How We Help

Founded by Laurie Elmer and Knicki Knowlton, pet photographers at Urban Dog Studio, Pawsitive Exposure Project leverages the talents of top pet portrait artists to highlight adoptable pets in need of a forever home. Many of these pets have spent far too long in foster care or shelters—not because they aren’t amazing, but because they haven’t had the chance to be truly seen.

Professional Pet Portraits – We create high-quality images that highlight each pet’s personality, making them more appealing to adopters.
Breaking Stereotypes – Our portraits help dispel misconceptions about certain breeds or behaviors, increasing adoption chances.
Rescue Promotion – We provide rescues with professional images to use on adoption websites, social media, and other marketing materials.
Expanding Reach – We share each pet’s story and photos with our audience, broadening their exposure to potential adopters.
Sponsor a Pet Program – Partnering with businesses to sponsor and promote individual pets among their customers and followers, asking for them to share, reaching far more potential adopters.
Photography Guidance for Rescues – We offer tips and training to shelters and rescues on how to capture better adoption photos on their own.

Help Us Make A Difference!

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FAQs

The search for a new pet usually starts online. With thousands of pets listed for adoption, how does one stand out? Just like with online dating, if a pet’s profile photo doesn’t catch attention, they’re easily overlooked. That’s where Pawsitive Exposure Project comes in.
We partner with rescues to provide high-quality, professional portraits that highlight each pet’s unique personality—making them more appealing to adopters. The faster a rescue can place a pet in a loving home, the faster they can open space for another animal in need. A great photo doesn’t just change one life—it saves another.
In some instances, a quick snap from a smart phone is all that’s needed. If a pet looking for a home is a “high demand” age, breed, or size, any photo will do. However, many pets need a little more than that to stand out. A pet portrait that truly grabs the attention of a potential adopter is more than just a phone snap or well-lit photo—it’s a connection. It needs to stop the scroll, stand out from the sea of other images, and make someone feel something.
To achieve this, the photographer must:
Capture Personality – Every pet has a story to tell. Whether it’s a goofy head tilt, soulful eyes, or an energetic play bow, the image should showcase what makes that pet unique.
Stand Out Visually – Composition, lighting, and color all play a role in making an image pop. Thoughtful backgrounds, engaging angles, and creative approaches help ensure the portrait doesn’t blend in with the hundreds of other adoptable pet photos.
Understand Animal Behavior – A great pet photographer isn’t just a master of the camera but also of animal body language. Recognizing when a pet is nervous, excited, or unsure can make all the difference in capturing a natural, comfortable expression.
Be Sensitive to Their Experience – Many rescue and foster pets have been through trauma or uncertainty. A skilled pet photographer works at the pet’s pace, using patience, positive reinforcement, and a calm presence to create a safe, relaxed environment where their true personality can shine.
A truly compelling portrait makes a human connection—one that tugs at the heart and makes a potential adopter say, That’s the one
At Pawsitive Exposure Project, your donations go directly toward giving adoptable pets the spotlight they deserve—and the best chance at finding a loving home.
We provide each pet with a full portrait session, capturing multiple expressions and behaviors to highlight what makes them special. A compelling image can be the key to catching an adopter’s eye!
Most portrait sessions also include a skilled assistant who ensures pets feel comfortable, safe, and at ease during their session, helping to bring out their true personality.
A great photo doesn’t stop at the camera—we fine-tune each image to make sure the pet stands out in a sea of adoption listings.
Every pet deserves a story! We create eye-catching posts with well written bios and shareable graphics designed to maximize exposure across multiple platforms.
Sometimes, a pet needs a little extra help to get adoption-ready. When possible, we use donated funds to assist with medical care, training, or essential supplies to give them the best shot at a new life.
Your support truly changes lives—one photo, one share, one adoption at a time.
There are so many ways to make a difference for adoptable pets through Pawsitive Exposure Project—no action is too small!
Donate – Your contributions fund professional pet photography, social media promotion, and even medical care or supplies for pets in need. Every dollar helps save lives!
Share, Share, Share! – Simply liking, commenting, and sharing our posts can help a pet reach their future family. Tell your friends, co-workers, and followers about the adoptable pets we feature!
Foster – Opening your home, even temporarily, can be life-changing for a pet. Rescues are always in need of foster families to help animals transition from shelters to forever homes.
Use Your Skills – Are you a social media expert, graphic designer, copywriter, or marketer? Your talents can help get pets seen by more people and increase adoption chances!
Be an Advocate – Talk to local businesses, vet offices, and pet-friendly spaces about supporting rescue efforts. Helping us spread the word is just as valuable as a donation!
No matter how you get involved, you’re giving a pet their best chance at finding a home—and that’s something truly amazing.

If you’re not sure how you can help us or the rescues we work with, just reach out. If you have time and passion for animal rescue, I’m sure we can find just the right fit for you.