Dubai: Christmas is a season of giving and a Dubai-based freelance photographer has found a novel way to do his bit and add to the festive cheer. He is offering his service to do free photoshoots for pets in the city.
On December 19, Persian expatriate Massih Shahbazi, 25, posted a Facebook notice calling pet owners in the UAE to bring their pets to a veterinary clinic for a free Christmas photoshoot. The response has been encouraging with more than 20 pet owners responding to his call.
Spirit of giving
“They (the pets) were absolutely adorable and the whole experience was fun. It is the holiday season and I wanted to give something to the community. I know that people are always thinking about hiring a professional to get their pets to pose in front of the camera. But it is not easy to do as the photographer should be an animal lover to be able to capture their best shots.”
Shahbazi has already clicked more than 100 pictures of 25 pets in the past week using a photo-booth that he set up at a veterinary clinic in Al Barsha 1.
“The pets – in the festive garb with a reindeer hat and a Santa dress – were patient and seemed to enjoy the sessions. Someone even brought their geko, a lizard and a pet spider,” said Shahbazi.
Australian pet owner Shar Dean who had two salukis photographed by Shahbazi said she is planning to make a Christmas calendar of her dogs.
“It is such a lovely gesture. I have already put my pets’ photos on Facebook and have shared the same with the rescue group from where I got them. Everyone was so happy to see them in such a festive attire.”
Seeing the response from pet owners, Shahbazi is extending his Christmas offer up to New Year’s Eve.
