HeARTs Speak, a global network of animal photographers, graphic designers, writers, illustrators, and painters who provide their time and professional services pro-bono to animal welfare organizations, will present a two-day shelter photography and marketing workshop to the Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection (RCACP) in Roanoke.
The “Perfect Exposure Project” is designed to develop the creative and marketing skills of shelter staff and volunteers with the goal of saving more lives through the effective promotion of adoptable animals.
HeARTs Speak’s Founder and Executive Director, Lisa Prince Fishler gave some of the details of the event. “We are so proud of this program, particularly because of its holistic approach. Anyone who spends time in a shelter knows that this work can be physically and emotionally demanding. We create a space to bring fun, imagination, and creativity into a workday, and we see a tangible energy and excitement grow amongst the shelter staff and volunteers during the workshop. I think this helps them to reset and refresh. It is our hope that when we leave, they can approach their work with fresh ideas and new tools with which to help the animals”
The Perfect Exposure Project is unique because the two-day curriculum ensures extended time for hands-on training with experts in the field of animal shelter photography and promotion. HeARTs Speak provides tips and inspiration for creative, engaging marketing while laying the foundation for a sustainable and team-based photography program that each shelter can then build upon. This format not only addresses the immediate needs of animals currently in the shelter system but also influences long-term change through positive promotion and dissolution of shelter pet stereotypes.
In addition to the hands-on training, HeARTs Speak will provide RCACP a DSLR camera, lens, and professional studio setup. Each registered attendee will also receive a HeARTs Speak Shelter Photography Field Guide.
Over the past two years, HeARTs Speak has brought the Perfect Exposure Project workshop to workshops to six other open-admission shelters across the country. The Perfect Exposure Project is funded by a grant from Animal Farm Foundation, and is free for registered attendees.
The Regional Center serves the City of Roanoke, the Counties of Botetourt and Roanoke, and the Town of Vinton, and is an “open intake facility.” Each year the Regional Center receives between 6,000 and 7,000 animals.
