For the purpose of this class, we are using photography to help and benefit animals at the Wake County Animal Center. We use our photographs to help the animals get adopted. Our photographs help these animals in a variety of ways. For example, when the animals arrive at the center, they have their picture taken; however, the picture may not even have the animal looking at the camera. The animal may look scared, be hiding in the back of a crate, or have objects blocking the animal. My classmates and I aim to get the animals to look at the camera and then we edit the pictures and make the animals look more adoptable. Our photographs are uploaded onto the Wake County Animal Center website. Our goal is to help these animals find homes. It is much better to look on the center's website and see an animal staring at the camera and who does not appear frightened.
Our photographs could also benefit the animals because these photographs can be featured in a calendar or article that the Wake County Animal Center uses. People from the community are able to see these photographs and then decide if they want to go to the center and see the animal! These had a direct impact on the animal's lives as this can mean a forever home to them! Another example of how photography impacts the animals at the center is my classmates and I talking with the public. For example, since my classmates and I wear a gown, gloves, and often have a key around our necks, and a camera, many people begin to ask us questions. I am always happy to speak with the public and answer any questions I can. It is always exciting when I see a successful adoption story play out in front of me. There is truly no greater joy! Our class and photography can have an impact in this way also as we can speak with the public while taking our photographs for the class.
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| Aerial 71676 Photo Courtesy of Brittany Murray Photo Taken: May 18th, 2012 |
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| Buddy 70976 Photo Courtesy of Brittany Murray Photo Taken: May 16th, 2012 |
Although I am still learning the ins and outs of Photoshop, I have learned a great deal about the program and have been able to enhance the photos I take. For example, I can bring out the catch lights in the eyes of the animal and brighten their eyes for the photo. I can also lighten the ears of the animal. I can use various techniques to make sure that the focus is on the animal and not the objects in the background. I can adjust the color balance and fix the size of the image. I can also crop the image and use the cloning technique to remove any "eye gunk" from the animal's face. By using my artistic abilities, I can enhance the photograph and make the animal more adoptable. One of my classmates compared the Photoshop techniques to makeup. It is a great comparison as I am not changing the animal; however, I am bringing out the features that the animal has to offer. All of the ways above are examples of how my artistic skills can enhance the impact.
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| Chief Finn 71816 Photo Courtesy of Brittany Murray Photo Taken: May 30th, 2012 |
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| Jenkins 71885 Photo Courtesy of Brittany Murray Photo Taken: May 30th, 2012 |
As I was thinking about another art form that could benefit the animals, I thought first about our photography. It would be nice to have photos displayed of the animals at various events and meetings that the Wake County Center is involved with. For example, if the Wake County Animal Center had a binder with photographs that our class had taken, they could present the binder at different meetings and say, "This is what a class from Meredith has done. They have taken pictures of the animals to help the animals find a home!" This binder would allow others to see our ideas and collaborate. I also thought about writing. Writing about each of these animals, just a few short sentences could also help in our photography. I know there are people who write the bios for the animals; however, by collaborating with us (the Meredith students), we could combine our thoughts for the bios. There are many art forms that could be used to benefit the animals and we should continue to all think of ideas.
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| Gorganzola 67022 Photo Courtesy of Brittany Murray Photo Taken: May 30th, 2012 |
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| Marcel 71570 Photo Courtesy of Brittany Murray Photo Taken: May |
This post is great, you explained everything very thorough and well. I like how you talked about photography being on telephone post and part of impacting our everyday lives at the beginning of this post. The pictures you put up while explaining your examples were beneficial to understanding the impact art has on shelters, putting up multiple shots with captions and explanations is helpful. Also, I love how you talked about the fact that the public is able to talk to you because you appear as a leader or in some type of authority at the shelter because of your outfit and camera. At the YCAS, I do not wear a gown, and have only seen maybe 2 or 3 people come inside, so I had not thought of that point. I know when you act like you know what you are doing (or actually know what you are doing) in an environment that is unfamiliar to many people, such as a gym, school, doctors office or anywhere else that you are putting yourself in a position to answer questions to others, so I am glad to hear of the example of you being a leader in the shelter and helping others.
ReplyDeleteSara-Anne
DeleteThat is interesting that you don't have to wear a gown and gloves. Can you interact with the animals with out wearing things that will prevent you caring diseases from one animal to the next? I am interested to see what the shelter is like where you go too? I would defiantly like to know more and see a different place/surroundings.
Sara-Anne, thank you so much for your comment. I felt as though I should include about how photography has an impact on our daily lives. Before this class, I did not even realize just how exposed I am to photography each and every day. I am glad the pictures I posted helped with the post. You make a great point about the public. I never imagined when I was volunteering that the public would see my classmates and I as workers; however, with our gown and gloves, it is difficult to tell if we are volunteers or workers. The YCAS sounds much different than the Wake County Animal Center. I am glad you have been posting pictures and letting us see the renovations and what is going on your way! I enjoy your blog! Thank you again!
DeleteWow, you did a great job explaining everything. I like how you started off your post when your talking about how photos can bring us back to a place in time that we can remember. It is so true, you have to have your camera where ever you go, especially and Meredith girl, never know when you might need it. Posting pictures all over town like telephones is another way to let the public know that their animal is missing. The pictures with the explanations paints more of a picture of what art can do for the animal as well as the shelter. Great job talking about the impact on photography!
ReplyDeleteBailey, I always enjoy reading your comments! Thank you! It is so true...photos can help us remember events and a specific time and place. We can all relate to the feeling of needing our camera close by...especially at Meredith. We never like to miss a photo opportunity. I thought about how we pass photos of animals all the time and these can help people locate a missing pet and be on the lookout. The explanations can allow people to see what the animal is truly like and if the adoption would be a good match for both the animal and the potential family. Again, thanks for your comment!
DeleteGreat post! I am hoping the online exhibition might function much like the binder idea mentioned above. Great insights.
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