Every dog has a story to tell. Some are playful and energetic, others are gentle and shy, and many are simply waiting for someone to notice them. For photographer Maxine of Happy Paws Pet Studio, helping people see those stories is at the heart of a volunteer initiative she created called The Adoptable Lens Project.
The project was born from a simple but powerful idea: many adoptable dogs are overlooked not because of who they are, but because their photos fail to show their true personalities. Traditional shelter intake photos often focus on documenting a dog rather than showcasing what makes them special. Maxine wanted to change that.
With more than 13 years of photography experience and a lifelong love of dogs, Maxine officially launched Happy Paws Pet Studio in 2023. Her signature photography style began when she photographed her own puppy against a bright blue backdrop. The bold colour immediately drew attention to her dog’s expression and personality, inspiring a style that would eventually become her trademark.
Since then, Maxine has photographed more than 500 dogs, creating bright, clean, personality-filled portraits that celebrate each dog’s individuality. Her ability to capture genuine expressions and unique character quickly became the foundation of her work.
Through The Adoptable Lens Project, Maxine donates her time and talent to shelters and rescue organizations throughout Niagara, Hamilton, the Greater Toronto Area, and surrounding communities. Her goal is to help adoptable dogs stand out and connect with potential families through professional photography.
Instead of photographing dogs in kennel environments or busy shelter settings, Maxine uses vibrant, distraction-free backdrops and a relaxed, dog-led approach. This allows each dog’s personality to take centre stage. The resulting images are used on rescue websites, adoption profiles, and social media channels where they can help attract the attention of potential adopters.
“Too many incredible dogs are overlooked simply because they haven’t been seen in the right way,” Maxine explains. “My goal is to create images that make people stop scrolling, feel something, and hopefully take that next step toward adoption.”
The need for these images has never been greater. Many shelters across Ontario continue to operate at or beyond capacity. During visits to local SPCA locations, Maxine often photographs 15 dogs in a single session and may schedule multiple days to ensure every adoptable dog receives an updated portrait. In some locations, there can be 20 to 30 dogs waiting for homes at any given time.
Last year alone, she photographed 32 adoptable dogs during a project at a Niagara shelter location. This year, she has returned once again to continue helping the many dogs still searching for families.
As the project grows, Maxine has also begun opening her studio to foster-based dogs. These private sessions provide a calm, controlled environment where dogs can be photographed on carefully selected backdrops designed to complement their appearance and personality. The result is a collection of images that help tell each dog’s story and encourage potential adopters to take a closer look.
One of the most rewarding parts of the project is seeing how a single photograph can change perceptions. A dog who may have been overlooked in a crowded shelter can suddenly capture someone’s attention. A shy dog can appear gentle and approachable. A senior dog can show wisdom and warmth. A playful puppy can radiate joy and excitement.
For Maxine, every photo session is about more than creating beautiful images. It is about giving dogs a voice and helping them be seen for who they truly are.
Through The Adoptable Lens Project, she is proving that sometimes all it takes is one photograph to open the door to a second chance.
