"Photography is my hobby; animal control is my career. When those two worlds came together, good things began to happen."
The main mission of my daily photography is to find new homes for dogs and cats in the Walton County Animal Control, Georgia, shelter via the website, waltonpets.net. My second mission is to convince other government run shelters that they can do the same. By taking some initiative and implementing some basic photography tips, they too can greatly increase the live-release rate of their shelter. I also desire to help other shelter photographers improve their skills through my tips and blogs.
- The Shelter Photography Tips page outlines 10 tips to increase adoptions and rescues through quality photography.
- The What it Takes page is the story of one shelter Pitbull, "Cinnamon", and the steps it takes to save just one shelter dog.
- The Waltonpets Furtography Session blog posts tell the stories behind many of the shelter animals' photo sessions.
What does it take to save one dog? Click to find out.
God blessed me with a position with a rural animal control department in Walton County, Georgia in 2009. The most urgent need was to reduce the number of animals dying in the shelter. In 2008, a shocking 1,318 dogs were euthanized, with only 308 dogs being adopted or rescued that entire year. We went to work to turn that around. My initial photos were low quality kennel shots; but at least it was something. Over the years I have really pushed myself to improve the quality of the photos. From 2008 to 2018 there has been a 81% decrease in dog euthanasia! Over a thousand more dogs are being saved per year. Truly, a picture is worth a thousand rescues!
Your shelter can do it too...This can be done at any government-run shelter. Our shelter didn't have a volunteer photographer or funds to hire a professional, so I did it myself. I have taken a few classes, but mainly take advantage of all the information out there on the web. I was shocked to see the improvement from just a few simple tips. You can implement those tips at your shelter as well. It can be done if you want it done!
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Support...100% of donations made through this site go directly back into the animal shelter photography. Donating here helps pay for waltonpets.net hosting and domain fees since the Walton County Gov't does not pay for external websites. Donations also help upgrade and maintain camera equipment. Thanks for your support!
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Waltonpets Furtography Sessions
Click on the photos to read the blog behind the photos...
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2018 Waltonpets Furtography Sessions
Click on the photos to read the blog behind the photos...
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2017 Shelter Photography Favorites
Click on the photo to read their Furtography Sesson Blog:
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2016 Favorites
2015 Favorites
2014 Favorites
Older Favorites
Some emails in response to the photography on Waltonpets.net.
"To the end that my glory may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever."
- Psalm 30:12
- Psalm 30:12
I have spent many hours looking for just the right dog on Rescue Me. Last week I had made application for a dog, I don't know if she was adopted, or other, but I'm certain she went to a better home. My reason for writing, however, is to pay a compliment to your animal photographer. You consistently have really beautiful pictures on your site and I'm certain it adds to interest in your animals. I made application earlier today for a Pit mix, Gina, the photo of her was a great capturing of this breeds most expressive features, very well done." - John, March 17, 2022
"I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy looking at your photos. As a wildlife artist myself, I really appreciate the quality of your work! You capture the personality of each animal beautifully. My guess is that you have single-handedly been responsible for many adoptions." - Alan, November, 2012
"I just wanted to take a minute to thank and congratulate Bill Wise on his efforts with the animals. Your photography is what is finding these animals homes. Every day members of our various pet groups comment that 'if not for these awesome pictures these animals would be doomed'. I agree 100%. Keep on doing what you do. You are capturing these animals' spirits in your photographs. I know sometimes it must seem like a thankless job of heartbreak, but we consider you a hero. Since the dogs can't speak to you, I want to thank you on their behalf. Keep up the good work." - Barbara, 2016
I just saw your photography website, I didn't realize you are the one who takes these beautiful photos of dogs at the shelter. Your photos are amazing, Bill! You are very talented. I wish there were more wonderful people like you working with animals, especially here in Southern California! I live in Los Angeles, and work in the film industry, and I can honestly tell you that I haven't encountered many people as talented as you are even though LA is full of photographers. You are the real deal. Much gratitude for what you do! You have a heart of gold. -April 30, 2012
Great job! And i LOVE the pictures, that shows that you guys take pride in finding a home for these babies. Who ever your photographer is give them BIG kudos. - April 2013
You do great work, the pictures alone show the time, emotion, and love that go into getting shelter pets a home. You have responded quickly to all my inquiries and your actions speak volumes...keep up the good work!! - April 2013
We recently adopted a dog, and during the process I've been watching the Walton Co Animal Control Site. I want to compliment you on the beautiful photography. I'm a hobbyist photographer myself, and appreciate the skill that you bring to the photos. My mouth dropped open when I compared this to what I remembered about the website when we first moved to the area (2004/5). Great work and I'm sure your photos are helping make a difference for these animals. - October 30, 2012
I have no doubt your photos help these pups find new homes. You really have an eye and talent to capture the life and personality of these pups. Thank you for caring. I wish you were the Ag Commissioner so you could implement changes with our local shelters. Your shelter is so positive.....Really an inspiration and shining light in this sometime grim environment of rescue. Thanks again for all you do, Town and Country Jack Russell Terrier Rescue - May 30, 2012
Thanks, Bill!!! Your photos are so compelling... they really seem to reveal the personalities, which makes it easier to think about driving six hours to adopt. Thanks very much, again. -April 13, 2012
Thank you !!! I'm so impressed by your photos!! They are gorgeous, both shelter and non-shelter are incredible. For you to have this much talent and devote your talent and time to the animals says so much about you!!! Thank you again for your love and dedication to these innocent ones!! -April 13, 2012
Shelter Director Bill Wise has a true gift, to show such emotion and to use his talent in a wonderful way!!!I think that's awesome. He's great! Good luck to you all and the animals y'all are working so hard to place! - Bark Avenue, April 12, 2012
I just wanted to say that your photo work of the Walton pets is so nicely done and eye-catching. I feel sure that it aids immensely in their rescues and adoptions! I have a small photo biz and have offered to donate photo services to some of the local shelters, but no one has taken me up on it yet. I wish they would view your work and see what a huge difference it can make. Anyway, I'll be viewing the Walton Pets site in the future as much to view your lovely work as to check out the animals. -May 25, 2012
The dogs' photos and expressions are truly moving. The shelter director takes these photos and he takes time to truly find the personality of the dogs and cats in the photos. There is a special place in heaven for him! -May 16, 2012
I would like to let you know how much I enjoy following your shelter site, waltonpets.net. Your photo's of the animals are beautiful. I do believe it aids in them getting adopted/rescued. You have a talent. -May 15, 2012
Thank you also for the work that you do with the shelter. I know that you do the photography and we are so blessed to have you work in our County. -April 21, 2012
OMG! Another amazing photo of a gorgeous dog! I wish you were here in NY. All the dogs waiting to die would get homes! -Senior Pets NYC, May 18, 2012
You do wonderful work catching the essence of these animals. Do you do any family portraits? Maybe you could do the same for my family? Just wondering! -March 23, 2012
Let me compliment you on your fabulous photography of the dogs. I think this helps a lot in adopting them out! -March 23, 2012
"I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy looking at your photos. As a wildlife artist myself, I really appreciate the quality of your work! You capture the personality of each animal beautifully. My guess is that you have single-handedly been responsible for many adoptions." - Alan, November, 2012
"I just wanted to take a minute to thank and congratulate Bill Wise on his efforts with the animals. Your photography is what is finding these animals homes. Every day members of our various pet groups comment that 'if not for these awesome pictures these animals would be doomed'. I agree 100%. Keep on doing what you do. You are capturing these animals' spirits in your photographs. I know sometimes it must seem like a thankless job of heartbreak, but we consider you a hero. Since the dogs can't speak to you, I want to thank you on their behalf. Keep up the good work." - Barbara, 2016
I just saw your photography website, I didn't realize you are the one who takes these beautiful photos of dogs at the shelter. Your photos are amazing, Bill! You are very talented. I wish there were more wonderful people like you working with animals, especially here in Southern California! I live in Los Angeles, and work in the film industry, and I can honestly tell you that I haven't encountered many people as talented as you are even though LA is full of photographers. You are the real deal. Much gratitude for what you do! You have a heart of gold. -April 30, 2012
Great job! And i LOVE the pictures, that shows that you guys take pride in finding a home for these babies. Who ever your photographer is give them BIG kudos. - April 2013
You do great work, the pictures alone show the time, emotion, and love that go into getting shelter pets a home. You have responded quickly to all my inquiries and your actions speak volumes...keep up the good work!! - April 2013
We recently adopted a dog, and during the process I've been watching the Walton Co Animal Control Site. I want to compliment you on the beautiful photography. I'm a hobbyist photographer myself, and appreciate the skill that you bring to the photos. My mouth dropped open when I compared this to what I remembered about the website when we first moved to the area (2004/5). Great work and I'm sure your photos are helping make a difference for these animals. - October 30, 2012
I have no doubt your photos help these pups find new homes. You really have an eye and talent to capture the life and personality of these pups. Thank you for caring. I wish you were the Ag Commissioner so you could implement changes with our local shelters. Your shelter is so positive.....Really an inspiration and shining light in this sometime grim environment of rescue. Thanks again for all you do, Town and Country Jack Russell Terrier Rescue - May 30, 2012
Thanks, Bill!!! Your photos are so compelling... they really seem to reveal the personalities, which makes it easier to think about driving six hours to adopt. Thanks very much, again. -April 13, 2012
Thank you !!! I'm so impressed by your photos!! They are gorgeous, both shelter and non-shelter are incredible. For you to have this much talent and devote your talent and time to the animals says so much about you!!! Thank you again for your love and dedication to these innocent ones!! -April 13, 2012
Shelter Director Bill Wise has a true gift, to show such emotion and to use his talent in a wonderful way!!!I think that's awesome. He's great! Good luck to you all and the animals y'all are working so hard to place! - Bark Avenue, April 12, 2012
I just wanted to say that your photo work of the Walton pets is so nicely done and eye-catching. I feel sure that it aids immensely in their rescues and adoptions! I have a small photo biz and have offered to donate photo services to some of the local shelters, but no one has taken me up on it yet. I wish they would view your work and see what a huge difference it can make. Anyway, I'll be viewing the Walton Pets site in the future as much to view your lovely work as to check out the animals. -May 25, 2012
The dogs' photos and expressions are truly moving. The shelter director takes these photos and he takes time to truly find the personality of the dogs and cats in the photos. There is a special place in heaven for him! -May 16, 2012
I would like to let you know how much I enjoy following your shelter site, waltonpets.net. Your photo's of the animals are beautiful. I do believe it aids in them getting adopted/rescued. You have a talent. -May 15, 2012
Thank you also for the work that you do with the shelter. I know that you do the photography and we are so blessed to have you work in our County. -April 21, 2012
OMG! Another amazing photo of a gorgeous dog! I wish you were here in NY. All the dogs waiting to die would get homes! -Senior Pets NYC, May 18, 2012
You do wonderful work catching the essence of these animals. Do you do any family portraits? Maybe you could do the same for my family? Just wondering! -March 23, 2012
Let me compliment you on your fabulous photography of the dogs. I think this helps a lot in adopting them out! -March 23, 2012
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Contact me here:
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 All content is ©williamwisephoto.com. Please don't steal images. My images are available at dreamstime.com. Stock sales go into the shelter photography program.
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In December 1993 I came to know the Designer and Creator of this wonderful planet and its creatures: Jesus Christ.
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Donations help support the animal shelter adoption photography equipment and adoption website hosting and domain fees. Thanks for your support!
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