Happy 2025! Let’s Do This.

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Happy 2025! Let’s Do This.

It’s official – I’ve gone full-time shelter and rescue pet photography! I’m trading in the occasional rescue shoot for an all-in commitment to making a bigger impact for animals in need, one wagging tail at a time. And let me tell you, I am SO excited (and also slightly terrified – but we’ll talk about that another time).

For those of you who don’t know me well enough to know this already, I’ve spent years photographing shelter pets, creating powerful portraits that help them find their forever homes. I’m passionate about it. I believe these animals deserve every bit of attention I can give them, and I want to give them a fighting chance to shine in the spotlight. So, after photographing 150 animals in 2024 (which, let’s be honest, is a drop in the bucket), I realized that I’m ready to push myself to the next level.

My goal for 2025? Over 1,000 animals. That's right, I want to photograph 1,000 animals, highlighting their personalities, quirks, and charm to ensure they get noticed. I want to make sure they stand out in crowded shelters and catch the eye of potential adopters or supporters. This year, I’m giving it my all. No more “once-in-a-while” – this is the mission.

Now, let me pause here to say, I know this is a big leap. Like, jumping-off-a-cliff-without-a-parachute big. But after nearly 20 years of working with animals in some form or another (I swear my dogs are more than happy to call me ‘mom’), I’m ready to dedicate all my time to helping more animals through my lens. It’s not just about pretty pictures, though. It’s about making sure these animals get the attention they deserve, because as much as we all love cute pet photos (and who doesn’t?), the bigger picture here is saving lives.

You might be wondering, why this big, bold move? Why focus only on rescues and shelters? First of all, I have a big soft spot for these animals. But beyond that, the stats speak for themselves. Shelters are overflowing, and many animals are getting overlooked simply because they’re not getting the exposure they need. I want to help change that.

Here’s the thing: animals deserve to be celebrated, and photography is one of the best ways to show them off. A great photo doesn’t just highlight their cute face (though trust me, I’m all about those adorable faces); it tells a story. It shows their personality, their resilience, and their potential to be a loving companion. When people see a dog’s eyes sparkling or a cat’s playful grin, they’re more likely to say, “That’s the one. That’s my new best friend.”

In fact, I’ve seen this happen in my own life. We have two of our dogs because of their photos. One in particular, Juniper, is a perfect example. I saw her photoshoot with Elias Weiss Friedman of The Dogist when she was in foster care after being part of a litter found on the streets of San Antonio. I immediately applied for her, and I knew from that moment that she was meant to be a part of our family. That’s the power of a good photo – it connects people with animals in a way that words alone simply can’t.

And because it’s 2025, why not kick things off with a little extra cheekiness, right? This isn’t just about snapping photos; it’s about capturing a moment that changes everything. Every time I pick up my camera for a shelter shoot, I think, "Let’s make this animal a star." Because let’s face it, some of these dogs and cats could easily give Hollywood a run for its money in terms of charm. They have what it takes, and I’m just here to make sure the world sees it.

So, what does this change mean for you? Well, a couple of things:

1. More opportunities for sponsorship – If you know a business or brand that wants to support a cause that’s not just heartwarming but impactful, this is it. I’m looking for partners to help fund these shoots, whether that’s sponsoring a single shoot or supporting the larger mission of photographing hundreds of animals throughout the year. I’ve worked with amazing sponsors in the past, and I’m hoping 2025 will bring even more incredible businesses on board.

2. More shoots, more animals – I’m expanding my work with shelters, rescues, and animal welfare organizations. If you know a shelter that could use some stunning portraits for their adoptable pets, you know who to call. These animals deserve to be seen in all their glory, and I want to make that happen.

3. More exposure for your organization or business – Whether you’re a rescue, a pet-related business, or even an animal welfare advocate, let’s team up. Together, we can use these beautiful portraits to drive more attention, donations, and support to your cause.

4. More fun, more joy, and more dogs in the spotlight – Let’s not forget why I do this. It’s because these animals deserve to be celebrated, loved, and admired for who they are. Sure, I’ll have a few ridiculous bloopers along the way (you’d be surprised how often a dog’s ears don’t cooperate), but it’s all part of the journey. And don’t worry, I’ll be sharing all the behind-the-scenes moments because we all need a little laughter along the way.

As for the next steps? I’m already scheduling shoots with shelters and rescue groups, and I’ll be reaching out to my fantastic network of animal welfare partners to make sure we’re all on the same page. The goal is simple: to get as many animals in front of the camera as possible, help them shine, and give them the best shot at finding a forever home.

Thank you for being part of this mission with me. It’s a big, bold goal, but I know it’s one I can tackle with the support of my incredible network of pet lovers, rescue advocates, and businesses that care about making a difference. Let’s kick off 2025 with a bang – and a whole lot of wagging tails!

Lacey Schuetz
Founder of Licked! Pet Photography