Preparing your pets for holiday family photos

This month and next, opportunities abound for holiday pet photos at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, non-profit animal rescue fundraisers and local pet supply retailers. Under the most ideal of circumstances, animal photography is challenging because the subjects are sometimes shy, temperamental, loathe to take directions and have a short attention span. While the addition of other family members to the photo may calm a nervous pet, getting a good shot of a large family group requires even greater photographic skill.

A little advance work goes a long way in creating a fun photo shoot and a fabulous picture. Here are a few tips to help prepare your pets for a family photo shoot:

• Consider the photo location. Most dogs can be happy having photos taken anywhere. However, it is important to understand the event may be stressful for pets who are frightened of strangers, clicking noises or lightning (which is what the flash is to them) and being out of their environment.

Most cats are more comfortable indoors, and if you have an indoor-only cat, it may be your only option. If your pets will be miserable at the store shoot, create a customized holiday backdrop at home either outside near some trees, or inside around the fireplace or a favorite chair.

• Coordinate everyone’s wardrobe. A week before the shoot, consider what everyone will wear—including your family pets. Gather the family’s outfits and accessories and make sure everything is clean, in good condition and fits. While the ensemble’s attire does not have to match, the colors should ideally contrast the background and the pets’ coats. For example, a golden retriever or Irish setter might blend into a photo with red or yellow shirts and sweaters. Black pets are often flattered by light colors, and light-colored pets best framed by dark colors.

• If you must costume, begin to desensitize pets at least a week in advance. Most pets are more comfortable, better behaved and attractive in nothing but their birthday suits. But if you are intent on bandanas, special collars or costumes, try them on your pets to make sure they fit and are adjusted in size—in advance. Be sure to immediately reward your pets for good behavior, if they tolerate the outfit. To avoid any problems and familiarize your pets with the new duds, place your pets in costume for a short time each day and treat immediately to foster a positive association with the situation.

• Determine who will be beside or hold the pets. Think about placement of people and pets in the photo. Decide which family members make the pets feel most secure. Make sure the pets and people are comfortable sitting or standing in the preferred position well before the photo.

• Help the photographer get your pets’ attention. During shoot, the photographer will need the pets’ gaze focused toward the camera. Dogs may respond to their names, squeak toys, treats or other interesting objects to capture their attention. Take some of these items with you on the photo shoot. String, ribbon, feathers or noises may capture the attention of cats.

• Keep the experience low-key. Pets respond to stress, often negatively. Don’t become agitated or yell or your pets will be less inclined to sit still and may hide. Make it a peaceful and joyful experience—or, at least, retain your sense of humor.

If you decide to take the photograph yourself:

• Acclimate your pets to the camera. Let your pets sniff the camera when you’re not using it, and give them special treats every time you take their picture.

• Capture the moment. Posed photos are nice, but candid action shots provide more insight into families. Aim for both.

• Don’t draw attention to yourself. Quietly and quickly take the photos.

• Take lots of photos. Going digital allows you to take lots of photos and review them without the expense of developing each picture.

• Consider the best angle for shooting your pets and family. The best angle is often at eye level.

• Set your shutter speed on a fairly fast frame in case pets move. If you are using a traditional film camera, consider 400 speed films.

Upcoming Holiday Pet Photo Opportunities Include:

• LSU School of Veterinary Medicine on November 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsored by the Auxiliary to the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the event helps fund scholarships for veterinary school students. A variety of photo packages are available. For more information, call 578-9900.

• Petco on December 5 and 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The early December photo session is free with PetPals card and purchase. The mid-December event costs $8.95 plus tax; a portion of the proceeds benefits Ascension Animal Advocates. Call 297-5997.

• All area PetSmart locations on December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $9.95 with a Petsmart card. Call 929-9590 (Airline), 292-0479 (S. Mall Dr.) or 275-4858 (Millerville).

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