Austin, TX — In a small studio at the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave, Kim Ortiz spends her days capturing beautiful wall portraits of families and their dogs. But in recent years, her camera has taken on an even deeper purpose.

Ortiz, owner of Kim Ortiz Portrait Art Studio, has launched a new initiative called Second Chances Dogs, a sponsorship program designed to help shelter and rescue dogs get adopted faster through professional photography.

Photo by Kim Ortiz

“I have five rescue dogs,” Ortiz said. “They have the best life. Every dog deserves a loving home, a bed to sleep on, a sofa to hang out on, not to live in a cage or a shelter.”

More Photos by Kim Ortiz

For more than 12 years, Ortiz has supported animal rescues through her studio. But as shelters in Austin and across the country became overcrowded after the pandemic, she knew she wanted to do more.

“A professional photo of a dog with good lighting highlights their personality,” she explained. “Especially black dogs. Without proper lighting, they just look like a blob in a cell phone photo. Studio lighting creates a glow on their fur. Every dog deserves a beautiful portrait.”

The program works by pairing local businesses and individuals with shelter dogs in need of updated adoption photos. Sponsors cover the cost of a professional photo session ($100 per dog) and, in return, receive a social media shoutout, recognition on program materials, and the knowledge that they helped a dog find a home.

Currently, 12 dogs have been photographed through the program thanks to the program’s founding sponsors, KOPA Real Estate Media and Amber Hart Homes. Those dogs include:

Five from PAWS Shelter of Central Texas in Dripping Springs

Six from Austin Pets Alive

One from Dogs Without Borders Austin

Ortiz says her focus is on long-stay dogs, those who have been in shelters for more than six months. At Austin Pets Alive alone, more than 50 long-stay dogs are waiting for homes.

“Shelter dogs can be more challenging to photograph,” Ortiz said. “They’re not used to lights or cameras. You have to be calm and patient. But it’s absolutely worth it.”

The professional portraits are shared on Ortiz’s social media pages, the Second Chances Dogs Instagram and Facebook pages, and are reshared by the shelters.

The program is now seeking 20 founding sponsors in total and hopes to partner with two additional rescue organizations.

“With the Second Chances Dogs program, we exist because businesses who truly love and support rescues sponsor the dog’s photo shoot,” Ortiz said.

For Ortiz, it’s simple: “Every dog deserves a second chance.”

The good news in this story is that Someone is helping dogs find a forever home. Today’s JohnKu talks about helping out. I hope you have a super weekend.

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