With the popularity of Photoshop and other image editing programs, many savvy photographers are bypassing the drama of getting Fido or Fifi to pose nicely in front of the Christmas tree. These days you can get your cat or dog to look pretty on the family holiday greeting card with the simple click of a mouse.
Whether you plan to Photoshop your Christmas card or you prefer to take a more traditional route to document your furbabies this season, consider the following tips:
Costumes: Halloween may be over, but that doesn’t mean you have to put away the costumes. If you are looking for a unique way to spice up your holiday card, then have your pet get into the Christmas spirit by dressing up in a holiday-themed getup, such as Santa, Rudolph, a devil, an angel, an elf or a snow dog. Dog and cat costumes are available this time of year at most major pet stores.
Lighting: One of the pitfalls of photographing your pooch is triggering the dreaded pet photo flash eye, whereby your cat or dog looks possessed when your camera’s flash hits the animal’s retina. When taking pictures of your pet, make sure you flood the room with as much natural light as possible. Doing so will allow you to eliminate the need to use your camera’s flash.
Props: If you have semi-cooperative pets, then consider using props in your holiday shot. Last year my dog-loving pal set her camera on a tripod and enabled the self-timer. Then, she jumped under the mistletoe with her dog. The end result was an adorable photo of her smooching her pooch. If you have a cat, then snap shots of the feisty feline unwrapping gifts and playing with colorful ribbon. Then, make those photos the centerpiece of your holiday card.
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