Top 10 Tips for Great Holiday Pet Photos By Pet Photographer Richie Schwartz

Top 10 Tips for Great Holiday Pet Photos

 By Pet Photographer Richie Schwartz 

1 – If your pup is going to wear an outfit or even just a Santa hat, put it on a couple days before to make sure it fits, but more importantly, to see how your pup likes it and to let him/her get used to it.

2 – Try to bring your pup to the store/location where the pictures will be taken in advance to let him/her get used to the smells, noise, and hustle and bustle of the store.

3 - Buy a holiday toy that would look nice in the holiday picture and give it to the dog to play with a day or two before picture day. Bring it with you when you go for the pictures, it may help your dog feel more comfortable.

4 – Bring some of Fido’s favorite treats in case “bribery” is required.

5 – The photographers will most likely be using a camera with a flash, so I suggest that you practice taking pictures with a flash at home. Take a picture and quickly give the dog a treat. Let him make the connection that a flash will lead to a treat. This technique may help your dog sit calmly through a few shots if needed.

6 – Holiday picture days are typically very popular and there can be long lines to wait on. To avoid standing in long lines, arrive early in the day. You might even call the photographer at the store and ask what time would be least crowded.

7 – If you are using a professional photographer in a private photo studio, most likely you will be making an appointment. Make the appointment for a time when your dog has already eaten and has taken care of “business”.

8 – Try not to make any changes to the dog’s regular routine. Feed, use the bathroom, and exercise as usual if possible.

9 - It usually helps to take your dog for a long walk or run before the photo session, especially if you have one of the more active breeds or mixed breeds.

10 – Even after taking some or all of these steps, some dogs may not sit for a photo for one reason or another. Don’t get frustrated, give your pup an extra hug and remember it is all about having fun.

Richie Schwartz - America's Most Experienced Pet Photographer

Pets Photography Studio - Over 75,000 Pets Photographed

Named to Top 25 Pet People of 2010 (NBC Universal)

On the web: Twitter / YouTube / Facebook / Website

 

Meridian Dog Shelter Wins Food Donation... Finally

UPDATE 7:00Ppm EST. July, 23, 2012 — This story has been seen by over 15,000 pet parents and concerned members of the pet community, and after 1-800-Flowers came under public attack for their actions towards Ashley Owen Hill and Lucky Dog Rescue.

On Sunday afternoon, 1-800-Flowers refused to respond to the public outcry that came through via their Facebook page and were deleting all comments related to the story. They had since come forward with a statement (after their story had gone viral via Dog Files, Blog Four Paws, Reddit, Facebook and Twitter, and the petition on Change.org had 400+ signatures in under 24 hours) saying:

At 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, we pride ourselves on offering creative and engaging contests for our customers. We apologize that there has been a misunderstanding about the prize fulfillment regarding our recent There’s a New Bunny In Town. We are looking into the matter immediately and we promise to follow up with the winner to ensure the prize is fulfilled appropriately.

Celebrity Pet Photographer Richie Schwartz Photographs Dogs in Red White and Blue  for America's Birthday.

Whitney Houston sings the Star Spangled Banner.

TV Crew Visits Pet Photographer Richie Schwartz

A TV crew recently stopped by the photo studio of Richie Schwartz, America's Most Experienced Pet Photographer, to film him working. Watch as Richie photographs "Bear" and "Charlie" and then talks about his decision to specialize in pet photography full time.