Even though many of the adoption photos you find through the Everett Animal Shelter’s website look like flawless cat and dog selfies, this is not the case, believe it or not. There is actually a team of hardworking photographers who donate their time and passion for animals, to making sure that these four- and two-legged friends have a shot at finding their forever homes.
This week, we are focusing on the father-daughter photography team of Jon and Emily Annis of Marysville. Combined, this duo has photographed a few thousand shelter animals for HeraldNet.com.
What began as a way for Emily to gain volunteer hours as part of a graduation requirement, has evolved into a passion for two things that she loves: photography and animals. In 2012, Emily decided to put her time to use as a cat-room assistant, where she could earn hours, as well as fulfill her love for cats. Because Emily was under 18 at the time, she needed a parent with her while volunteering.
“[After I semi-retired], I thought that we could volunteer together at the shelter, and eventually we were asked to take photos,” Jon said.
Jon was a Navy photojournalist for 25 years, and he introduced Emily to photography at a young age. Jon explained that when Emily was young, she would fill up their digital memory cards with pictures and videos of the family cat, where “some of them were goofy and some were really creative.”
As her volunteering continued, a shelter photographer piqued Emily’s interest, and after a few days, she became an adoption promotion assistant. Emily acknowledges that living all over the world due to her father’s military background has had a profound effect on her passion for photos. Emily manages to come in to the shelter about once every two weeks, despite an extremely busy senior year of high school.
“Traveling has definitely influenced my love for photography and writing because I was able to discover what other countries/cultures find appealing,” Emily said. “I always have a camera near me because there is always something beautiful to capture and I never want to lose those moments.”
Jon and Emily explained that they often find themselves having to resist the urge to take their “work” home with them.
“I find myself falling in love with many of the animals at the shelter because they are so loving and accepting, regardless of who you are,” Emily said.
Instead, the team savors the time they get to work with them, and can take satisfaction from helping them find forever homes.
“Better than trying to possess them all, I know that I am helping to improve their lives and the lives of people in the community by making connections,” Jon said.
Shelter Operations Coordinator Dee Cordell credits the photos as a huge contributing factor toward facilitating successful adoptions.
“It’s humbling, but the ultimate goal isn’t just a great photo,” Jon said. “One of the most rewarding times for me is being among the first to interact with an animal, rehabilitating them after traumatic circumstances.”
Being deployed throughout his Navy career allowed Jon to realize the special place that animals had in his heart, and since beginning at the shelter, Jon has begun to take into account the relationship that humans build with animals.
“I take pride in using photography to convey things about them that might form a connection with potential owners,” Jon said. “I’ve had a growing interest in understanding animal behavior and how best to care for them.”
Jon still considers photography “a necessary and creative outlet,” but as a result of his experiences at the shelter, he recently decided to transition toward working with animals as a veterinary technician. He explained that the diversity, complexity and compassion that accompany being a vet technician, or any kind of healthcare worker, appeals to him.
Emily hopes to follow in her dad’s footsteps and pursue a career in photojournalism.
“I love to tell stories and keep people updated with the excitement around them!” Emily explained. She hopes to focus on photojournalism in college and wants to acquire an internship with a paper in the future.
The lessons that come from spending time at the shelter are applicable to everyone, whether you’re volunteering, visiting or just considering adopting a pet.
“Every animal is different and every person is different, so there are many, many stories happening every day at the shelter,” Jon said. “There is something there for everyone, if they open their heart.”
Learn more about the Everett Animal Shelter. Plan a visit, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and check out all of our adoptable pets. And be sure to watch our featured Pet of the Week on the Everett Channel.
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