Making a Difference: Photographer With a Focus on Rescue
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28 commentsWhat would possess a psychotherapist in private practice to change careers & become a pet photographer? Maybe the message on Robyn Arouty’s website will give you a clue: “I wear a lot of hats. But animal advocate is the largest. I am proud of this hat and keep it in a cherished place. There are times I have the good fortune to share my knowledge with others…I take it, throw it out to the universe, and pray it circles the planet. This is one of those times…”
“I will never forget the first day I volunteered at an animal shelter in Houston. I cried walking through the wards where the animals were held…4 big rooms, concrete floors, metal bars, sad eyes watching me…some tails wagging with excitement, others with tails held between their legs, cowering with fear. This was a reality I never wanted to see, and a reality that haunts me daily. I snuck around snapping photos with my cell phone, my friends and family would surely not believe what I saw.”
“This is why I am a photographer.”
That first visit was about two years ago: since then, Robyn has been on the fast track to helping homeless dogs in need. She teamed up with a local magazine to feature her photos of adoptable cats and dogs. The photos got noticed and pretty soon she was being asked to do portraits of people with their pets several times a week. Robyn had no plans to start a business, but in a matter of months that is exactly what happened. She feels her psychology experience has been most helpful in getting clients to feel comfortable in front of the lens.
Robyn’s most recent endeavor is called POCKETSHOTS. It is a fundraising event that she does 2-3 times a month in her studio. People come in with their dogs/cats/kids for 30 minute photo sessions and 1/2 of the sitting fee goes to the rescue or animal welfare organization that is benefitting that day. She works from 8am to 8pm to maximize the donations & has raised $1,000′s to date. POCKETSHOTS events are now scheduled through the end of the year, and they are already booking for 2012.
To read more about POCKETSHOTS, visit Robyn on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/robyn.arouty.photography or on her website here: http://www.robynarouty.com.
As a retired psychotherapist and dedicated animal rescue person, I envy Robyn’s decision to capture the hearts and souls of these animals with her camera. I used pets in my practice with my trauma clients and they were sometimes more effective that I was at gaining the trust of new clients. The photos of these animals are fabulous and I hope Robyn can make a living with her photography while doing a job that usually pays with gratitude and satisfaction rather than something you can take to the bank. Keep those photos coming!!
Monica Derr
This is a beautiful spirited animal….I have an American Bulldog…and he is always smiling!!! Why is it – if you are in need of something…..it just happens your way??!!Thanks for the Inspiration…….great site, too!
I am relatively new to the professional world of social and behavioral sciences, but have daydreamed about doing something like this! So awesome. I have also snuck pics with my cellphone in the shelter. I recently used a couple of my pics in a project I had to do for a Crisis Intervention project before I graduated.
She is someone to celebrate!
I envy her photography skills! She’s definitely doing an amazing job, no doubt about that!
I think I know somebody who needs those leopard print shoes…
OMG – my Robyn!
HERO comes to mind!!!!!!!!
I LOVE what you are doing!! Thanks for making a difference and a statement!
How awesome is that?! Go Robyn!!
Houston loves our Robyn!
So cool!
much.love.nigel.&.company!!! xoxo Adopt. Spay/Neuter. Repeat. Holla!!!
beautiful photography!
omg my robyn . in time my dear, in time
Woohooo Robyn!!! Soooo happy for you and well deserved piece!!
oooh, Robyn you are very very talented. thank you so much pretty lady for helping the dogs.
These are wonderful photographs. Robyn has a pure heart.
Wonderful wonderful! Just love this story.
You must be a wonderful, warm, compassionate, kind hearted person Robyn. Thank you for helping the animals.
Robyn has done 6 pocket shots with me—photo sessions with each of my dogs. I love what she does and I always love each and evert shot!! She and her fab assistant are quite the team and fun to be there with them working on ‘me’. LOVE her work!!!! I respect her commitment to animal rescue and her constant efforts to spread the word of giving. xxxx
WoW, That’s Great, Would Love 2 Do The Same , U GO GIRL !!
great post! nice to see her talents being used for the good of the dogs, and not just for the $ raised, but for the exposure these dogs get.
Robyn captures so much durring her shots. Her passion for animlas shines through in her entire life.
Robin, you are a blessing and a hero. Thank you for your kindness!
Awesome photos.
So proud of you lovely lady!! xx
Loving this lady!!! ;o) xxx
Ps. I hope these dogs got their happy homes!!! x
Have a look at A Dogs Life in Ireland. The dogs in Dunboune pound they also have a similar angel taking photographs.