• About
    • Meet Tara
    • Family Photography
    • PR & Advertising
    • Disclosure
    • Contact
  • Celebrations
    • Anniversary
    • Baby
    • Back to School
    • Birthday
    • Bridal Showers
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Father’s Day
    • Graduation
    • Halloween & Fall
    • Mother’s Day
    • Patriotic
    • St Patricks Day
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Wedding & Engagement
  • Crafts
    • Costumes & Wearables
    • Gifts and Toys
    • Home Decor
    • Jewelry
    • Kids’ Crafts & Activities
    • Papercrafts
    • Printables
    • SVG Cut Files
  • Home
    • Nehil Home Tour
    • Basement and Garage
    • Bathroom
    • Bedroom
    • Entryway
    • Kitchen
    • Living Room
    • Office
    • Outdoors
  • Lifestyle
    • Blogger
    • Favorite Products
    • Mom Life
    • Organization
    • Parenting
    • Pregnancy
    • Kids Activities
    • Travel
  • SHOP

Spot of Tea Designs

Crafts & DIY, Parenting, Home Decor and Parties.

TwitterFacebookPinterestInstagramShopContact

Holiday Pet Photography Tips {Guest Post}

Celebrations, Christmas

Looking for some pet photography tips to get a great shot of Fido for your Christmas Card? Check out this awesome post from my talented friend, and SOTD Contributor, Jamie, showing some tips to photograph your best this holiday season!

Holiday pet photography tips - how to get great shots for your Christmas cards | spotofteadesigns.com

For our holiday cards last year, I wanted to feature the newest member of our family – and my favorite model – our puppy, Pippa.  I usually take most of my photos outdoors, but the weather was chilly and most of the scenic areas by my home were full of dead grass and naked trees.  I decided to try an indoor photo shoot, but I didn’t want to use my home as the backdrop.  I was looking for a more festive look, so I set up a “faux studio”.  Here are some pet photography tips and must-haves for creating your own successful photo shoot:

Holiday pet photography tips - how to get great shots for your Christmas cards | spotofteadesigns.com

Lighting – I don’t like using a flash indoors if I can avoid it.  Take advantage of natural light if you can. Pick the brightest spot in your home for your “studio”.  Make sure to turn on any light fixtures and overhead lighting in the room.  I also used a construction spotlight (we already owned one from our numerous painting projects) and clipped it to the back of a dining chair.  Make sure that wherever you will be standing that you are not creating a shadow over your shooting area.

Holiday pet photography tips - how to get great shots for your Christmas cards | spotofteadesigns.com

Backdrop – The perfect affordable backdrop?  Wrapping paper!  I choose a bright green and red polka dot because I thought the colors would really pop in contrast to my black and white pup.  Use the paper to cover an area of wall and floor and secure with painters tape. Think about the size of your subject and evaluate how much backdrop you will need.  Also keep in mind that if you are photographing a small child or pet they most likely will not sit still in the middle of your “set”.  I used an entire roll of paper, which I tiled, into 4 pieces – 2 side by side on the wall, and 2 side by side on the floor. Tip:  try to match the pattern just like you are wallpapering – it will save you later from trying to retouch it to look like one continuous backdrop.  I also bought an extra roll of paper just in case – if you don’t need it, use it to wrap presents.

Holiday pet photography tips - how to get great shots for your Christmas cards | spotofteadesigns.com

Photo Assistant – I cannot stress the importance of having a helper!  My job was to capture the moment, and I needed my hubby to “wrangle” the dog, keep her attention, and keep her on the backdrop. Don’t worry, he’s not hurting her here, only repositioning!

Holiday pet photography tips - how to get great shots for your Christmas cards | spotofteadesigns.com

Props – If you choose to use a prop think safety first!  A baby or puppy will put everything in their mouth so something fragile or glitter covered is probably not the best idea.  I choose to use a red ribbon for Pippa to interact with.

Holiday pet photography tips - how to get great shots for your Christmas cards | spotofteadesigns.com

Bribes – Pippa LOVES chicken.  My very smart assistant took a piece of chicken and tied it in a knot in the ribbon.  Perfect idea to get her even more interested in the ribbon!  Have treats, a favorite toy, and something that makes funny noises on hand.

Settings – I used a Digital SLR camera and while I love photography, I’m not so great at the technical aspects. I highly recommend checking out the Kevin & Amanda blog for some awesome photography tutorials. Enjoy Amanda’s amazing photos of her two Boston Terriers while you’re there!

Holiday pet photography tips - how to get great shots for your Christmas cards | spotofteadesigns.com

Quantity – If your subject is wiggly, the more shots the merrier!  Just keep moving and click click click!  Change your position for a variety of angles – move to the right and left, stand on a stool or chair so you are looking down on your subject, and even get down on your knees or stomach.  Try to keep your subject on the backdrop and in the frame, but keep in mind you can always crop later.  Even if some of your photos aren’t keepers, you’ll enjoy looking at the funny outtakes.

Holiday pet photography tips - how to get great shots for your Christmas cards | spotofteadesigns.com

Layout – Can’t pick just one shot or want to show a series of movement?  Try a triptych (“three fold”) layout for your photos.  I pulled the color inspiration for the card from my backdrop, and of course Pippa. Clever copy that reflects the mood of the photos completes the card.

Sharing With:

Polka dot Pretties, The Gingerbread Blog, Be Different Act Normal, Craftionary, My Simple Home Life, C.R.A.F.T, Sew Can Do, The Southern Institute, Craft Gawker, Made in a Day,

Featured On:

Made in a day,

Save

  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related

Tagged: Contributor Jamie, guest post, Photo shoot   |   7 Comments

The Big Reveal Year of Date Nights: December
Spotofteadesigns.com Signature Design showing ways to socially follow this DIY/Parenting blogSpotofteadesigns.com Signature showing how to follow on twitter. Username: spotofteadesignSOTD2019SignatureFollow4FacebookSpotofteadesigns.com Signature showing how to follow on pinterest. Username: spotofteadesignSpotofteadesigns.com Signature showing how to follow on instagram. Username: spotofteadesignsSpotofteadesigns.com Signature

Sign up to stay inspired with new posts!

Comments

  1. Jamie says

    December 8, 2012 at 8:14 am

    Thanks for inviting me to share!

    Reply
  2. sara says

    January 2, 2013 at 9:43 pm

    Just wonderful! Love the tips.

    Reply
  3. April says

    November 11, 2013 at 10:05 am

    Welcome to the world of Blogs!

    I loved the Pippa photo shoot. She’s adorable. (Wonder if our beloved Sweetie the Cat would be nearly as cooperative. ;>)

    April

    Reply
  4. Pet Portraits by Emma says

    December 11, 2013 at 12:20 pm

    Thanks for some amazing tips. Your photos of Pippa are wonderful. I just have two guinea pigs at the moment but maybe I will do a funny photo shoot of them eating through paper and ribbon. Happy holidays!

    Reply
  5. Angela says

    November 9, 2014 at 9:36 pm

    I appreciate this, and not just because I have a Boston too! Thanks for the post. I have tried to get pictures of ours in the past but they’ve never come out as well.

    Reply
    • Spot of Tea Designs says

      November 10, 2014 at 1:03 am

      They are such a cute breed! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  6. Anna Sakila says

    May 23, 2017 at 11:18 am

    Thank you for sharing your tips. I love getting pictures of my Golden Retrieve but he just sit there… facing the wrong way, then wander off looking for food. I can’t wait to try your tips – by the way, Pippa photos are great.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Meet Tara, author of Spot of Tea Designs

STAY INSPIRED

Sign up for the Spot of Tea Designs Email Newsletter and receive an email each time a new post goes live! Privacy Policy
Shop the Spot of Tea Designs Amazon Store front | spotofteadesigns.com

Follow Me on Instagram

Next week is Read Across America and one which is Next week is Read Across America and one which is usually filled with all things Dr. Seuss.
.
Make sure your kids look the part with this wearable craft that uses a red cup and free printables to make a Cat in the Hat style hradband.
.
Get it on the @whcostumes blog --> https://www.wholesalehalloweencostumes.com/blog/cat-in-the-hat-headband-craft/
4 years ago today I launched a #40BeforeForty list 4 years ago today I launched a #40BeforeForty list of 40 things I would love to accomplish before I hit the big 4-0. Curious what's on my list or how far I got? Visit the blog today to see an update!
.
Ps when you don't have a 9 candle, add 4+5 🤣 #thisis39
.
Post --> https://spotofteadesigns.com/40-before-forty-1-year-to-go/
ATTN: adorable freebies ahead! . I've teamed up wi ATTN: adorable freebies ahead!
.
I've teamed up with some awesome creators to offer 20 free St. Patrick's Day cut files you can grab and use to create these awesome wearables, home decor pieces, and party decorations. 
.
Get them all over on my latest blog post on SpotofTeaDesigns.com 
.
.
.
.
.
https://spotofteadesigns.com/let-the-shenanigans-begin-and-free-cut-file/
Yesterday was #Nationaldrinkwineday. Did you parti Yesterday was #Nationaldrinkwineday. Did you participate? 
.
Coming at you a day late with this fun shadowbox project I made for the @custompictureframes blog using recycled wine corks that fits the theme. I'm a white wine gal myself so I have to thank mom for saving all her red wine corks for me!
.
Please share if you're more a red or white drinker and if you have any brand recommendations to try!
.
Tutorial: https://www.custompictureframes.com/diy-cork-art-shadow-box-display
Guys have you experienced the fun of glow in the d Guys have you experienced the fun of glow in the dark vinyl?
.
This past Christmas I designed matching shirts for my 3 nephews who's last name is Day. Since they are sweet boys who love being outside, wrestling, dirt and all things boy, all day and all night, I thought it was the perfect phrase to make something fun with a magical element. 
.
Swipe to see this design glow and grab the free svg over on my blog ---> https://spotofteadesigns.com/all-day-all-night-glow-in-the-dark-t-shirt/
We are slowly creeping up on the one year annivers We are slowly creeping up on the one year anniversary of the shut down when the world changed. I CANNOT believe we've been doing this for a YEAR! 
.
Since mailbox and porch drop offs are still a thing, consider dropping off a @baileysofficial treat for your adult friend with a "let the shenanigans begin" tag tied on!
.
Available for instant download for your St. Patrick's Day treats --> https://www.etsy.com/listing/931803148/let-the-shenanigans-begin-tags-st
Follow on Instagram

ASSOCIATIONS

Blog Meets Brand

Amazon Associates Disclosure

Tara Nehil is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Spot of Tea Designs

...is a lifestyle blog showcasing crafts, home decor inspiration, party planning and parenting.

TwitterBlogLovinPinterestInstagramShopContact

Things I Blog About

  • ⇧ UP PLEASE
  • About
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • PR & Advertising
  • Contact

© 2021 Spot of Tea Designs · All Rights Reserved · (FC)

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.