GROW: Tell us a little about yourself:
My appetite for photography started by randomly taking a class in college while taking independent studies in computer animation. Soon after, I went into Iraq during the war in 2003 to help with aid efforts and photograph the conditions and people I met while there. Since then, I’ve been sold on photography. I can’t shake the power of the photograph, nor do I want to. There is power in photography not that only surpasses words, it often surpasses all language. I have always had a knack for working with animals to get just got the shots I wanted, and began photographing pet portraits in 2010. I also specialize in people portraits, photojournalism, weddings, and nature photography. My goal is to one day be financially able to donate a quarter of each year to various humanitarian/relief organizations and use the power of photography to raise support and awareness for the good that goes on in the world.
GROW: How have dogs/animals been influential in your life and photography?
Pets – specifically dogs – have always been a huge part of my life. Right now they shape and define my photography business, but they are and have always been much more than that. Besides being a great companion, they have been a huge motivation and personal growth tool. For example, they have taught me individual discipline and the importance of exercise. My dog is much more likely to misbehave if I don’t exercise her adequately – a tough job for a chocolate lab, pit mix! So I must be disciplined enough to meet her needs so she can be happy, healthy, and balanced – even when I don’t feel like it!
GROW: When you are taking photos of pets, what do you hope the client will take away from the photos that you take?
When I photograph a client’s pet – I try to capture those elements and personalities that make that pet so unique from everyone else’s pets. It might be a favorite physical feature of the animal, the funny way he chases his tail, or the that-has-got-to-be-uncomfortable sleeping position he always finds after a long day. Most importantly, I love to capture that bond between pet and owner – something we always want to remember and immortalize, like a sacred memento to our furry friend.
GROW: Can you tell us about the importance of pets in people’s lives for mental health?
I alluded to this earlier, but pets can be great instruments for our own personal growth. Consistent personal discipline and responsibility are definite requirements for caring for a pet, but you grow in each of these areas exponentially when a pet completely relies on you for food, exercise, and discipline. They also bring joy, laughter, and unconditional love. They teach us forgiveness – begging once again to be your best friend after you just scolded them for getting in the trash. Another important element I learned was confidence and leadership – realizing if I didn’t consistently take the lead every day, my pup would. As a bonus, I found that as I showed strong leadership and confidence with her, it naturally overflowed into other areas surrounding my life. My relationships with those around me grew stronger partly because of my increased self-confidence.
GROW: Do you have any recommendations for people who are thinking about getting a pet?
Do Your Research and Don’t Rush! Get to know the breeds that will best fit your lifestyle – otherwise neither you or your pet will be very happy or fulfilled. If you are lower energy, find a pet that doesn’t require as much exercise – otherwise you may return home to a pile of fabric where you couch once stood! With all of the available resources online nowadays, you should be able to narrow down to a few breeds that will best suit you without much difficulty. Don’t be afraid to adopt! There are so many wonderful animals in the shelters that are absolutely amazing and desperately need places to live. Lastly, make sure everybody in your household are on the same page – a desire and willingness to care for the pet, necessary rules the pet should follow, and CONSISTENCY are key!
http://joshboothphoto.com
josh@joshboothphoto.com
Adam Glendye, LAPC
aglendye@ growcounseling.com