Shelter-Me Photography

Each year, an estimated 6 to 8 million pets enter the shelter system in America. Nearly 50% never make it out alive. Shelter Me Photography is committed to saving homeless pets by changing society's perception of them with pictures that touch hearts, change minds and save lives.

Testimonials

"There are not enough words to express the good work Nanette selflessly gives to saving the lives of animals in shelters. She is an extraordinarily talented photographer combined with the most compassionate heart I know. She is an invaluable asset to shelters with hi-kill rates and has helped get loads of animals adopted. Thank you Nanette for all you do." Mary Missy Taylor, rescuer

"Nanette has a remarkable rapport with animals and her passion and dedication to them is infectious! Her workshop provides valuable insights on how to shoot high quality pictures and techniques for working with animals to get the right shot. The workshop also gives each student hands-on experience taking pictures and handling animals. Nanette is highly skilled, patient, and very generous with her time and knowledge!" Allen Upton, SPCA Brevard County

"Nanette came to Caddo parish. She taught me more than I ever could imagine. I can not say how much her class has changed my life. Thank you, Nanette. You are truly a hero." Yvonne Stephens, Caddo Parish

"Shelter Me Photography arrived on the scene after hurricane Harvey hit Houston and rendered thousands of pets homeless! Not only did Nanette spring into action to photograph dogs and cats in less than ideal conditions, but she frequently jumped in to help with animal care as well. Her calm presence and spirit of teamwork were greatly appreciated by all, humans and pets alike! Shelter Me came in at an extremely difficult time and provided an invaluable service snapping high quality photos of the dogs and cats displaced by Harvey living in our shelter, and these photos helped showcase the pets to fosters, adopters, and other rescue groups who brought these flood survivors into their homes. We are so grateful that she was able to donate her time and experience to help us during this unprecedented disaster." Houston Pets Alive

"Concordia PAWS in Ferriday, Louisiana, faces an incredible challenge every day. Not only is our parish overrun with stray dogs, we are also in one of the worst areas across the nation for dog fighting. We have no spay and neuter laws in Louisiana, so our task is daunting. In our 15 months of operation we have remained at full capacity.
Our adoption rate was almost nil. Because we got a lot of publicity when we started due to a dog fighting bust, everyone assumed all we had in our shelter were mean pit bulls. We have a very active social media presence and posted photos begging people to adopt, but had no success.
When Nanette Martin with Shelter Me Photography contacted me to offer her help by coming to take photos of our dogs I almost thought it was a hoax. Who would give up their successful career to do something like that, and why? But once I saw on her website that she was sponsored by Purina. I knew she must be trustworthy.
When Nanette arrived she immediately jumped into action to get us a good set up for taking our own photos. We didn't understand the importance of that until we had our training session with her. The presentation made it so clear that we had been doing everything wrong when we posted dogs for adoption. Our photos of the dogs from behind the bars of their kennels, pulling hard against their leash, or hunkered down in fear were totally non-productive. Who wanted to adopt those dogs?
It is amazing what we learned from Nanette in such a short time. We were very impressed with Nanette's knowledge and friendly way of showing us the proper way to showcase our dogs. The opportunity to work with her while she photographed our dogs was invaluable.
Because we were so impressed with Nanette, we requested the newspaper do an article on her, her work and the great opportunity she has to help shelters around the country thanks to Purina's financial support. It was a great article and we got lots of positive feedback. (And lots of Purina dog food!)
Once Nanette's photographs went up on our Adoptable Shelter Pets page on Facebook, we started getting inquiries about the dogs right away. It was clear she knew what she was doing. We adopted out several dogs within a few weeks. Even pit bulls! We were thrilled. Clearly people felt a connection to the dogs through these photos.
Now we use Nanette's techniques and our adoption rate has gone way up! We are very, very grateful to Shelter Me Photography and Purina for their help. Shelters around the nation need this program to help them success that their mission."

"Nanette's passion for her work and for the animals is limitless and that shows in the way she teaches - whether it be for a room full of people or just one on one...