Thomas Strand has always had an instinctive passion for photography. As a child he remembers the enjoyment of taking photos during family vacations. “I just always knew I wanted to do it,” says Strand.
During college, Strand had no idea how to go about pursuing photography and was encouraged by an advisor to study the art out of state. He studied photography at Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, California before making the not-so-easy transition back to frigid Minnesota where strides were being made in the advertising industry.
More than 20 years later, much of Strand’s portfolio boasts striking images used for corporate advertising for many companies including Lowe’s and Ecolab. But there has been an interesting addition to Strand’s work in recent years: pets.
Having his own unique history of pets from chinchillas and cockatoos to horses and dogs, it was natural that Strand found himself volunteering with non-profit animal rescue Second Hand Hounds where he would temporarily transport and care for animals that were having trouble finding a permanent home.
It wasn’t long until he began to incorporate his passion for photography into his volunteer efforts. Strand now photographs animals, allowing Second Hand Hounds to create intimate, beautiful profiles of pets who need a forever home—like the shy, 150-pound English Mastiff named Moses and the disappearing cat Frazie, who hid in Strand’s basement for two weeks.
Moving forward, Strand plans to continue working with pets. He says he likes using his commercial photography skills to help neglected animals find homes.
