Posted on: Sunday, April 17, 2005
ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Snap your pets for spot in calendar
| • | Adoptables |
Hawaiian Humane Society
With more than half the homes on O'ahu having pets, it's clear that pets are rising in status as honored family members. Pet photos appear on personal checks, in frames on office desks and displayed on living room walls.
"As pets have become an integral part of the family, my pet clientele has increased and I'm seeing an increase in pets as part of weddings," says professional photographer Stan Wright, who specializes in pet portraits.
Each year, the Hawaiian Humane Society publishes the Pets in Paradise calendar. The fifth anniversary edition will feature every companion animal entered as a monthly pin-up or in a pet collage in more than 4,000 calendars sold throughout O'ahu.
Last year the calendar entries totaled more than 1,000 photos. Sachie Yakuwa's photo of her three dogs sitting on a surfboard on Diamond Head Beach was chosen for the cover of the humane society's 2005 calendar.
"All the judges agreed that this photo was a winner," Wright said. "The dogs look happy, the beach is gorgeous and the yellow life jackets and surfboard design add a nice splash of color."
Photo entries for the 2006 calendar will be accepted until May 31. The $15 entry fee raises money to help support the Hawaiian Humane Society.
Wright, who serves as a judge for the Pets in Paradise calendar, offers the following suggestions to help you take a great pet photo:
Entry forms are available at www.hawaiianhumane.org, via e-mail at hhs@hawaiianhumane.org and at the Humane Society, 2700 Wai'alae Ave., Honolulu
Photo requirements: Entries must be color photo prints in a horizontal layout, no larger than 4- by 6-inches and contain only animals (no people). Digital photos must be high-resolution and printed on photo-quality paper. Include $15 for each photo. No Polaroid shots, discs, e-mail or computer-generated photos printed on plain paper. Photos must be received by May 31 and will not be returned. • If taking outdoor photos, consider the backdrop. In Hawai'i it's not difficult to find a stunning location. The background should contribute to the photo and enhance rather than overwhelm your pet. • Making your photo stand out is simple. Find a great spot outside, place your pet in the foreground, get close, show your pet his favorite treat or toy, make a noise to get his attention and snap the photo quickly. If you can't take your pet to a beautiful view, use the foliage in the yard or a simple, uncluttered setting indoors. • Indoor photos also can be charming. Loki the cat was captured in a photo under the colorfully decorated holiday tree, a perfect pick for the December 2005 pinup. • If your pet is posing sweetly on the sofa, move the pillows, the newspaper and distracting items away before you take the picture. With two or more pets in the photo, catch them reacting to one another. Smear something tasty behind one of their ears and see if they look like they're snuggling. Get their attention with a squeaky toy so your pet is looking at the camera, ears perked up, head cocked to one side. Most important, get close and be patient. • Natural light works best for most pets and eliminates red-eye in the photograph. If your animal is very dark or very light, a flash might improve the definition of the subject's features.
• The humane society encourages photo entries from all types of pets, not just dogs and cats. The pin-up for February 2005 featured two rabbits — D'Artagnan and Teddy. Rats, colorful parrots, guinea pigs, birds, goats and goldfish have all appeared in Pets in Paradise.
"Start now and be patient," Wright said. "Begin with short photo sessions when your pet is 'in the mood' and keep the camera ready for candid shots."
Tag no. 59799. Here is an adult cat that would be a great addition to almost any family. Jerry gets along with other cats, kids, adults and even some dogs. Already neutered, he has been declawed on his front paws, so he's an indoor-only cat.
Tag no. 60090. Our Hershey is a hound mix wearing a short coat of chocolate brown. She is just a year old, still a pup but full-grown, with a sweet personality. Her lanky medium size makes her the perfect pal for a playful family and a smaller yard.
These animals may have already found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open daily. For hours, directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, visit www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost and found animals.
• Anticipate the best time for a portrait. Your pet should be alert, but not overly frisky. Get Fido to be still by distracting him with a noise or toy at the moment of exposure. Be ready to try a variety of things to get the reaction you want.
How to enter
Jerry
Hershey
