In the heart of Wake County, a humble artist wields her camera as a tool for transformation, transforming the images and, with hope, the fortunes of its shelter dogs. Joanne Wetzel, a volunteer at the Animal Center, devotes relentless hours to capturing the unspoken stories of furry residents with her lens, epitomizing dedication without the need for fanfare.
Wetzel, the operational force behind Five Freedoms Photography, buttresses her devotion to animal rescue with expertise in dog behavior—amassing thousands of hours in understanding their silent language. As she told the Animal Center in an interview, "I'm also trained in dog behavior. I have spent thousands of hours over the past seven years studying dog body language and behavior in order to excel at my craft and help dogs feel great in front of the camera," as mentioned on the Wake County website. Her journey began in 2017 at the same Animal Center, where she was initially drawn to volunteer activities ranging from the mundane to the more strategic, such as social media outreach and fundraising.
The turn of the seasons does little to dissuade her from her mission. With camera and treats in tow, she works tirelessly, sometimes for hours on end with a single pet, to deliver portraits that go beyond mere visuals. These images, imbued with the personalities of their subjects, seek to bridge the gap between neglected pets and potential adopters, hoping to ignite a kinship that can end in a shared home.
While her roots in entertainment lent insight into the gravitas of a great photograph, her transition into animal photography was not predicated on formal education but rather self-taught dedication. Despite lacking a formal degree in photography, Wetzel deliberately charted her path through online courses, conferences, and mentorship under seasoned pet photographers. In her words, "I have spent several years now studying my craft through online education, practice, in-person conferences, photography retreats, and studying under world-renowned pet photographers," as per the Wake County website.
And it's not just about capturing the perfect glare or the most flattering angle—a deep understanding of a dog's disposition dictates Wetzel's approach, utilizing treats, toys, and a spectrum of noises to unveil the quintessential charisma of each dog. Her philosophy is manifest in the belief that dog photography documents the lived truth of these animals, not as props for human satisfaction, but as beings with intrinsic value and personality. It's an ethos that ostensibly drives her, and potentially resonates with observers who may be persuaded to adopt, volunteer, or donate to the cause.
Perhaps, what anchors Wetzel to the Animal Center isn't the success stories alone, but the symbiotic joy derived from the process. Wetzel confessed on Wake County, "The most rewarding thing is seeing that dog open up for the very first time on camera and replacing their stressed, sad, or anxious intake photo with a photo that truly allows them to shine." She herself has adopted two dogs, a testament to her investment in the wellbeing of these companions she serves so selflessly.
For those tempted by the allure of pet photography, Wetzel offers a singular piece of advice: immersion before aspiration. Before venturing into pet photography as a career, her recommendation inline with her interview is to hone skills through voluntary practice. "My single biggest advice? Go out and practice on other people’s pets or even shelter animals before making the decision to start a pet photography business," she shared on Wake County.
Wetzel's work with the Animal Center goes beyond the images she produces; at its essence, it's about ensuring each dog understands that they are cherished, even before they find their forever home. She implores that by capturing the true spirit of these dogs, she enriches their lives "just a little bit with some fun, a few yummy treats, a cuddle, and a lot of love," according to the Wake County website.
