If you’ve ever tried to get that perfect holiday card shot with your pet, you know it can be quite challenging. It’s easy to end up with dozens of photos of blurry noses, closed eyes, and your dog’s tail. But here at Golden Paws Pet Resort & Spa, we’ve spent a fair amount of time photographing pets, and we’ve picked up a few tricks along the way.
Pre-Photo Prep: The Secret Sauce
When you’re ready to get your photo session rolling, you can help set yourself up for success by giving your pet a good 20-minute play session first. A tired dog is more likely to cooperate and make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone. A photo session is also a great time for their favorite treats – we’re not above bribery here!
The timing of your photo shoot is also worth considering. If your pet is more content after a meal, keep that in mind. If they get the zoomies every night like clockwork, then you’ll want to work around those daily patterns. Our Golden Paws team has also found that it’s much easier to have at least two people involved. One person can focus on the treats and getting their attention, while the other manages the camera and technical aspects.
Location, Location, Location
Natural light is your friend for the most flattering, realistic photos. Position your subject(s) near a window or head outside to an area with open shade. If you’re able to capture the Golden Hour, in the early morning and late evening when the sun is low in the sky, you’ll be treated to soft, warm light and long shadows. This lighting makes for better photos because it’s not as bright and harsh as midday sun, so your pictures will have nicer colors and look more appealing overall.
You’ll often get your most compelling shots when you get eye-level with your pets and see the world from their point of view. Getting down to their level creates more engaging photos that show their personality, rather than just looking down at them from above, which can make them appear small or distant. Also be sure to avoid busy spots with a lot of clutter or distracting obstacles in the background.
The Photo Session Survival Guide
If you end up taking 100 photos to get five good ones, you’re in good company—that’s completely normal and just part of the process. Digital cameras and smartphones have made this approach much more practical, so don’t hesitate to take plenty of shots to get the one you want. During our photo sessions at Golden Paws, we also make sure the Live Photos setting is turned on so that if we missed a shot, we can go back to it and capture the exact keyframe that we wanted.
Start without props and try to get some natural shots first, then gradually add the festive accessories. In our sessions, we use an arsenal of squeakers, calling, kisses and playful noises to get our sweet (slightly distracted) dogs to look at the camera.
Another tip that might not be obvious is to not delete the outtakes immediately. Sometimes those “failed” shots where their tongue is hanging out sideways end up being the most endearing. In fact, we recommend not reviewing or deleting shots while you’re in session to make the most of your time, then sort through the images later.
Kids and Pets Together: Double the Challenge, Double the Fun
Adding children to pet photos multiplies the complexity, but the results can be magical. The key is managing expectations and embracing chaos.
Brief the kids beforehand if they’re old enough to understand. Explain that sudden movements and loud noises will make the pets excited or nervous. Give each child a job, like holding treats or helping with props. This keeps them engaged and gives them a sense of purpose.
Position the kids first, then bring in the pets. Children typically stay put better than animals. Have the kids sit or lie down in their spots, then encourage the pets to join them naturally rather than forcing positioning.
Take photos continuously during natural interactions. Some of the best shots happen between posed moments when kids are giggling at their pet’s antics or when the dog is giving gentle kisses.
Consider action shots too. Kids and pets playing together often creates more authentic, joyful images than forced posing. Let them interact naturally and be ready to capture those genuine moments.
Quick Phone Camera Tricks
- Burst mode is everything. Hold down that shutter button and let technology do the work.
- Focus on the eyes by tapping your phone screen to focus on their face, not their nose.
- Fill the frame by getting low and close. This captures their personality better than distant shots.
- Use the Live Photos setting if you’re on an iPhone.
- Use portrait mode sparingly as it can make fur look strange, but it works beautifully for close-up shots.
Props and Outfits: A Reality Check
Start small with simple accessories like festive bandanas before attempting full costume changes. Always double check for loose or small costume pieces that could accidentally be swallowed. Safety always comes first, and comfort wins over cuteness every time.
Practice putting props on and taking them off quickly, and have an exit strategy ready. Sometimes a holiday-themed background works better than forcing uncomfortable costumes.
Embrace the Good Enough Philosophy
Here’s your permission slip to embrace imperfection. The slightly blurry photo where everyone looks genuinely happy beats the perfectly posed shot where your dog looks miserable. The best holiday card photos capture your pet’s true personality, even if their ears are doing something completely ridiculous.
At Golden Paws Pet Resort & Spa, we offer holiday event photoshoots on a seasonal basis for dogs across our daycare, lodging, enrichment, training and grooming services. We also offer some department-specific photoshoots including grooming glow-ups, enrichment events (like Back to School), training Graduation Day, and more.
Ready to capture some picture-perfect memories with your pup? Contact us today to learn about our upcoming photoshoot events or book your dog’s next visit – because every moment with your furry friend deserves to be celebrated!