Tis the season to be merry - and that means it's time to break out the tinsel, put up the fairy lights and get decked up for those festive photos!
As we all know dogs are part of the family, and you'll no doubt want to include them in your best Christmas shots, so coming up are some great tips to get the best seasonal photos of your dog.
Before we get into my Five Ideas for your Festive Photos, it's really important to remember that your dog doesn't understand what all this fuss is about. You might think it's cute to get them all dressed up - but please do make sure you're putting their welfare first!
WELFARE TIPS
Most importantly, always make sure your dog is happy and comfortable to be photographed, particularly if you are using props or poses that are new or different to your dog.
Be prepared to stop if they're not happy (no photo is worth a stressed dog), change things if necessary, and ALWAYS ensure you are staying within your dog's capability in terms of poses (especially if asking them to pose on things they need to climb on to e.g. chairs)
Also make sure you're rewarding your dog when they get it right - none of us likes to work for free!
So now, on to the Festive Photo Ideas!
BOWTIES & BANDANAS
There are some fantastic festive bow-ties and bandanas out there, and these are a really simple way to get a festive photo of your dog without using lots of props and posing - ideal if your dog has a low tolerance level for such things!
You can buy some fabulous bandanas from companies like Charlie & Boo, or why not get creative and see what you can make yourself?
TOP TIP: try using an old red t-shirt to make into a bandana, and cut out some green tree shapes from some spare material to make your own festive bandana for your dog without costing a penny!
FESTIVE FOREST
The great thing about an evergreen wood is that it ALWAYS looks like Christmas! This is a great way to get festive on your normal dog walk - simply find a spot where the fir trees line either side of the path and ask your dog to sit or stand in the middle.
You'll have a photo with a subtly festive feel (and you can always use your bandanas in this shot too!)
COSY CHRISTMAS MOMENTS AT HOME
We all know dogs love to curl up on the sofa - so let's embrace their favourite spot!
This is another great one if your dog isn't overly keen on photos. Simply position your chair next to the Christmas tree and add a festive blanket and a few fairy lights for a cosy Christmas photo in your home.
FESTIVE FAMILY JUMPERS
If your dog isn't one for dressing up, this is your opportunity to take on the costume duties yourself! Why not grab a photo with everyone wearing their festive jumpers and Santa hats, and posing with your dog?
It's a great way to capture a fun family photo for your Christmas cards!
SITTING WITH SANTA'S BOOTS!
Are you hoping for a visit from Santa Paws? I've got a great photo hack for you to try out with your dog! All you need is a pair of dark wellies and some red trousers (and a willing assistant!).
Simply dress your helper in the red trousers and wellies, and ask your dog to sit beside them. Then, take the photo cutting off the top of the frame at the waist, so that it looks like your dog is sitting alongside Santa. Bonus points if you position them both in front of some festive lighting or the Christmas tree.
For some added authenticity, sprinkle some flour on the boots to look like snow!
Have you got any great Festive photos? Come along to my Facebook Community and share your shots!
