It all started with our first foster dog, Pink. We adopted our beloved boxer girl, Danica, from the Legacy Boxer Rescue in Texas and soon became volunteers. As a volunteer I got to see what went on behind the scenes and was directly exposed to the reality of rescue. It broke my heart to see all those sick, helpless, confused boxers in shelters or those that were being surrendered by their families for whatever reason. I evaluated my first boxer that was being surrendered by her family late in 2011. By mid-December I brought her home because I could not bear the thought of her spending one more day with a family that didn’t care about her.
That is when I discovered photography and developed a passion for it. As a foster Mom, it was my responsibility to write Pink’s bio and post pictures of her for potential adopters to see. I started with iPhone pictures and got tons of positive feedback from friends, the other volunteers and fans of the Rescue. I finally moved on to a DSLR after giving in to my husband’s persuasion. It was he who encouraged me to try something new and step beyond my comfort zone. And I took my first prize winning picture not too long after that.
There was no going back. I took photography classes, read books and practiced, practiced, practiced. I still have a lot to learn but the passion is evident even in the blurry iPhone photos I took way back when. I am so happy to be where I am today and it’s all because of supportive family, especially my husband, and friends, some of whom I’ve never even met.
I submitted Pink's picture below in the Fuzzy Nation Super Model Contest in 2012 on behalf of Legacy Boxer Rescue and we won third prize! Legacy Boxer Rescue received a grant of $2000! And I gained a whole lot of confidence in myself as well.
This picture of Legacy Boxer Rescue Alumni, Raicon, was submitted in the same contest in 2013 and it won second prize! This time Legacy Boxer Rescue received tons of kibble and crate beds for their fosters.
I have had the time of my life, the last couple years, photographing pets, kids and people and have always felt a tremendous satisfaction photographing foster dogs and the dogs and cats in shelters to help them find their perfect ever afters.
I cannot think of anything that gives me more pleasure than capturing moments you never want to forget. It took a while for me to get here, but I have found what I want to do for the rest of my life.
© 2014-2017 Ana Deshpande Photography. All rights reserved.