Can you believe the holidays are just around the corner… again?!

Recently, our friends at Link asked us to share our tips and tricks for taking the best holiday photos of your pup. So we’re sharing our thoughts today!

1. Keep the background simple 

Holiday props and decor can be quite colorful and full of texture, so keeping the background as simple as possible will help bring focus to your pup. Consider neutral whites, greys, and tans to help bring out the colorful reds, greens, silvers, and golds that you typically find in decorations and apparel. 

2. Play with motion – not just a sit & stay

Posed photos sure are cute! But think about adding some interest to your photo by playing with a motion or action. Perhaps your dog is taking a candy cane out of a stocking, wrapping a gift, or maybe trying to sneak a bite of the gingerbread cookie ornament on your tree? Tell a story about how you celebrate the holidays with your dog through your photos!

3. Use string lights for a festive touch

String lights photograph so beautifully during the holiday season and can add the magic sparkle to your photo. Play around with having the lights behind your pup for a soft, out-of-focus blurred background, or even use string lights as an accessory for your dog. Protip: The trick to getting the string lights to look blurred out is to shoot with a lens with a low f-stop (or consider portrait mode on your phone)!

4. Get funny facial expressions out of your pup

Adding a dab of peanut butter or honey to your dog’s snout and using “burst” to capture photos is a great way to get more expressive faces out of them during a shoot! If you’re looking for a jolly, full “smile,” you can run your dog around for a couple minutes and get them to pant before snapping a few photos. Snapping a few photos right as your dog is chewing on a treat also generates some hilarious facial expressions!

5. Play with perspective and props 

To get a more interesting shot, think about holiday props and ways in which you can use them to create unique and different shots. Maybe your pup is buried underneath a pile of candy canes or bows, or perhaps sitting inside a beautifully wrapped gift box?

6. Make sure to have fun! 

Give your pup a break if they’re getting tired and make sure to keep the shoot a positive experience. Always reward your pup for good behavior and provide lots of treats throughout the shoot to keep them interested and engaged. Happy shooting!