Pets - Family - Love
I never get tired of taking pictures at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Check this out and see why.
This is Dolan. He is available for adoption at the AWLA. Check out all the animals available for adoption by clicking here.
Here is a behind-the-scenes look at a photo session at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. I am working with two amazing volunteers. We always finish the session by stating that the time we spend at the shelter is the highlight of our week. Enjoy a few snippets of our time at the shelter!
Photographing a playful dog at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
Simple coaxing technique of using a dog toy to maneuver into position.
A few days before the session:
Check the weather forecast.
Think about clothing - Do you want to have color consistency in all outfits? If so choose 3 or 4 colors and mix and match everyone’s outfit. Do you want everyone to wear the same style (casual, dressy, athletic)? Do you want to bring a fun accessory for everyone (sunglasses, baseball caps, your favorite sporting team t-shirts) for a silly family shot? Do your kids like sports (bring a football or soccer ball for an action shot)?
Think about snacks - keep everyone happy by bringing some snacks and water.
The morning of the session:
Check the weather forecast.
Collect all accessories and snacks.
Leave 10 minutes earlier than you think you need to (so you don’t feel like you have to rush).
Remember photo sessions are fun!
So many of us care about how we look in front of the camera. Yet during my photo sessions, we concentrate on having fun, and that is what comes through in the picture. Organize yourself and leave early and you too can have a fabulous photo session. Email me at alison@desilvastudios.com to book a session today.
I think the following types of places make great backdrops for photo sessions:
Your backyard (Yes! Fences, trees, grass, pavement, sky are all great backdrops!)
Your local park (A park in Arlington I really like for photo sessions.)
A cobblestone alley (Check out some in Alexandria, VA.)
A waterfront (Several places around the DC Metro area.)
A pedestrian street (Here is one in Bethesda.)
If you have an idea for a spot let me know. Or if you have a specific park or place send me an email alison@desilvastudios.com.
We had a great time laughing and playing! We even moved a couch outside to bring a little something extra to this session.
Check out these awesome dogs! We had fun dressing a few of them up for the holidays.
I held several mini family sessions during covid. Here are some of the fun and timeless moments from these sessions.
Over the last year I have been continuing my volunteer work at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. I have so appreciated the AWLA’s dedication to keeping its volunteers, animals and staff safe during this time. My comfort level has kept me outdoors and photographing the dogs in open spaces. I feel so lucky to have found this work. I get to hang out with dogs and take pictures!
These awesome dogs transitioned to their new life after a short stint at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
Back in October 2020 we had a great time taking pictures of dogs with Santa (an annual fundraiser for the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria). We managed to do it during covid with masks and social distancing. Here are some of the results.
These guys are on their way to getting adopted!
Check out these amazing dogs. I had a great time photographing them. With precautions including mask wearing I was able to start photographing the adoptable dogs again!
I have such a great time photographing some of the animals that are available at the AWLA. Here are just a few that I have done in the last month.
Check out these dogs available for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. I feel so lucky that I get to hang out at the shelter and meet these animals!
Last June, I photographed Lucky the cat for the annual Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s calendar contest. It turns out, I was fortunate to meet him as he suddenly passed only one week after I took his photos. Grieving on the day they lost him, Lucky’s family had yet another surprise. In a fated moment they opened the door and their hearts to a stray, Jack, who appeared at their home that very night. Never seen before, Jack appeared and repeatedly meowed to let them know he was there. It seems, Jack and Lucky’s family were both there — there for each other. It was a sad day that was lined with hope. Perhaps, it was Lucky’s gift to them all.
Lucky
Jack
Check out Phobe! She is available at the Animal Welfare League at Alexandria. Phobe is a character. If you enjoy challenges that come in small furry packages this rabbit is for you!
This dude has already been adopted yet keep checking at Animal Welfare League of Alexandria if you are interested in helping another one.
Check out Brooklyn. She loves Peanut Butter! If you are looking for a friendly, social, strong and independent dog go to the Alexandria Welfare League of Alexandria.
Image by DeSilva Studios, pet and family photographer
black and white image by pet photographer Alison DeSilva
Kane says hi! He is up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
Adoptable dog at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
Adoptable dog photographed by pet photographer Alison DeSilva
Black and White image by DeSilva Studios
