How to Take a Picture of Your Dog with Santa

He's your best friend and you want him to be part of your Christmas photos. Here is how to get a great picture of your dog with Santa.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. First avoid using a flash. Choose a location where you can take pictures with natural light. This will minimize the chance of red eye and of frightening the animal.

2. Next choose a location where the photographer is shooting upward at your dog. You want a location where Santa is on a raised platform or the photographer crouches down to shoot the photograph. This will help catch the spark of your pet's eyes.

3. Now bring a fetch toy with you when taking the picture. Throw if up right before the picture is taken to get that excited look in your dog's face.

4. Additionally right before the picture is taken give your dog a crunchy treat such as a milk bone. This will increase the chance that he will have his mouth open in a smile when the photograph is taken.

Tips & Warnings

• If your dog is hyper, get the picture taken right after giving him a meal of canned dog food. Typically dogs will relax a bit as they are digesting food.
• If your dog is aggressive or tends to frighten easily take him to the location for the photograph several times before the picture to let him acclimate.
• If your dog is shy around strangers, ask the Santa to pet him on the side of his face for a few moments before the picture to help the dog relax.
• Respect you dog and if he really does not want the picture, stop and try again later. Dogs have moods just like the rest of us.

[sneedc]

on 12/12/2008 I took mine to PetSmart and she was so scared, but it was the cutest photo, I keep it up year round. Thanks for the great tips for photos with our pooches!