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Unleashed: 6 tips for capturing the perfect holiday family-pet portraits

Have fun taking holiday photos with your furballs


Since the Capital Area Animal Welfare Society started staging its Santa CAAWS photo fundraiser nearly 20 years ago, volunteer photographer Mari Presedo has captured literally hundreds of thousands of Christmas-card worthy images.

If you missed this year’s Santa CAAWS or prefer to take photos at a studio or at home, these are Presedo’s tips to make holiday photos more fun for your furballs and family:

1. Consider how many people and pets can fit in single sitting. For example, the capacity of Santa CAAWS’ 10-foot square backdrop to accommodate a crowd depends on the cooperative level of the subjects. “I have photographed 12 extremely well behaved dogs with two humans in one sitting,” Presedo says. On the other hand, corralling one fast-moving, frisky kitty and a couple of excited kids in front of the same backdrop can be a challenge.

2. Prepare for a successful shoot before leaving home—or posing the picture. It’s best if owners water—but not feed—walk and potty their dogs immediately before the photo shoot. A good walk calms pets and tires them a little, which helps maintaining a calm, submissive energy.

holiday family pet portraits tips3. To costume… “Some of my repeat families have themes every year,” Presedo says. “LSU Tigers, Jaguars and Saints are always popular attire. Some families will all wear Santa hats or antlers along with winter clothes just for the pictures.” Generally speaking, people tolerate costumes—especially the uncomfortable ones that fall out position unpredictably—better than pets.

4. …or not to costume? Furthermore, “As tempting as they seem,” Presedo cautions, “most dogs hate wearing hats and antlers. It’s hard to get them to ‘smile’ when they feel they are being  ‘punished.’ So if this is your intent, have them wear [the costume] a little around the house first and reward them heavily for tolerating their holiday finery before picture day.” For most cats and other animals, a costume is usually out of the question.

5. Remember: To a pet, Santa is just a big furry, smelly stranger. Just like a human child who gets passed off to a huge stranger for the first time in an unfamiliar place, pets may be frightened, leery or super excited to see Santa. Some animals might not be as intimidated by the person as much as the suit.

At picture-taking events open to the public, it doesn’t take long for the Santa suit to smell like a really big dog pack with maybe a wisp of cat, rodent, lizard or whatever Santa had for lunch. “For some dogs, it’s like going to a virtual dog park and hearing all the gossip,” Presedo says.

Some sniff Santa and begin wagging out of control because Santa smells like a dog or human they know. Plus, they really enjoy the social outing. To others, it’s sensory overload. So, to get the best shot, Presedo pleads, “Give your pets a few seconds to settle. Be patient!”

holiday family pet portraits tips6. Get in the spirit.The best pictures are the ones where everyone is comfortable and happy to be there,” Presedo says. And, although she aims to get everyone facing the camera, that may not always be the best shot. One year, a toddler and the family dog both “kissed” Santa at the same time. “Santa’s eyes were closed and he had a blissful, surprised smile on his face, as both lab and child showered him with affection,” Presedo says. “You just can’t plan that.”


Creature feature


If you’re looking to add a new family member to this year’s merriment, CAAWS has many cats, kittens, puppies and kitten who would love a new home for the holidays including:


Charlie BrownCharlie Brown is a 2-year-old lab/dachshund mix.

 


CorkyCorky is a young, male grey tabby. He’s a shy guy who needs time to get used to new surroundings. But once he trusts a new acquaintance, he is very affectionate. Corky loves being brushed and petted. He also enjoys the company of other cats and dogs.


OlafOlaf is a 1-year-old Catahoula mix. He’s a crazy, happy, super sweet guy. Since Olaf has lots of energy, he will need a patient owner with time to teach him how to become a great canine companion. He’s best suited to a family with moderate to high energy level who has the time to walk him daily and lots of playtime.


Peppermint Patti

Peppermint Patti is a 2-year-old terrier mix.

 

 


Zia

Zia is a beautiful 3-year-old calico girl. Her exotic name reflects the fact that many people believe she looks like an Egyptian kitty. This little sphinx is sometimes shy at first. However, once she becomes acquainted, she loves to engage new friends in play or sit quietly in a comfortable lap.


Madison

Madison is an 8-month-old shepherd mix. While she may appear a little timid upon introduction, she is an engaging young pup, who enjoys being around others. While she still has enough puppy energy to enjoy a day full of play, she is settled enough to appreciate some quiet time snuggling with her family.


All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, heartworm tested and microchipped. Many other adoptable dogs, puppies, cats and kittens are available through Capital Area Animal Welfare Society.