The local animal shelter that I volunteer at is having a major adoption event soon. I will be there photographing the adopted animals for free and then putting the images up on my proofing site for them to buy prints from. Each session will probably last between 5 to 10 minutes (kind of like the speedy engagement sessions people have done). My question is, what else do I need to bring to prepare:

2 Dslr bodies
24-70mm and maybe the 70-200mm
batteries
memory cards
Model Release forms for adults and children
sign
business cards
table, pens, clipboards
water

Is there anything else? Any advice on how to go about dealing with so many people during the day? Thank you!

You might want to think about having post cards or flyers there that offer a discount or an extra bonus on a future session with you.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

+1

That was my first thought. Or just at least some sort of business flyer or card to give out, even if you don't offer a discount.

Oh that is a great idea actually! Especially since I am offering specially priced packages because I'm just starting out.

So the event was.. okay. I think I was expecting a lot more people signing up for a free mini shoot. But I only got like 4 dogs + 2 dogs from the local rescue. It was disappointing in that respect, but at least I did get a chance to chat with some of the local vendors and rescue groups. And some prospectives of doing free photos for rescue dogs and networking in that respect.

I wonder if my expectations were too high, since I had never done an event before. I know I could have spent more money on a fancy banner and flashy displays... I had 3 framed collages of my work on a small table.

Any helpful insight? I wonder if I should really just spend my time networking with the vendors (pet stores, rescue groups, grooming services, etc.) Thanks.

Sorry it didn't work out too well. It sounds like a fantastic idea. I plan on actually doing some promoting at the gay pride parade here in Dallas in September. (I know not everyone agrees with it, but this is not the space to discuss that). I am going to take pictures of people, tell them that I will post it on my blog, and offer them 10% cards, and ask if they want to sign up for a drawing for a free session. I am going to maybe get some moo cards printed up that are all bright and pretty.

But I love the idea of working at a rescued pet event. I am a huge animal lover, and I'd love to do something like that. Perhaps next time you'll get a bit of a higher return.

Maybe if part of the print proceeds went back to the shelter people would feel like they were contributing AND getting great pics of their new pet...

Not sure if you offered that, but just a thought

Yep I did. 50% of the print proceeds would go back to the shelter. But I suppose that may have been a problem. I didn't have a big sign announcing it. To be honest, I didn't get much interest at all. People would come by, say 'ohh, that dog is cute in that photo." And when I approached them, they'd run away. lol.

There may be ways I can attract more people with presentation next time. What do you all do for your marketing events?