Day 11 in the 12 Days of Christmas Event

So, everyone loves to take photos of their pets, especially ones around the holidays. Pictures in front of the tree, pictures with goofy hats and antlers, and many times they end up in the family photos. BUT.... out of all of those how many do you have with your pet actually looking at the camera? If you are like me its probably not many, so today I wanted to share with you some holiday pet photography tips.

 

I would like to introduce yall to a friend of mine, her name is Stephanie Millner and she is an awesome photographer! International award-winning and certified photographer Mrs. Millner has a way with pets! My dogs were immediately relaxed in her studio and ready to be put in the limelight!

Click here to see her work!

 

After we got a few sneak peeks of the session, we could not be more pleased with how they turned out. She did such an amazing job.

 Meet Tucker (left) and Bailey (right). I am sure yall have seen them on here before or on our Facebook page. My two pups are the best any dog Mom could ask for (I also have two amazing kitties, but as cat attitude's go I spared them the "humiliation" of wearing antlers this year).

 

I am truly thankful for Stephanie and her beautiful photos but, lets face it we all can't be as amazing as Stephanie Millner! Sometimes we have to take our own photos. It could be because we don't know a great photographer, or its not in the holiday budget to hire one this year. We get it, so that is why we have composed a list of some great photography tips that you can do at home to improve your pet photos.

 

Tip #1: Never put your pet in a dangerous or uncomfortable situation.

The shot is never worth harming your pet or making them feel uncomfortable. Pay attention to your pets body language. Make sure your pet is comfortable next to the Christmas tree or with antlers on. You may have to work your way up to them wearing a hat or sitting under the tree before the actual day of the photo shoot. If at anytime your dog or cat become visibly uncomfortable stop your session immediately.

 

Tip #2: Find out what motivates your pet.

Does your dog have a favorite toy? Does your cat perk up when you shake the treat bag? These are things you want to use to your advantage. Each time we do a photo shoot we have some type of motivation to get the animals attention. Is it a tennis ball? Is it a certain word like "Play?!" or "Treat?!" Use a high pitched voice, toys or treats to get their attention so they to look at you. This will help them give you that expression you love so much. Be quick though, you will only have a very small window to capture these expressions. The trick is to try and capture as much of their personality in the photo as you can.

 

Tip #3: Get down on their level.

Nobody wants to see nothing but the top of your dogs head or you looking down on your cat at each shot. Try and mix it up. Lay down on the floor, zoom in, and get up close. Try to make your photo interesting and personal. Do you love your cat's big ears? Photograph them. Is you dog a ham in a Santa hat? Focus on that, use what your pet gives you and try not to have too many expectations.

 

Tip #4: Patience really is a virtue!

When you are photographing pets they get wiggly, or distracted or sometimes have a diva moment and just walk off! Try a little pre-shoot exercise. Get out the cat toys, throw the ball or go for a walk. Your pet will most likely be a better subject if he/she is a little tired. Also, you may get the best shot when you least expect it so try and be patient, good things come to those who wait!

 Tip #5: Have a buddy!

This is probably one of the best tips I can give! Sometimes you need someone to help you out. Between fixing antlers, straightening hats, giving treats, squeaking the ball and trying to get the perfect shot it my be impossible to do it alone! Get a friend, kid or spouse to be your assistant during your photo sessions. Make sure it is someone who is comfortable with your pets and who understands what you are wanting out of your photo session. This will create less stress for you and your pet.

 

We hope yall enjoy our tips and I hope they help out this holiday season. We wish you Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

Just because I am a proud mom, here is another of our Christmas photos from this year. Thank you again Stephanie Millner for doing such an amazing job!

 

 

 

 

 

Day 12 in the 12 Day of Christmas!

 

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Day 10 in The 12 Days of Christmas Event

Day 9 in The 12 Days of Christmas Event

 

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Free shipping is only for orders going to the United States, Guam, Hawaii, and Japan.

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Day 8 in the 12 Days of Christmas Event

 

 

 

 

Ok Yall, cold weather is VERY new to me! Living in Japan has opened my eyes to cold weather care for my pets and I learned a lot last winter. This year, we are more prepared and I wanted to share some of my knowledge with yall.

 

I grew up in Texas and we have very mild winters there. From Texas we went to Guam and the Goldie's loved Guam! We could go to the beach just about every day of the year, bask in the sun and enjoy the sea breeze. We were all in for a rude awakening when we moved to Japan November of last year. It was cold, wet and very miserable. The Goldie's quickly grew in a winter coat but we encountered some other problems. There was very low humidity, so paws cracked, noses were dry, their skin was dry and itchy. We also had issues with paws getting raw from the roads being salted. Neighborhood cats are all around and we had to be mindful of them and their safety as well. Needless to say we had a laundry list of problems that we have never experienced before.

 

 

 

 

After some reading and talking with our vet we are prepared for this winter season and are ready to help you and your pets prepare as well.

 

Here is a basic list of what you need to keep in mind during the winter weather months.

 

1. Keep your cats inside.

 It is a well known fact that cats find warm places like up inside cars. Don't let your cat get injured or possibly killed by trying to find warm shelter. If you have cats in your neighborhood make sure to tap the hood to scare out any of them hiding under the hood before you start your car.

 

2. Layer on the clothes before going outside.

Sometimes dog clothes are a necessary evil and not just for our entertainment. Small dogs and short hair dogs are especially susceptible to the cold winter weather. Pets lose most of their body heat through their feet, ears and through panting. Cold pavement can quickly drop a dogs temperature when walking around. Invest in insulated jackets, sweaters, and even shoes if necessary.

 

3. Add Fish Oil to their daily allowance of food.

 Omega 3 Fatty Acids are a great supplement for improving the heath of your pets skin and coat. Omega 3's are great year around but we find them essential in winter months.

 

4. Wipe those paws!

After a trip outside make sure to wipe off your pets feet at the door with a warm damp cloth. This will wipe off any chemicals or salt from the roads and keep your pet from possibly ingesting these substances.

 

5. Keep those noses and feet from cracking!

 Noses and feet get cold, chapped, dry and cracked. Do some preventative care for your pet before these become a problem. We like to use nose butter, paw salve, and even coconut oil to keep noses and feet from drying out.

 

6. Be mindful of senior pets.

Older pets have a very hard time getting around in cold weather. Their joints are stiff, their arthritis can be very painful and it takes a while for them to get warmed and move a little faster. Make sure your senior pet has a warm, soft place to sleep. Keep an eye on them especially when going up or down stairs, navigating icy roads and/or around other dogs. A small slip, bump or misstep can cause a fall and it can be very painful for them.

 

7. Up their food intake!

If you have active pet like mine, you will want to increase their food ration during these cold months. Staying warm is hard work so they need a high quality and high protein food that will replace all that energy lost.

 

8. There's no place like home!

 Our pets love to be with us. They love the soft couch, the food dropped by the kids, a warm lap and being inside and warm. Take the pups out for potty breaks and short walks and return inside. Keep your kitties inside as well, give them warm places to nap away from drafts and off the floor. This is the best way to keep our pets safe this season.