Your pet can be in the Christmas photo without wearing anything. Put the holiday in the room or on the people, let the animal stay where it's comfortable, and take the picture in a spot it already likes. A relaxed pet next to a red blanket makes a better card than a stressed one in antlers.
Start where your pet already is
Find the place your pet chooses to nap or watch the room, and bring the camera there. Sit or crouch at a comfortable distance and include some of the room around it. A doorway, chair, or blanket gives the picture depth without putting anything on the animal. Use daylight and turn off the flash.
If the pet leaves, let it. You can crop a wide photo later; you don't need to follow it with the phone.
Put the holiday in the background
One clear color behind the pet reads as Christmas straight away: a red throw, a green blanket, or the lower branches of the tree. Place decorations where they can't be pulled down, chewed, or tangled, and keep food, tinsel, ribbon, and small parts out of reach.
Look at the shot from a few steps back. If the pet disappears into the background, remove one object.
Let the person wear the costume
A Christmas sweater, scarf, Santa hat, or festive apron on the person carries the theme while the pet stays as it is. Sit where your pet usually comes to you and take the photo if it approaches. If it would rather stay on the floor or across the room, include that distance in the frame. Never hold it in place for the shot.
For a cozy shot, an oversized hooded blanket on the person works well with a pet curled up nearby. The red Christmas wearable blanket poncho is one option; more ideas for people and the room are in the Christmas collection.
Keep the session short
Set up the room before you invite the pet into it. Take a handful of photos, then stop if it walks off, struggles, or seems uneasy. Avoid flash, dangling cords, and props within reach. If a particular setup keeps upsetting your pet, drop it, and ask your vet if you're unsure what it tolerates.
Pet holiday photo questions
Does my pet need to wear a Christmas outfit for a holiday photo?
No. A holiday color behind the pet, or a costume on the person, makes the photo festive while the animal stays comfortable.
How do I get my dog or cat to stay still for a photo?
Don't try to pose it. Photograph it where it already rests, in daylight, and take several quick shots.
What Christmas decorations are risky around pets?
Anything that can be chewed, pulled, or swallowed, such as tinsel, ribbon, small ornaments, cords, and food. Keep them out of reach of the photo spot.
