From overlooked to unforgettable! Professional portraits of hard-to-adopt dogs!
A Photography Project With a Purpose
Picture Me Adopted is a passion project created to help overlooked shelter and rescue dogs finally be seen.
Since 2020, shelters and rescues across the country have been overflowing. Euthanasia for space is at an all-time high, and many dogs are spending months — even years — growing up in kennels, never knowing what it feels like to live in a home or be part of a family.
These dogs aren’t unlovable.
They’re simply unseen.
Why This Project Matters
Shelter environments are stressful. Loud noises, constant movement, and confinement can make even the sweetest dog appear shut down, anxious, or overstimulated. Unfortunately, first impressions matter — and many incredible dogs are repeatedly passed over because their true personalities never get the chance to shine.
Picture Me Adopted exists to change that.
Through intentional, personality-driven photography, this project showcases dogs as they truly are — playful, soulful, affectionate, and full of potential — helping future adopters see beyond the kennel and imagine life with them at home.
The Goal
The mission is simple but powerful:
Put the spotlight on dogs who have been sitting in rescue for extended periods of time and help them find loving homes.
My (slightly outrageous) goal is to help 25 dogs get adopted in 2026 through this project.
How Picture Me Adopted Works
• I work exclusively with small shelters and rescue organizations
• Participation is application-based
• I am able to photograph 1–3 dogs per month
• Sessions are completely free for rescues
• Rescues receive high-quality, professional images to use for:
• Adoption listings
• Social media
• Websites and marketing materials
• Each dog will also be featured and promoted across my own platforms to help expand their reach
• Once adopted, future families may purchase the images if they wish to keep them as a meaningful part of their dog’s story
Who This Project Is For
Picture Me Adopted is ideal for:
• Dogs who have been in rescue for an extended period of time
• Dogs frequently overlooked due to age, breed, size, or appearance
• Dogs whose personalities are difficult to see in a shelter environment
• Rescues looking for elevated, intentional imagery to support adoption efforts
Apply for Picture Me Adopted
Applications are currently open for rescues and shelters.
Due to limited availability, all submissions are reviewed carefully to ensure the greatest impact for both the dogs and the organizations involved. Please fill out the contact form below to get started!
Rescues please fill out the contact form to start the application process!
For Adopters
If you’re searching for a dog and want to truly see who they are, Picture Me Adopted was created with you in mind.
The dogs featured in this project have been photographed outside of the shelter environment whenever possible, allowing their real personalities to shine — their curiosity, softness, playfulness, and connection. These images are meant to help you look beyond a kennel door and imagine what life with that dog could feel like at home.
What to Expect
• Every dog featured is currently available for adoption through a rescue or shelter
• Adoption inquiries and approvals are handled directly through the rescue
• Photography sessions are designed to show personality, not perfection
• Images may reflect the dog relaxed, engaged, and being themselves
After Adoption
Once a dog has found their forever home, adopters will have the option to purchase the images from their session. Many families choose to do this as a meaningful keepsake — a reminder of where their dog’s story changed forever.
There is no obligation to purchase photographs, and doing so is entirely optional.
How You Can Help
Even if you’re not ready to adopt:
• Share featured dogs with friends and family
• Help amplify their stories on social media
• Tag rescues and spread awareness
Sometimes the right dog just needs the right person to see them.