TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Throughout the Olympics, NewsNation affiliate WFLA features someone or something that deserves to be put on a podium in a Gold Medal Moment.
Monday’s Gold Medal Moment showcases a Tampa photographer who volunteers his time to give shelter animals a glow-up. Adam Goldberg of AGoldphoto Pet Photography works to bring out the personality of shelter animals, so they catch more people’s eyes on the adoption website.
“When a shelter dog, cat, or animal first arrives here, they get an intake photo. It’s usually a not great photo because it’s their first time getting their picture taken and they’re scared, and they’re nervous,” explained Goldberg.
That’s why he gives them a “second shot.”
“It’s the second photo because it’s replacing the intake photo, but it’s also their second shot at finding a home,” Goldberg said.
Goldberg’s team gives the animals love and attention during these shoots, and with the right squeaks, treats and direction, the photo difference is significant.
Below is the original intake photo for Copper the coonhound. He looks scared and sad.
After the session with AGoldphoto, Copper looks regal, handsome and adoptable.
The photos are making a difference in adoptions as well.
“I have a lot of anecdotes of people seeing those photos and rushing to the shelter. Just the other day, I had someone message me they adopted Penny,” said Goldberg.
The person told Goldberg they were interested in that dog on Monday, but when the new photo dropped on the website Tuesday, they raced to the shelter because they knew someone else may adopt her.
Goldberg knows if he can get these animals to smile for the camera, they are on their path to a forever home.