7 Tips to the Pawfect Christmas Pet Photos

By: Joni Boyd

A new take on traditional Christmas photos has pet-lovers dressing their pets up and teaching them how to pose for the camera.

According to pet-lover Nat, it might take some preparation, but it will be worth it! Here are Nat’s top tips for having the pawfect Christmas pet photo this year.

1 – Practice at home

By having a practice run at home, in a space your pet feels safe, you’re helping them get used to the idea of sitting still to have their photo taken.

Particularly if you want them to wear something special for Christmas, make sure you let them get used to how it feels, before taking their outfit out in public.

2 – Keep it simple

“You don’t want the little bud getting too overwhelmed,” Nat said.

While it might be tempting to go all out, taking small steps is important.

3 – Remember the treats

“You can never have too many treats at photo time,” Nat said. “If your furry family member isn’t into food, then make sure you bring their favorite toy. You want something that will capture their attention and help them look the right way.”

4 – Dress ups!

If you want a matching family photo this Christmas, don’t forget your pet. There’s a great range of predesigned pet Christmas fashion but you can also have fun and make something special.

5 – Help your pet with their ‘pose’

It can be hard to keep your pet still long enough to take a photo.

Try these steps:

1. Let your pet play quietly, getting all their active energy out.
2. Watch them while they’re playing and decide on the angles and positioning you’d like for the photos.
3. Set your camera up, so you’re ready to go.
4. Once you’re ready, whistle to get their attention.
5. Snap away!

Alternatively, as some pet-owners have done, train your pet over a period of time, to stay perfectly still on command. Some well-timed treats will come in handy!

6 – Pick your timing carefully

Depending on what kind of photo you’d like, plan the photo shoot at the best time for your pet. If you’d like the photo to be quite formal, plan to take the photos when they’re tired. Alternatively, if you’d like a more casual, playful shot, take the photos when they’re active and ready to play.

7 – If in doubt, enlist a professional

There are many different opportunities to have a professional photographer capture your pet’s Christmas cheer this year. Whether your pet is a bird, lizard, dog, cat… or (almost) anything else, there is an option for you.

Some shopping centres are offering a pet-photos-with Santa service. And companies like Scene to Believe offer a dedicated Christmas pet photos service, with photographers who are not just great at their craft, but are also skilled pet-whisperers.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

Images: All photos supplied and used with permission

About the Author: Joni Boyd is a writer, based in the Hawkesbury Region of NSW. She is passionate about the power of stories shared, to transform lives.