Tampa Photographer Snaps Professional Shots of 150 Pit Bulls To Help Them Find Homes
At the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Adam Goldberg works his magic behind the lens. His mission? Transform basic shelter photos into striking portraits of 150 pit bulls this month….
At the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Adam Goldberg works his magic behind the lens. His mission? Transform basic shelter photos into striking portraits of 150 pit bulls this month. These shots might just change their fate during National Pit Bull Awareness Month.
"When we photograph a pit bull here at the Humane Society, they usually are just wanting our love and attention," Goldberg said, according to Fox 13 News.
"Second Shot" turns dull intake snapshots into eye-catching portraits. "Second Shot is our adoption photo program where we replace their scared shelter intake photo, which usually depicts them nervous and maybe out of focus, and we replace it with a professional photo, a second photo, to give them a second shot at adoption," Goldberg explained.
October 2025 will see Goldberg behind the camera for 16 shoots. Bad weather stopped him short of his 100-dog goal last year. Now, local shops and neighbors pitch in cash to make these shoots happen.
To catch that perfect shot, Goldberg pulls out all the stops. He whistles, waves toys, and blows his harmonica: anything to catch those tail-wagging moments on film.
Marketing Manager Regan Blessinger knows what they're up against. "Unfortunately, we need it because there are still a ton of stereotypes. That all of them are vicious. They are vicious dogs immediately. That they are bad, untrainable," Blessinger said.
These snapshots break down walls. "These pictures show their actual personalities, their goofiness, the silliness, what they look like when they're happy, comfortable," Blessinger added.
Back in 2013, Goldberg started as a volunteer with his camera. His 2016 pet photo sale for the shelter was a hit: every slot taken. By 2020, he and his wife had turned their passion into AGoldPhoto Pet Photography studio.
"When someone says that they saw one of our Second Shots and they saw that that dog caught their attention and they came to the humane society, that means the world to me because that's really why I'm doing this," Goldberg said.
