonderful, large Malamute girl named Tsuga. She was a bit of a troublemaker, but one of my favorite dogs I’ve ever had in my family.)

“Venus” was picked up stray by an animal control officer on April 19, 2017. She was dragging a cheap six-foot cable tie-out. But since Huskies are free spirits and really shouldn’t be on a tether (nor should any dog, really), she bent the metal clip and got away from home.

Although her stray-hold had not yet expired, I had to take her out for a photoshoot. I knew her white coat and striking blue eyes would contrast so well with the dark background of the pond. Intake had also slowed a bit in the shelter, so I had a little extra time to process several photos. It was a cloudy, grayish morning, which made white balance selection a little challenging. But in the end, she looked absolutely stunning . It's hard to mess up a photo of such a gorgeous dog!

Venus was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control Shelter on April 20, 2017 and posted on www.waltonpets.net. Venus was adopted on April 24, 2017!

williamwisephoto is saving up for a new camera and every little bit of support helps. Thanks!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Bradford

4/18/2017

Being about 9 or 10 months old, “Bradford” was one of those goofy young pups that just lifted your spirits and made you want to play!

He was picked up stray in an area of Monroe where a lot of uncared for dogs run loose, most tending to be pit bull mixes. But Bradford had a different look, more like a Boxer or American Bulldog; and quite the funny boy.

It always gives me a chuckle to see a forty pound boy dog squat to pee. Teenagers!

It seemed like it took quite a bit of time for Bradford to finally get rescued. The first adoption applicant was a no-show. The second applicant had a dog that didn't quite like Bradford's energy level. (But it was tough for a young pup to be cooped up and then expected to be calm and obedient.) But Morgan Humane came through for him, with the urging of one of our shelter's sponsors, Eileen. Thanks all!

“Bradford” was photographed for Walton County Animal Control Shelter on April 18, 2017 and put on the shelter’s adoption website, www.waltonpets.net. Bradford was rescued on April 25, 2017 by Morgan Humane Society. His rescue was sponsored by generous donations from Alice, Eileen, Barbara, and D.!

williamwisephoto is saving up for a new camera and every little bit of support helps. Thanks!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Hope

4/18/2017

Tuesday, 8:13 AM

But I will hope continually...
- Psalm 71:14

“Hope” was a stray pitbull that entered Walton County Animal Control on April 11, 2017. It was very strange, but the 911 dispatcher said she was sitting on a picnic table in Matthews Park; perhaps in hope that someone would bring her in or even give her a bowl of food, for she was so skinny.

We all need a little hope. The dogs that enter the shelter don’t even realize the situation they are in. It’s a cruel game of Russian Roulette they have entered, and not all will make it out. Will their owner come forward? Will they get noticed? Will they have a happy ending?

But each dog that comes into our shelter has some hope. There are some wonderful people out there following the postings, and in hope for a good outcome, are willing pledge their hard earned money toward the rescue of each one. Nobody has money to spare, but our shelter sponsors are always so willing to give. They email their pledge, then watch and wait in hope. I am so thankful for all those that post their pledges to help our pups.

Hope was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control Shelter on April 18, 2017 and put on the shelter’s adoption website, www.waltonpets.net. Hope was rescued on April 21, 2017 and she was sponsored by generous donations from Lane, Alice, D., Heidi and Barbara!

williamwisephoto is saving up for a new camera and every little bit of support helps. Thanks!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Chance

4/18/2017

Chance's "glamour photo" taken when things calmed enough to allow time for a photo shoot.

Chance's first photo in the shelter. Decent enough, but certainly not eye-catching.

Tuesday, 8:35 AM - “Chance” was a happy Lab/bulldog mixed breed that was picked up stray by an animal control officer on April 11, 2017. He was found on some large, rural acreage on the back roads of Gratis. Once back at the shelter he tested heartworm negative, was given a round of vaccines and flea medicine, and proved to be a playful, social boy.

It never ceases to amaze me how some great light can totally transform a photograph. I took “Chance” out by the shelter pond early on Tuesday morning. The sun had just crested over the trees behind me, but was slightly softened by a thin layer of clouds. The warm morning rays brought out a shine to his handsome black coat and eyes.

Chance has the same pose and cute head tilt in his kennel shot, but what a vast improvement the outdoor lighting can make.

Too bad things get so hectic here in the shelter that I just can't get to all the "glamour shots" quick enough. Chance's photo session had to wait nearly a week before I had a spare moment. I'd love to leave behind the headaches of overseeing the animal control operations and running a shelter to solely concentrate on photography and rescue coordination.

Chance was photographed for Walton County Animal Control shelter on April 18, 2017 and placed on the shelter’s adoption website, www.waltonpets.net. Chance was rescued on April 21, 2017 and he was sponsored by generous donations from Lane, Alice, D., Heidi and Barbara!

williamwisephoto is saving up for a new camera and every little bit of support helps. Thanks!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Magnolia

4/17/2017

Monday, 4:21 PM - Whippet? Fiest? Rhodesian?

“Magnolia” was one of those puzzling dogs for breed identification. Every time I looked at her adoption posts, I edited her breed!

She was a petite dog with a tapered waist and snout, like a sighthound or Whippet. She had a shiny red coat with a bit of a ridge, but way too small for a Rhodesian. Then she had these cute little ears, like a Shar pei, but no prickly fur or muzzle.

Well, no matter the breed, she was a sweet, petite girl. One of my shelter favorites at the time (but, man, do I have a lot of favorites!).

Magnolia was picked up stray by Walton County Animal Control and photographed on April 17, 2017. She was put up for adoption or rescue on the shelter’s website, www.waltonpets.net. She was rescued on April 19 by Alcovy Pet Rescue. Her rescue was sponsored by donations from Eileen and Alice. Thanks all!

williamwisephoto is saving up for a new camera and every little bit of support helps. Thanks!

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In December 1993 I came to know the Designer and Creator of this wonderful planet and its creatures: Jesus Christ.

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