Shoot One Straight Images

In this first shoot I focused on documenting the numerous work tasks that the staff/volunteers perform that are necessary for the smooth running of the animals rescue centre.

The charity Mutts in Distress focuses on rehoming dogs so I have concentrated on this aspect of their work but have also briefly documented some of the care given to the other rescued animals there (donkeys, sheep, parrots, cats, hens  ducks).

The main tasks that I have photographed are related to:

·       Cleaning the kennels

·       Feeding the dogs

·       Replenishing water

·       Replacing and cleaning the bedding

·       Burning torn bedding

·       Caring for any medical needs of the dogs

·       Working with the security systems

·       Working with timid dogs to improve their confidence

·       Reception duties

·       Maintenance tasks

·       Feeding/caring for other animals in the centre

These images illustrate some of the care the two rescued donkeys and sheep receive at the centre. First image shows a worker giving them some bread as a treats and the second shows a donkey being brushed to remove the dust from its coat.

Here I have photographed a worker taking care of a Rottweiler’s medical needs by bathing his eyes then getting praise and affection for being so good.

This image shows a worker trying to improve the confidence of two very timid young dogs around people. They recently arrived from a shelter in Romania where they lived in packs and had little contact with people.

Here a worker throws water on the kennel block floor to disinfect it, then after scrubbing it will be dried using a squidgy as show in the second image.

This image shows the unpredictability of working with animals and the possibility of being scratched or bitten. As Daisy the cat suddenly becomes grumpy.

Image captures in freeze frame torn cloths being disposed of by burning them on the fire in an old oil drum.

Image captures a worker passing through the relaxing pleasant grounds in the centre as she goes to fetch water.

Reception duties being performed using contemporary equipment including computers, printers, telephones and cash register. 

Image illustrates the size and strength of some of the dogs the staff work with.

I have captured Tom the lurcher being fed his dinner through the hatch to his run. Also the water bowls being topped up and the scale of the task showing a small area in one of the kennel blocks.  

This photograph shows a volunteer being framed by a door at the end of the corridor and there are leading lines of the kennel doors up to the back wall. This way all attention is focused on her. Also, with how far away the photo was taken it makes the viewer think that these kennels go on forever and that there are an endless amount of them, which emphasises the amount of work that must be done.

Here's a parrot’s food bowl is being filled up.

The size of the laundry task is illustrated by the huge tumble trier and the mountains of clean bedding ready to be used.

Image shows Sampson the German shepherd who is not keen on being brushed. These breed of dogs need lots of brushing.

Security is important at the centre. Here a worker opens a padlock on one of the many double doors that keep the dogs safe from criminals and from harm from other dogs.

Worker helps out with building maintenance tasks such as painting and cleaning of wire doors.  

Twice daily signing off of the work tasks, which needs to be completed before anyone goes home. I narrowed the depth of field in this image to blur the background and focus on the task being performed. In most of my images I wanted to capture natural images with a lot of detail so used a wide depth of field but as there was only irrelevant background clutter in this image I thought it would be appropriate to blur it.