Photographers
SMP is not hiring at this time. Please check back periodically.
We take great pride in producing what we, and many of our clients and supporters, believe to be the highest quality shelter images on the Internet. Our images are not only expediting adoptions, they are changing the way people see shelter animals and attracting corporate sponsors and partners that realize the potential advertising, PR and marketing value of our product. We MUST have this kind of support in order to grow SMP into a fully operational nationwide organization.
Please respect that we are a professional organization with hiring standards and procedures that include formal interviews, background checks, etc. and require applicants meet the following MINIMUM qualifications:
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Shelter and/or pet photography experience;
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A minimum 12 MP professional or prosumer digital SLR that shoots raw format;
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f2.8 70-200mm or f2.8 80-200mm zoom telephoto lens;
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f2.8 wide angle zoom lens;
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Backup camera body and lenses;
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On-camera strobe;
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Full understanding of the Zone System and ability to shoot with natural light and reflectors;
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Reflector;
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Knee and elbow pads;
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Willingness to conform to SMP shooting standards;
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Willingness to attend and complete a rigorous and comprehensive training workshop; and
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Ample humility and patience!
Photographing shelter animals is not easy! Even experienced pet photographers may not have the skills to produce top quality shelter images, as there is a huge difference between photographing an animal living in a safe, warm and loving environment and one living in a shelter. Shelter photography is physically and emotionally challenging. SMP photographers must be able to repeatedly squat, kneel and lie down on the ground in temperatures ranging from close to freezing to over 100-degrees. They must also demonstrate unlimited patience as shelter animals, dogs especially, don't behave just because you are uncomfortably hot, cold or tired; you still have to get the shot.
The emotional toll cannot be underestimated. SMP photographers are expected to repeatedly visit shelters and connect with animals with uncertain futures. Some people live their entire lives without ever stepping foot into a shelter because the pain of the experience is too great. PLEASE CONSIDER IF THIS IS A JOB FOR YOU BEFORE APPLYING!
SMP DOES NOT USE VOLUNTEER PHOTOGRAPHERS.
