Jeanne Taylor of Jeanne Taylor Photography is a renowned photographer in the Charleston area and Northern Virginia. She is known for her love of pets and knack for capturing their essence like few others can. Taylor has received many accolades in her career, including being named Mount Pleasant Magazine’s Best Pet Photographer for seven years running.
It’s no wonder that Taylor was recently honored as the 2024 Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) National Philanthropy Day Volunteer of the Year for the South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter. National Philanthropy Day, celebrated annually on Nov. 15, “provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of giving and what it makes possible.”
Taylor is not just a talented photographer and respected business owner, she’s also a passionate animal advocate and shelter volunteer. “For years Jeanie Taylor has lent her amazing skills in photography to Charleston Animal Society as well as other local shelters,” said Kay Hyman, senior director of community engagement with the Charleston Animal Society. “She gives of her time to showcase the true inner beauty of shelter dogs every week. Her work is a tremendous asset to our team as well as a lifesaver. She is a hero to animals throughout the Lowcountry and throughout South Carolina.”
As the “standard-bearer” for professionalism in fundraising for 60 years, AFP strives to “stimulate a world of generosity and positive social good through fundraising best practice.” With over 27,000 members worldwide, the organization celebrates the contributions of individuals and organizations across the globe.
As AFP President and CEO Mike Geiger said in a video on the NPD website, “Every November, we reflect on the meaning of giving and celebrate the countless ways that philanthropy is making a difference in our communities.” NPD aims to recognize everyone who plays a role in philanthropy — from donors and corporations to foundations and volunteers like Taylor.
Generosity and selflessness are two qualities that perfectly describe Taylor and her commitment to animal welfare. Through her photos, Taylor doesn’t just help shelters and rescues post quality photos of adoptable pets on their websites and social media, she also captures the spirit and personality of each pet that is seeking a home and a second chance at life.
The value of a quality photo cannot be overstated. Rescues and shelters around the U.S. work tirelessly to take good photos of the pets in their facilities and foster homes, hoping to capture their best side and tell their best story. Unfortunately, many organizations settle on poorly lit photos that do nothing to market the pet and look more like mugshots than they do portraits. Few shelters and rescues have access to professional photographers like Taylor and their adoptables are often overlooked as a result.
It’s hard to quantify how many pets have found their forever homes thanks to Taylor’s skillfully captured images; she’s been volunteering as a photographer in shelters and rescues for more than 21 years.
Taylor continues to open doors for adoptable pets around the Lowcountry by sharing her gift with those who may not understand it but stand to greatly benefit from it. Inspired to volunteer by a dog named Twister, Taylor is happiest when shy shelter dogs give her kisses during their photo time. One of her favorite words in the English language is “adopted,” and she has a special place in her heart for terminally ill pets. It would be difficult to find someone more deserving of recognition. Our congratulations go out to Taylor for this well-deserved award.
Learn more about Taylor at jtpetpics.com.
By Isabel Alvarez Arata