Saving Lives Never Goes Out of Style
Helen Woodward Animal Center critters… Polo, Hashbrown, Gema, Sheila, Langdon, Moka, and Zuzu (feature image). Photo credit – Photo ©2016 Terran Bayer, Westway Studio | westwaypets.com
Rancho Santa Fe, CA (Feb. 10, 2016) – Inspired by New York Fashion Week hitting runways this weekend, Helen Woodward Animal Center and Viewbug are encouraging photography buffs and novices to capture the swankier-sides of their favorite rescue critters. Reminding contestants that “Saving Lives Never Goes Out of Style,” a Pet Fashion Photo Contest is running through the fashion-focused month of February and ends with one winning photographer selected to receive a donation to the Center in their name, along with an Amazon Gift Card prize to keep. The international contest kicked off last week and has already received over 2,500 submissions. Helen Woodward Animal Center got into the spirit with a cover-model-inspired fashion photo shoot featuring Center orphan dogs and cats, along with rescue education and therapy pets, captured in high-style by Westway Studio Pet Photography. The Viewbug Pet Fashion Photo Contest is still taking submissions and runs through February 28th on www.viewbug.com.
This is Helen Woodward Animal Center’s 3rd year of aligning its orphan pets with New York Fashion Week. The idea to photograph adoptables in high-fashion settings stems from numerous reports citing an increase in adoption rates of orphan pets with great profile pictures vs. photos showing the same pet in less flattering surroundings. Helen Woodward Animal Center PR & Communications Assistant Manager Mindy Wright explained, “It’s amazing how many people don’t understand that a pet purchased from a breeder is no different than one adopted at a rescue facility. Both have the same capacity to love, learn and become amazing family members but images of orphan animals looking unhappy, un-groomed and behind bars, can lead to misperceptions about what those pets are really like. A fashion photo shoot allows us to highlight the unique personality of each of these wonderful animals and show off their incredible beauty.”
Viewbug was founded by photography buffs Ori Guttin and Jimmy Lozowsky, with a goal of redefining photo contests. The duo set out to build a unique photography community that fosters collaboration and rewards creativity. Today, Viewbug has run over 2,500 contests and received over 72 million total submissions, each judged by world-renowned photographers and supported by a team of top-notch advisors. But perhaps most noteworthy, Guttin and Lozowsky also have a strong philanthropic spirit and often theme and reward their contests in ways that support local charities. The Pet Fashion Photo Contest perfectly aligned with Helen Woodward Animal Center’s goal of redefining the image of shelter pets.
Terran Bayer of Westway Studio Pet Photography generously donated her skills to the Helen Woodward Animal Center shoot. With a website teeming with gorgeous photos of pets of all kinds and a mission to “capture the personalities, the hearts, and the souls of four (and sometimes three) – legged family members,” Bayer was an absolute natural with each of the Center critters including: orphan cat Langdon; education and Pet Encounter Therapy guinea pig Gemma; orphan pup Polo; education and Pet Encounter Therapy Flemish giant rabbit Hashbrown; orphan cat Moka; education blue-tongue skink Sheila; and orphan puppy Zuzu. Stated Bayer, “Orphan animals hold a very special place in my heart and I want to do everything I can to help the world see how amazing they are. No matter their past, every rescue animal I’ve worked with is so full of life and open to love. It’s truly an honor to capture their spirits through my lens to help potential families see their special gifts. Shelter pets are no different than ones from a breeder; they are just as cute, cuddly, and ready to be a loyal friend. I love getting to play a role — however large or small it may be — in helping an adoptable pet find the perfect family!”
Haute Couture is a thrill on the runway and the latest fashion trend is always in demand, but the true love of a devoted companion is something that will simply never go out of style.
If you are interested in adopting, would like to make a donation, or would like more information, please contact Helen Woodward Animal Center Adoption Department at: 858-756-4117 ext. 313, or stop by at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe.