From shelter to studio: Local pets get their close-up

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) —  A foster photo shoot and supply drive in Wilmington’s Cargo District helped bring attention to local animals in need of a forever home.

We spoke with the photographer behind the wagging tails—Breanna Burge, owner of The Photo District.

Located in the Cargo District, Burge’s mission is centered around helping rescue animals connect with families ready to adopt.

She began her efforts in 2023 with on-site shelter shoots, where she quickly saw a need among rescues that may not have the space or resources to showcase their animals.

Now, Burge opens her studio once a month on Sundays to host what she calls “Foster Photo Shoots.”

“So we have usually about twenty dogs come out from four to five different rescues, and the whole goal is just to get them photographed, help show their personality, and make that good first impression,” Burge said.

The most recent event also included participation from The Big Paw Project, which hosted a supply drive in support of Pender County-based rescue Hamilton’s Healing Hearts.

Burge says while photos are often a first introduction between potential adopters and pets, shelter images don’t always reflect an animal’s true self.

“That first photo is going to be day one at the shelter. They are around new people and new circumstances—they are going to be a little nervous,” she said.

That’s where Burge’s camera and creativity come in.

“Whenever they’ve settled in a little bit, we are able to get that personality—and whether that’s just them smiling, we might put some silly sunglasses on them or headbands on them—but we just want something that shows personality and lets that good first impression happen…”

We sat in on sessions with two adoptable pups—Patriot and Sophia—who are currently with fosters but still waiting for their forever homes.

These monthly photo shoots help the animals reach more people through professional images that let their personalities shine.

And after only three event’s, Burge shares the impact:

“We’ve photographed over a hundred adoptable pets, and over half of those already found their homes—and so that’s the goal, that’s all we look for.”

Currently based in the Cargo District, The Photo District will soon be moving to a new, larger studio on Princess Street, closer to downtown Wilmington.