Local photographer Pam Greer encourages clients to include their pets in their holiday portraits. An expert who also offers holiday sessions just for fur babies, here she offers a few tips on how to get your best holiday pet photo yet.
» When photographing inside, turn off the camera's flash and use existing light. Christmas tree lights, lamps and candles all create a warm glow that casts people (and pets) in their best light. "With flash, you lose that ambient feel and it ruins the whole effect of the photo," she says. "My phone takes amazing pictures in low light."
» Get on their level. Rather than standing above your pet and looking down, get on your knees and take the photo at their eye level.
» Keep your camera or phone ready. "You never know when they're going do something extra-cute," says Greer. And you can't ask a pet to re-create that moment. Keep your camera on the counter or in an easily accessible pocket, if you don't already.
» In that same vein, always take tons of shots, because chances are at least one will be a gem. "I take photos of my cats all the time, and probably 60 percent are trash," she says. You can always delete them later.
» If you're taking your beasties to a professional, bring treats. (These are handy for human-family shoots as well.) A squeaky toy is useful for getting dogs to make eye contact, and Greer also barks or meows. Parents of hyper pets will want to give them a bit of playtime before the session to get some of that energy out, she adds. If your pup needs to be on a leash, make it a neutral color, and be sure to tell your photographer anything specific about your pet that they need to know, i.e., don't approach too quickly, or let the animal smell you before you reach out to pet them.