Flashback...Project Purrrfect Portrait

Wow!  It certainly has been a long time since my last post in April.  The year is quickly coming to a close, and before that happens, I'd like to share some of my favorite images from one of this year's most meaningful shoots...Project Purrrfect Portrait.  2012 was the second year of this project's existence, and I can't tell you what it has meant to be able to partner with the Central Brevard Humane Society, and spread awareness about our shelter animals in search of their forever home.

© 2012, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - Reproduction or downloading of any of these images is prohibited without written consent from Karen Rodriguez Photography.

I am a cat person.  I have two of my own, Sandi and Chuey.  So when asked how on Earth I was able to get these cats to sit, lay, or even apparently pose for their portrait, this answer was simple...patience.  Cats, by nature, are inquisitive animals...always needing to check out their surroundings before deciding that they are comfortable.  Now, imagine a cat who has been stuck in a kennel, in a room full of cats, for who knows how long, and you can bet that cat is going to take some time to warm up to you!

I was fortunate enough to be able to take each cat out of their shelter environment, and into a quiet room in another building, free from the hustle and bustle of the shelter...free from the barking and howling of the many dogs who resided just outside the cat room.  Once on the quiet set, I knew exactly what to expect, and it was the same for each cat.  Skulking out of the cat carrier, each feline timidly sniffed every inch of the room, as I just laid on the floor, allowing them to acclimate. Typically within 10 minutes, they then realized there was a human in the room who just wanted to love on them (that would be me), and it became a snuggle fest good enough for anyone to fall in love!  After that...play time!  And finally...plop...a tired and totally relaxed cat...click, click, click!

I photographed so many animals this summer, and each one created a special memory for me.  It was so hard to not bring every one of them home with me!  There are so many wonderful things about this project, but by far, the best is hearing the news that one of these beautiful felines has been adopted!  I am blessed to be part of it!  Looking forward to Summer 2013, when I return for year three!  Happy New Year to all!

Karen

© 2012, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - Reproduction or downloading of any of these images is prohibited without written consent from Karen Rodriguez Photography.