How to take the perfect pet Christmas photo
Do you make Christmas cards or send photos of your pets to loved ones at Christmas time? Or is this your first time at giving pet photography a go? Either way, we have some tips to keep your pet happy, relaxed and looking their best in a festive photo shoot.
Pay them some special attention
Make sure they are looking their finest by grooming your pet. You could give them a wash, towel dry and brush. Most pets love this so it will put them in a good mood too!
You want your best friend to be happy and relaxed for their photo shoot, so play with them, pat them, cuddle them and offer them their favourite treat.
Show them some love and attention and they will be in a great mood to get started with their photo shoot.
Be creative
If you want to dress your pet up, less is often best. Go for a simple ribbon, bandanna, bow tie or Christmas hat. Make sure your pet is comfortable and happy in their costume as this will shine through in the photo.
The location can make the photo extra special too. Backdrops could include the Christmas tree, fairy lights, presents or Christmas decorations. Do you have a red wall or door they could pose in front of or possibly a red couch or chair they could sit on?
Don’t forget outside in the garden, at the beach or a visit to the local park. These are great options as they offer both natural lighting and a more relaxed photo of your pet.
Lighting is key
Lighting plays an important role in every great photo. Flash photos can frighten your pet and also create red or yellow eyes. If possible, natural lighting is best, so opt for a shot near a window or head outdoors.
To avoid shadows when shooting outdoors face directly into or away from the sun. The golden time to shoot is during sunrise or sunset when the light is low and most beautiful.
Catch their attention
Once your pet is ready to have their photo taken, grab their attention by making a quick noise. This could be a squeaker toy, whistle, clicking or clapping your hands.
Make the noise count and quickly start snapping away as your pet will loose interest if you keep making noises over and over again.
You could also try calling their name, however this may result in them coming to you, so resist this option if that’s the case.
Jump in the photo
Get in the photo with your pet!
Selfies make great Christmas photos as they are fun and relaxed. Play to your angles by keeping your chin down and the camera up. Hold your phone or camera so the bottom of it is level with your eyes. Smile like you mean it and take lots of photos so you have a number of pictures to choose from.
You can also set the timer on your camera and jump in too.
Go natural
Capture your pet in their natural state. Let them play and run around and snap away. Capture their true personality.
It can also help to start your photographic session this way to get your pets natural restlessness out of the way.
Keep sessions short and comfortable
Getting your pet to sit or pose for extended periods of time can irritate your pet.
Keep photo sessions to a minimum and try to take the photo in a place that they love, such as on the couch or in a sunny spot near the window. Let them pose naturally and move around.
Make any finishing touches
Once you have taken and selected the perfect shot, add any finishing touches. There are a number of filters and apps to help with phone photos.
Photoshop and other editing tools are also great for camera shots.
Now you are ready to share your pictures on social media, create Christmas cards or gifts or simply send your picture to family and friends.
We hope you have a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. If you have any questions about your pets health or safety, please give us a call on 03 8784 4444.