It can be very frustrating to get your dog in the perfect position for that Christmas picture. What’s even more frustrating is getting him to sit still.  Before we go any further, your dog must be trained to sit and stay.  Let your dog get used to the camera. Let him take a good long sniff then start taking some shots to get him used to the clicking sound. The idea is to keep things natural and relaxed. Don’t grab a bunch of treats and shove them in your dogs face. Once he’s still and in the right position, take lots of pictures. Turn the flash off if outdoors or in an area that’s well lit. Your picture will look better in natural sunlight. Too much light will cause that “washed out” look. Get down to your dog’s level. Don’t stand over him. Pay attention to the background. A simple background like a beach or some trees are fine and will make your dog stand out better. A friend with a dog toy will come in handy if you want a head-on shot or a regal profile. However, keep your dog’s personality in mind, some dogs will get very excited when they see toys. Be creative, the best shots are often the spontaneous ones. Good luck, we’ll look for you and your best friend on that Christmas card!

Remember, your pets count!