Free Foster Photo Event: Helping Adoptable Animals Find Homes
- Lauren
- Mar 27
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 31
With so many animals in rescues and shelters across the United States all vying for the attention of potential adopters, a quality photo can be the difference between being overlooked and finding a forever home. For the past few years, I've teamed up with my fellow pet photographer friends, Kelly of K Schulz Photography and Kirsten of KME Photography, to host a free foster photo event. The goal of our event each year is to collaborate to enhance the profiles of as many adoptable animals as possible throughout a single morning. This was my third year working with Kelly and Kirsten, and this was our biggest year yet - working with thirteen different rescue organizations in the Twin Cities to photograph 30 adoptable animals, including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, ferrets, and one rabbit.
Beautiful Backdrop: Courtesy of Tonkadale Greenhouse
We're so lucky to have an amazing location for this free foster photo event each year in Tonkadale Greenhouse. The employees are always so welcoming and excited to meet the adoptable animals. Tonkadale plays a big role in helping us create a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
Treats for All: Provided by NutriSource & Finley's
Back for another year, we had treats to provide to all the foster animals from two local Minnesota pet brands, NutriSource and Finley's! Everyone is always so grateful to receive these tasty treats for their adoptable pets, and we enjoy sharing the love!
Giving Back: Pet Photographers Who Care
Ths event wouldn't be possible without the work of the photographers who care enough to plan and execute it. I love spending time planning this event with my friends, Kelly and Kirsten, and we have the best time on foster photo day, meeting the adoptable pets, taking photos together, and enjoying each other's company! It's truly one of my favorite days of the year as a pet photographer!
Meet the Adoptable Animals from This Foster Photo Event
Gimli & Bombur
Gimli and Bombur are a charming bonded pair looking for a loving home together! Gimli, the sweet and cuddly senior, loves soaking up the sun on his cozy couch and adores his vitamin C treats. Despite his health condition, he remains a gentle and affectionate companion. Bombur, the inquisitive and dignified youngster, keeps things lively with his curiosity and love for paper towel tube chew toys. He feels safest with Gimli by his side, making them the perfect duo for any guinea pig-loving family!
Margo, Edith, & Agnes
Margo, Edith, and Agnes are a bonded trio of guinea pigs looking for their home together! Margo is the confident leader, always the first to wheek for snacks and demand attention. Edith, the chattiest of the trio, loves her purple pigloo and keeps things lively with her endless commentary. Sweet and reserved, Agnes prefers to let her sisters take the spotlight but enjoys snuggling close with them. Together, they make the perfect trio, bringing a mix of sass, chatter, and cuddles to any home lucky enough to have them!
Ferrets - More Information Coming Soon!
Violet
Violet is a sassy, independent girl with stunning green eyes and the softest fur—like a little cloud you can cuddle! She’s equal parts affectionate and playful, happily climbing into your lap for love but also enjoying her solo adventures. She gets along well with other cats and even coexists peacefully with dogs, making her the perfect mix of spunky and sweet for a home that can keep up with her lively personality!
Luna
Luna may not be a Great Dane, but she’s 100% a great girl! This 5-month-old Doberman/Cane Corso mix is a champion snuggler, playful adventurer, and all-around sweetheart who gets along with dogs, cats, and kittens alike. With her excellent recall, love for woodland walks, and growing training skills, Luna is ready to find a forever home that will match her affectionate and energetic spirit!
Gordy
Gordy is an extra "Great" Great Dane/Great Pyrenees mix with a goofy personality, a heart full of love, and a strong protective instinct. He’s a big, affectionate guy who thrives with structure—he’s e-collar trained, knows his commands, and takes his job as home guardian seriously. With his love for the outdoors, snow, and his doggy pool, Gordy would be happiest in a rural home with experienced owners who can provide clear boundaries, continued training, and lots of love!
Russet
Russet may be tiny, but he’s bursting with personality! This 5-pound Maltese is full of happy energy, especially when chasing his favorite small tennis balls. He’s great with other dogs and kids, eager to please, and always ready for cuddles. While he’s still working on potty and leash training, his smarts and sweet nature make him a quick learner. Just don’t leave him out—he’ll let you know when he wants to be picked up!
Gaby
Born under an abandoned house on a Puerto Rican coffee farm, Gaby has come a long way and is ready for her forever homes! This playful, adventurous pup is settling into foster life, curiously observing the world around her. With a sweet heart and growing confidence, she can’t wait to find a family to love!
Marshall
With his big, spotted paws and even bigger heart, Marshall is a sweet and cuddly pup who just wants to be by your side. At just 4 months old and already 40 pounds, this Saint Bernard/German Shepherd (possibly Great Pyrenees) mix is going to be a big boy! Food-motivated and eager to learn, Marshall is working on his puppy training and would love a patient, loving home to help him grow into the gentle giant he’s meant to be.
Cinder
Meet Cinder, a 2-year-old, 60-pound lab/shepherd mix with a big personality and an even bigger heart! After a rough start in life, Cinder is now living his best, spoiled life, and he's got a sense of humor to match. Whether he’s “booping” your nose or stealing food off the counter, Cinder is a mischievous, loveable, and very energetic pup who will keep you laughing and on your toes. He’s looking for a family with experience, patience, and a strong sense of humor to help him grow into the amazing dog he’s destined to be!
Owen
Meet Owen, a 3.5-year-old bundle of joy and personality! This sweet, playful boy loves his purple ball, stuffed Taco toy, and spending time with his humans—whether it's snuggling, playing "keep away" with laundry, or exploring new parks. Owen is a special needs pup with limited mobility in his back legs and incontinence, but his intelligence, quick learning, and boundless love will make him a fun and rewarding companion for the right adopter. If you're looking for a dog who’s full of love, laughs, and plenty of snuggles, Owen might be your perfect match!
Capita - ADOPTED!
Diving Deeper: Take a Look Behind the Scenes
Here are a few behind-the-scenes moments from the morning. Lots of cute adoptable animals and big smiles. We made silly noises and threw treat bags around. We all crouched low and tested our flexibility to get the best angles. Overall, we had lots of fun, and it's all for such a great cause - helping adoptable pets find their forever homes!
Did you see an animal in the behind-the-scenes photos that wasn't listed above? Check out Kelly's blog post to see if they are listed there!
Are you a foster parent looking for photography services?
While this event only comes around once per year, the three of us photographers are available to help capture beautiful photos of foster pets throughout the year.
Kelly (K Schulz Photography) is based in Bloomington, MN
Kirsten (KME Photography) is based in Minneapolis, MN
Lauren (Scruff Life Photography) is based in Forest Lake, MN
Please reach out if you have a foster animal in need of some professional photography to capture their personality and help them land the best forever family!
It's truly an honor to volunteer my time and photography services to help rescue animals in our community! I'm already so excited about our event next spring!
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