PEKIN (25News Now) – Tazewell Animal Protective Society, TAPS, has seen a decline in the number of people interested in adopting animals, but a pet photographer is helping these furry friends find homes one snapshot at a time.

“It means a lot to me. I feel like I’m doing a great job, and hearing I came down because I saw this photo of this dog,” said Cheryl Linton, owner of Legacies’ Photography.

Linton, a professional pet photographer, has volunteered with local animal shelters for the past ten years.

“What I want to do is work with animals and help animals. I came down to TAPS as a volunteer. They didn’t even know I took photos until I walked through the door; once they found out I took photos, that was it,” said Linton.

Being in the industry for a decade, Linton has developed techniques always to get a dog’s good side.

“There are all kinds of tricks that I have, squeaky toys, throwing toys, throwing treats, I mean it’s all kinds of things, it just depends on the dog. I haven’t found many that I haven’t been able to capture their photo,” said Linton.

These photos are the kind of exposure TAPS is looking for to find people willing to adopt.

The no-kill animal shelter currently has 155 animals still looking for a home, but TAPS spokesperson Liam Donahue says this number is typical. Instead, it’s the growing list of animals with extended stays that worries shelter workers.

“We want to keep them under 100 days if we can, so once we get them, that 100-day mark, we know we need to get them more exposure,” said Donahue.

The Pekin shelter has 24 animals on that 100-day list and is hosting an open house event this Saturday, March 9, from 1 to 4 p.m., hoping for more adoptions.

Until then, Donahue says Linton’s work has been a big help to their shelter.

“Having [the dogs] get nice quality photos where you can capture the essence of their beauty, it helps them to increase exposure and get potential applications,” said Donahue.

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The Bardstown-Nelson County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for BriarRose and Thistle Photography LLC on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2024. Pictured is Leslie Tucker, owner, staff, chamber board/ambassadors, and Lisa Thomas, executive director of the Bardstown-Nelson County Chamber of Commerce.

BriarRose and Thistle Photography LLC holds ribbon cutting

Adobe’s latest update to Lightroom, Lens Blur, introduced in October 2023, is setting new standards in digital photography post-processing. Utilizing Adobe’s AI Sensei technology, this tool creates a depth map to selectively blur backgrounds or foregrounds, adding a professional bokeh effect to images. Despite its current Early Access status, the tool has garnered attention for its time-saving capabilities and the potential to enhance photographic artistry.

Unveiling the Power of AI in Photography

Adobe’s innovative approach to post-processing with the introduction of the Lens Blur tool in Lightroom leverages their proprietary AI Sensei technology. This technology meticulously analyzes an image to create a detailed depth map, distinguishing between the foreground, the main subject, and the background. Once the depth map is established, it allows for selective application of blur effects to different depth levels, effectively simulating the bokeh effect that is often sought after by photographers for its ability to focus attention on the subject by blurring distractions.

User Control and Creative Freedom

While the Lens Blur tool automates much of the process, Adobe ensures that photographers retain creative control over the final outcome. This balance between automation and manual adjustment is crucial for artists who value both efficiency and personal touch in their work. The tool is conveniently located in the Develop module under the Basic panel, labeled ‘Lens blur,’ making it easily accessible for users to experiment with and integrate into their workflow.

Considerations and Implications

Despite the excitement surrounding this new feature, Adobe has cautioned users about its potential implications for photo competition entries. Many competitions, including Adobe’s own Photographer of the Year, have strict rules regarding image manipulation. The use of the Lens Blur tool could potentially disqualify entries due to its capability to significantly alter the original image. This highlights an ongoing debate in the photography community about the boundary between artistic enhancement and preserving the integrity of the original photo.

Adobe’s Lens Blur tool represents a significant leap forward in the realm of digital photography, offering both novice and experienced photographers alike the opportunity to elevate their images with professional-level bokeh effects. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to observe how tools like this reshape the landscape of photography and the creative possibilities they unlock. Nevertheless, the conversation about the ethical considerations of such powerful editing tools is far from over, serving as a reminder of the delicate balance between innovation and authenticity in the art of photography.