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Halloween Shots: Don’t Forget Fido

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(A real hot dog.)

Take a look at this photo. This is the Halloween costume I wanted my 7-year-old to wear trick-or-treating. She refused.

She also turned up her nose at Old Navy’s other tasty costumes, including the cupcake, ice cream cone and hamburger.

I told her that she would surely score double treats if she went door-to-door looking as cute as the hot dog in the photo above.

Actually, I bet the dog would rake in an even bigger haul by donning Old Navy’s Banana Split costume for pups.

I know I would surely snap a shot of a pooch dressed as an ice cream novelty if it showed up on my doorstep Halloween night.

If you can’t get your kids to pose for you before they set out to ring doorbells in search of candy and cash, then turn your camera on your pet. Get into the holiday spirit by dressing your four-legged friend in a silly costume and snap away. Just remember to incorporate these simple tips when you do:

Experiment with different angles: Rather than taking a shot of your puppy or kitten looking directly into the camera, position yourself slightly to the left or right of him. This will help avoid the demonic look when the camera’s flash reflects off the tapetum lucidum in your pet’s eyes. In addition, it pays to get down to your pet’s level. Doing so will help make the picture more interesting by providing a unique perspective.

Lighting is key: Natural light is your friend, but you don’t want too much of it. Shooting a costumed pet in direct sunlight can make him squint. Also, avoid harsh light which can wash out a photo and cause unwanted shadows.

Stay focused: Your pet and his getup should be the focus of the photo. Don’t crowd the shot with unwanted background distractions. Rather, place your furry friend in front of a plain backdrop and let him shine in his Halloween costume.

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About Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. She spent the next ten years as a television anchor and reporter at various stations throughout the country (from the CBS affiliate in Honolulu to the NBC affiliate in Green Bay). She has won numerous honors including an Emmy Award and multiple Edward R. Murrow awards honoring outstanding achievements in broadcast journalism. In addition, she has received awards from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association for her reports on air travel and the Wisconsin Education Association Council for her stories on education. Michele has since left television to concentrate on being a mom and freelance writer.