Photographers want to create beauty. It’s the impetus that inspires many to pick up a camera and bring it to their eye. Yet, creating a pleasing composition is not the only thing that drives many a photographer to use a camera. Some hope to effect change. There are countless documentary photographers and photojournalists who have been inspired to do more with a camera than produce a pretty picture. However, you don’t have to be either to help bring about change.

 

Shannon Johnstone is a photographer who has been using her camera to change the lives of dogs at a local animal shelter. These are dogs, who were at risk of being euthanized. Her project and book Landfill Dogs has provided an opportunity to not only save the lives of hundreds of animals, but also create greater awareness of the importance of spaying and neutering pets.

 

As mentioned in the interview, adoption and rescues are not the solution to this problem. We can’t expect animals to change their behavior for our benefit. It’s our duty and responsibility as pet owners to spay and neuter animals in our care. Otherwise animals such as the ones beautifully captured in in Shannon’s photographs will continue to be destroyed.

 

You can find out more about spaying and neutering your pets as well as locations near you where you might adopt and find a home for a cat or dog by visiting ASPCA.org.

 

Resources:

 

Shannon Johnstone

 

Landfill Dogs

 

Chris Jordan

 

Traer Scott

 

ASPCA

 

Los Angeles Street Photography Workshop with Ibarionex - January 30th, 2016

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