Much like your Tinder profile picture can make or break your chances of finding a match, so too can pictures of animal shelter inhabitants or break their chances of finding a forever home. This theory has recently been proved by Florida’s Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) because the organization recently broke a 48-year-old adoption record and they say that professional photos played a big part in their rehoming of so many abandoned animals.

“In the past, intake photos (which are taken immediately upon the seizure of the stray or abused animal) might be the only image a person sees,” OCAS told PetaPixel. “But those pics are mainly for documentation, and identification for lost owners — they are not quality animal photography images. Often the animal is frightened, injured, and overall doesn’t connect with a prospective family. For a long time, this was the only or primary means of pet photography some shelters had, including us. A quality image makes the difference in motivating someone to come meet that adorable animal in person — especially in rural communities. Amazing photography, coupled with social reach, have helped us take adoptions to new levels."

Last year, OCAS decided to hire Albert Harris, a former photography volunteer, to directly support the pet shelter adoption process, and as you can see below, the results are nothing short of stunning.

“Nothing compares to a captivating image of an adorable pet,” said OCAS. “We find that people are connecting in a way with shelter animals that we’ve not seen before. Photography allows a family to see the dog’s personality, playfulness, and of course – complete adorableness."

More info: OCAS | Albert Harris (h/t: petapixel)