Cat Photographer

Position Summary

Every great adoption starts with a great photo.

St. Sophia's Forgotten Felines is seeking volunteer photographers to help showcase our adoptable cats through engaging, high-quality photos. These images are often the first impression potential adopters have, making photography one of the most impactful volunteer roles in our organization.

No professional studio is required—we already have photography lighting, backdrops, and equipment available. What we need is someone with a creative eye, patience, and a passion for helping cats put their best paw forward.

Multiple volunteers may serve in this role and rotate Tuesdays throughout the month.

Commitment: 2 hours per week (Tuesdays only)

Schedule: Tuesdays between 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM (volunteers select a consistent 2-hour shift)

Location: St. Sophia's Forgotten Felines – Wheaton, IL

Responsibilities

• Photograph adoptable cats for use on our website, Petfinder, and social media.
• Capture each cat's unique personality through a variety of poses and expressions.
• Safely handle cats during photo sessions, helping them feel comfortable and relaxed.
• Utilize our photography area, lighting, and backdrops.
• Select and provide the best images from each session.
• Perform basic photo editing and cropping, if comfortable (training and guidance available if needed).
• Work with shelter staff and volunteers to identify priority cats needing updated photos.

Qualifications

• Comfortable handling cats of all ages, personalities, and activity levels.
• Patient and able to work with animals that may be shy, playful, or distracted.
• Basic photography knowledge with a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or high-quality smartphone camera.
• Good eye for composition, lighting, and capturing expressive images.
• Reliable and able to commit to a consistent Tuesday shift.
• Passion for animal welfare and helping homeless cats find loving homes.

Preferred (Not Required)

• Experience photographing pets or animals.
• Familiarity with basic photo editing software (Lightroom, Photoshop, Canva, etc.).
• Experience creating content for social media or adoption websites.

Why This Role Matters

A single great photograph can dramatically increase a cat's visibility and help them find a family faster. Your creativity and talent will directly impact adoption success and help more cats move from shelter life into loving homes.

Time Commitment

• 2-hour shift every Tuesday
• Choose any consistent shift between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM
• Multiple photographers may rotate to provide coverage throughout the month.

What We Provide

• Photography lighting and backdrop setup
• Cats with endless personalities
• Volunteer orientation and support
• The opportunity to directly help homeless cats find families

Because every cat deserves a photo that makes someone say, "That's my cat." 🐾