Friday, December 15, 2023

Capturing Canine Cheer: A Festive Guide to Photographing Dogs of Every Breed



"Capturing Canine Cheer: A Festive Guide to Photographing Dogs of Every Breed"

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread cheer than by capturing the festive spirit of our furry friends? Whether you have a Rat Terrier, a Bernedoodle, a Beagle, a Shih Tzu, a Mutt, a Bulldog, or an English Mastiff, each dog comes with its own unique charm—and challenges—when it comes to holiday photos. In this guide, we'll explore tips and tricks to make your Christmas doggy photoshoot a success, complete with Santa hats and plenty of canine hijinks!


I did this a few times with my high school seniors and our "SANTA PAWS" photoshoots were exciting and fun, but we had to do them individually. Trying to get all those dogs
together at the same time was a no-go.
  1. Understanding Each Breed's Personality:

  2. I know very little about dog breeds and their personalities so I just had to go with the flow.

  1. For more ideas and locations, or for Senior Pictures for boys or girls, check out my website: Dallas Photographer or follow me on Pinterest Dallas Senior Pictures

    • Beagles: Playful and curious, Beagles may be easily distracted. Use treats or toys to keep their attention focused and snap candid shots of their inquisitive expressions.Ashley and her sweet dog were super chill and easy, and he came dressed for Christmas success!


        I love putting my client with their back to the sun to get that beautiful back light, and then they are not squinting!





        The in-between moments are some of my favorites!


      Santa Hats and Accessories: Have a collection of Santa hats, reindeer antlers, or elf ears on hand. Capture the adorable expressions as your dog models these festive accessories.
      Shih Tzus: These little charmers often have a regal air. Experiment with various accessories like bows and ribbons to highlight their adorable features.



      It's fun to make a game of captioning the photos with what the family thinks their pet might be thinking afterward.





    • Rat Terriers: Energetic and intelligent, Rat Terriers love to play. Capture their enthusiasm with action shots and candid moments of them enjoying holiday toys. HOO-BOY! I was not ready for this Rat Terrier. I'll start with the final and best photo and then show you how we got there.

Ok, so cute sisters and cute dog smiling at the camera, easy-peasy, right? Wrong.


Just to reiterate with some closeups of the expressions!







I have no idea what kind of dog Grace has, but he or she did not want to look at the camera!

Getting the Perfect Pose:

  • Patience is Key: Understand that dogs, especially those with playful personalities, may not always cooperate immediately. Be patient, and let them get comfortable with the surroundings.
  • Treats and Toys: Use treats and toys strategically to grab your dog's attention and encourage them to pose. Capture the moments of anticipation and excitement.

I'm gong to call him/her a mut. I hope that's not an insult.


It really helps if you can get someone the dog likes to stand behind you and get their attention. High squeals work one time, so make sure everyone is ready.




We finally decided a walking pic might be the best choice!




    • Bulldogs: Bulldogs are known for their laid-back demeanor. Include props like oversized Santa hats for a humorous touch, and capture those irresistible wrinkled faces.


    • Take a good look at that face and all the places he wanted to look besides at me!



    • English Mastiffs: The two together were hilarious!


  1. Candid Moments and Hijinks:

    • Embrace Imperfection: Some of the best photos come from unexpected moments. Let your dog be themselves, and capture the candid, funny, and charming moments that arise naturally.
    • Playful Interactions: Encourage playfulness among dogs to capture the joyous spirit of the season. Dogs interacting with each other can lead to heartwarming group shots.




  2. And finally, I just photoshopped together a shot of them all looking in the general direction of the camera.



    • Bernedoodles: Known for their friendly nature, Bernedoodles are excellent cuddle buddies. Incorporate cozy and warm lighting for heartwarming images.



  3. I mean, come oooonnnnn! Isn't he the cutest?


  4. I'm smitten! Can you tell I have a doodle?



  5. With a bit of creativity, patience, and a sprinkle of holiday magic, you can capture the essence of the season with your beloved dogs. Embrace the individuality of each breed, experiment with festive accessories, and be ready to snap those candid moments that make your holiday photos truly special. Happy snapping!


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