We have countless pictures of our pets stored on our smartphones and computers because most of us feel that every moment shared with our furry friends is photo-worthy. But, quantity doesn’t always equal quality. That's where hiring a professional photographer can make a difference with pictures that unquestionably captures the true essence and unforgettable images of our beloved family pets. Dawn Burkhart, owner of Boise Pet Photography (@BoisePetPhotography) not only provides private photography sessions, she generously donates time to rescue/foster organizations and humane societies, photographing the pets most in need of forever homes.
How did you begin photographing pets? I began photographing pets ten years ago after a cancer diagnosis. At the time I believed I would not survive the cancer - I was given a 0% five-year survival rate and that was almost ten years ago - and I really needed something else to focus on rather than dying. I knew I wanted to do something to help animals, so I started volunteering to take their photos at any rescue/shelter that would have me. It just became my mission and it grew and grew [and] I hardly even think about cancer anymore. Photography really saved my from that.
What inspires you? My photography is very much my hobby and I do not schedule sessions as a full-time endeavor. Today I do pro bono work for several rescues and I like to think I have gotten some much needed attention for dogs that otherwise would have been overlooked. I also do several fundraisers throughout the year for them. My husband and I also foster puppies. I have done pro bono work for PugPals, Saint Bernard Rescue, Meridian Canine Rescue, German Shepard Rescue, Paws Rescue, Fuzzy Pawz, West Valley, Simply Cats, Furever Friends Animal Rescue, Freedom Bound Hounds, Lake Lowe, Idaho Humane Society, Boise Bully Breed Rescue and Green Heart Rescue. It’s been the honor of my life to help these dogs and cats find their people. My favorite photography sessions are the "Rainbow Bridge" photos which captures the relationship with owners and their ailing pets.
What makes for a great photography session? A great photography session for me is one with no plan. Working with animals means we get to be silly and go with the flow. I let the dogs decide what kind of session we’re doing. If they want to be snuggly, or playful or shy, I just work with that. No one has to fake a smilie when they are with their pets.
What is important to convey to pet owners? Pet owners should know that first of all, this is pet photography, there is no stress! I like to use the Mike Tyson saying, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” My sessions are fun and silly and we never ask the dogs do to more than they are willing to do. If someone is expecting the classic photo of everyone staring into the camera looking perfect and the dogs are on either side like little statues, that’s probably not what we're going to get. I like to convey that I don’t take photos of people with their dogs, I take photos of dogs with their people. The dogs are the star of my show. Because my mission is to help rescue pets get the attention they need, I only take a few clients a month as this allows me to keep working pro bono.