Forget ‘Perfect’: 5 Tips for Holiday Photos With Your Dog You’ll Actually Love

Let’s be real for a second. You’ve seen them—the flawless holiday cards where a perfectly coiffed family and their impossibly still dog are smiling serenely into the camera. And your first thought is probably, “How on earth…?” followed quickly by, “My dog would never.”

I get it. The pressure to get that one “perfect” shot can feel immense, and the thought of trying to wrangle your goofy, squirrel-obsessed, lovable goofball into a static pose is enough to make you want to skip the photos altogether.

But what if I told you the secret to photos you’ll truly cherish has nothing to do with perfection?

As a Michigan pet photographer who has seen it all, I’m here to let you in on a little secret: the best photos aren’t the stiff, posed ones. They’re the ones that capture the head tilt, the goofy grin, the soulful eyes, and the chaotic, beautiful love that makes your dog your dog. It’s about capturing their personality, not forcing a pose.

So, take a deep breath, let go of the stress, and let’s talk about how we can make your holiday session genuinely fun. Here are my top five tips for a stress-free session that results in photos you’ll look back on and smile about for years.

1. A Tired Dog is a Happy (and Photogenic) Dog

This is my number one rule, and trust me, it’s a game-changer. We want your dog to arrive at our session feeling relaxed and content, not buzzing with so much energy that they can’t think straight.

A good walk, a vigorous game of fetch, or a romp at the park about an hour before our session is the perfect recipe for success. Think of it as letting them get all their zoomies out beforehand so they can be their calm, charming selves when the camera comes out. Also, try to schedule the session so it doesn't fall right after a big meal; a slightly hungry pup is much more interested in the delicious treats we’ll be using!  

2. Bring the Bribes (I Mean, Treats)

Your dog is working hard during their session, and they deserve to be paid well! This is the time to break out the good stuff. Forget the everyday milk bones; we’re talking high-value, can’t-resist-it treats. Think tiny pieces of cheese, chicken, or whatever their absolute favorite snack is. These little rewards are magic for getting and keeping their attention.  

And don’t forget their favorite toy! Does a certain squeaky hedgehog make their ears perk up in that adorable way? Bring it! Holding it right near my camera lens is one of the best tricks in the book for getting that perfect, alert expression.  

3. Let's Talk Outfits (For the Humans!)

Okay, now for you! The goal is coordination, not cloning. Please don’t feel like you all need to show up in matching plaid shirts (unless that’s your thing, then go for it!).

Instead, think in terms of a complementary color palette. Rich, earthy tones, muted jewel tones (like olive, navy, or plum), and soft neutrals always look incredible outdoors in Michigan. The most important tip? Try not to wear the same color as your dog. If you have a black dog, wearing all black can make them disappear into your clothes . Have a white dog? Avoid bright white, which can be distracting. The idea is to create a gentle contrast so your furry family member pops! Above all, wear something you feel comfortable and confident in—clothes you can easily move, sit, and snuggle your dog in.  

4. Accessorize Your Pup (But Keep it Comfy)

We all love a dapper dog, but their comfort is key. A pup who is miserable in a bulky sweater or fussy costume will look… well, miserable in their photos. And we want happy faces!

Instead, let’s opt for simple, classy touches that add a festive flair without the fuss. A handsome bandana, a beautiful velvet bow on their collar, or a simple, festive collar can be the perfect accessory. The best way to know if it’ll work? Have them try it on at home for a bit before the session to make sure they’re totally cool with it.  

5. The Golden Rule: Let Your Dog Be a Dog

If you take away only one thing, let it be this: please, let go of expectations and embrace the beautiful, glorious imperfection of it all. Your dog is going to run the show, and that’s not just okay—it’s wonderful.  

Some of the most heartwarming and cherished images I’ve ever captured have happened in the “in-between” moments—the sloppy kiss, the happy pant after a quick run, the way they lean their head on your knee. Don’t worry if they aren’t sitting perfectly still or looking at the camera every second. My job isn’t to capture a perfect pose; it’s to capture their soul.  

Your relaxed, happy energy is contagious. If you’re having fun, your dog will too. And that, right there, is the secret to photos that are not only beautiful but are also filled with genuine, heartfelt joy.

Your holiday photos shouldn’t be a source of stress. They should be a fun, memorable experience that celebrates the love and laughter your dog brings into your life every single day.

If you’re ready to create holiday memories that are less about perfection and more about personality, I’d be honored to help. Let’s capture the real, beautiful story of your family.