There is another alternative, and you will be doing the shelters a big service - contact the local SPCA, private shelters and fosters and offer them your services. I have been doing that myself for a few years - and it doesn't get more rewarding than when a dog or cat that you photographed gets adopted on the basis of the evocative image you created donated to the shelter. When your images are eye-catching, they will generate buzz and sometimes a pet can have a home in a few days - and you just might have made a life and death difference. I target the kill shelters more often than the no-kill ones for obvious reasons.

Usually shelters are more than grateful for the offer, and very welcoming and accommodating. One even let me bring a portable studio (background, lights, stands, etc) and gave me a room and a helper/handler.

I can think of no better way to get to where you want to be as far as your pictures are concerned, and at the same time do the adoption community a big solid.

Here are a few images that have resulted in quick adoptions. The MinPin below was adopted three days after the image was posted. It got over 200 likes.

You'll find that attempting to approach both parts of your dilemma, making better images and learning to deal with people - at the same time may result in some missteps along the way - unless you're the type that lives for challenge of it all. I suggest you get your photo skills solidly under your belt - regardless of whether you take documentary stuff like the images below - or you go for a more stylized and personal look, or the Kitty Kitsch look where you dress up the cats (or dogs) in outfits and use cute props. Once you have the confidence you need, you can then start charging what the jobs are worth. Check to see what others are doing in your area, and charge as much, or more, as they do. Charging more is a little trick that I use when I think there will be some pricing sensitivity - charging more implies better quality - and pet owners often respond to that with their checkbooks. Make sure you have liability insurance, your equipment is in good working order, you have backup gear, and your gear is insured. Having a good contract goes without saying, and collecting your shooting fee up front - half when they reserve the date, and the rest when you arrive with your gear to take the shot - will ensure that you won't get stiffed. Making watermarked, low res medium quality images available for viewing and selection can work, but it is always better to do that in person so you can guide them through the process and help them with any questions about what the will be getting.

Never ever do work for otherwise paying clients for free just because you are new at this. It will be hard to charge them or anyone else later. Never give stuff (prints, albums, coffee mugs, greeting cards etc) away either. Do not provide electronic versions of your images, for them to print poorly at Walgreens. You do want to maintain control over the finished product.

I would agree with those who warn you not to do this for free. If it's free, it will not be valued or appreciated! I also like the idea of doing your free work for animal shelters. I have had some interest in that, but my issue would be that I would want to bring them all home as I'm a big pet lover . This post and it's responses had hit a cord with me and I might just do the shelter thing as my way of helping to save animals. I have always enjoyed photographing my own pets so why not help out. Gene, you photos are wonderful and have inspired me to give this more thought. Thanks.

Nice photographs and a keen idea. I have no pets right now because of apartment rules, but I've been a doglover all my life and all my dogs have come from Humane Society adoption. This is a super service you are performing. And it would be perfect for Annie. I'm sure that the Humane Society would be glad to let you have a small slug at the lower right corner with your name and phone. It would be great advertising as well as a training venue.

A set of portable lights can be created from 2-3 inexpensive flash units (Yongnuo or equal) and a couple of cheap bowl type softboxes.