Capturing Christmas mini-sessions with pets

As we quickly wind down for the end of the year, two things invariably happen: Christmas mini-sessions for kids and for pets. I have been running my pet portrait mini sessions for quite a few years now and I love them…so do the pets! So, I thought I’d share a few tips and tricks for getting the best out of capturing Christmas mini-sessions with “Pet Pawtraits.”

Creating a scene

I have a new scene every year. As many dogs are getting a little older, I opted this year for mostly floor work. A nice, soft faux fur blanket was just the trick. But a rug or vinyl floor can work too (especially if there are any excited ‘wee’ dogs).

It always pays to take some blank shots, without the animals, in case you need to fix something in a shot. You could easily use a plain white background and a few ornaments like I have done in past years, but the printed backdrops really do make it something quite special. I get mine from Kate Backdrops. I added some empty cardboard boxes wrapped in paper. Some while baubles I found super cheap (just in case someone decides they are a ball and need biting!). Nothing is breakable or can be easily replaced.

Keep things simple

If the dog is a handful, leave it on the lead, as leads can always be removed in Photoshop. Otherwise, as long as the dog is contained in the studio (no open doors, etc.), let them check it out. They are often more confident and curious off the lead.

Nothing (apart from light stands, which were sandbagged) was breakable. Dogs could check out all the smells…and there were lots!

Have a few shots in mind, but don’t go overboard. Some animals are happy to ham it up, while others can only manage a simple sit. Santa hats, bow ties and other such accessories are okay on some pets, but stress others out. Don’t push it. I used pretty much the same setup with lights and camera settings as for all my pet shoots.

Always offer praise

Always tell them they are doing a great job. It’s YOUR job to keep them interested. I have a squeaker in my pocket and some treats on hand. I hid treats in the presents and boxes and asked Dexter to find them. Granted it all depends on the level of training of the pet.

Always check with the owner if the treat is suitable. I usually go with kibble, yogurt drops or peanut butter cookies.

I always introduce myself to the animal when it first arrives. But I have a chat with owners about their behavior in advance, along with their likes and needs. Some of my repeat customers are getting older and not quite so nimble.

Keep your Christmas session short

Regardless of the animal, keep it short, keep it fun. If the animal is getting stressed, immediately stop. I keep all my sessions to no longer than 15 minutes. I have everything set up, lights tested and cameras set before the animal arrives.

Most animals — especially dogs — can pick up your stress levels. So if you are calm and having fun, let the animals relax and enjoy it too. Less stress on animals and owners makes for less stress for you. It also makes for happy smiley faces.

Once they leave, I give a quick vacuum and spray with Adaptil. It does not remove the smells but can help calm the animals.

Settings

I always get asked what gear I used and what I had it all set to, so here it is.

Lights

• 2 x Godox AD200 Pro with strip boxes lighting up the backdrop, set to 1/64 power, so as not to overpower my main lights and subject, but to adequately light the backdrop. On either side of the backdrop
• 2 x Godox AD400Pro with softboxes to light my main subject at the front on either side of my subject. set to 1/32 power.

Camera & Lens

• Sony a7RIII – AP Mode, f/5.0, auto white balance, spot metering, spot focus, animal detection on
• Tamron 28-75mm lens, autofocus, 28mm
• Settings – ISO200, f/5.0, 1/125 seconds