Holiday Santa Paws Pet Photos - What to Expect

Santa Paws, Holiday Pet Photos: What to Expect

Preparing for a Santa Paws Photo Sitting

You've booked your dog's holiday photo day sitting!  Now what? 
Here are a few tips to prepare for a successful and fun experience.

BayAreaSantaPetPhotos

WHAT IS A HOLIDAY, SANTA PAWS SITTING?

Each year, during the Holiday season, I volunteer my photography services to fundraiser photo events.  These events raise money for local animal shelters and rescues.  We set up a festive-themed backdrop in a pet-friendly business and schedule a day full of short photo sitting appointments.  *Santa Paws  flies in from the North Pole to sit with your pup in a photo!

*Santa Paws is not at all holiday events, please check schedule. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

Appointments are scheduled every ten minutes (it's a busy, fast paced day).  Our goal is to get three to five fun shots, pick the best one (photographer's choice) and make an instant print for you to take home the same day.  People are welcome to join the photo (just keep in mind that it's a small set so a big group will not fit).  We will make an effort to get variety in the shots taken (with/without Santa, with you/kids, dog solo, etc).  The amount of variety will depend on a few factors, but we should begin with your priority.  (For instance, many people think their pet will not sit with Santa Paws but with a few tricks/treats we are able to make it happen, so give some thought to what you hope to capture).

The sitting fee includes one instant 4x6 print and you have the option to purchase additional prints, holiday cards and digital files online after the event.

FOR YOUR PET

Exercise
Consider the personality and needs of your dog.  If you have a young, super energetic dog or high energy breed, taking them for a walk or run prior to the photo sitting appointment can be helpful.

Grooming
This is a personal preference, how do you like your dog to look?  It doesn't matter to me if your pup is groomed or scruffy, I think they are cute no matter what.  Think about how you like them to look and how you'll prefer them in the future.  

Accessories
Fun, festive props or outfits are encouraged!  

Treats/Toys
I'll have some squeaky toys and treats on hand but you are welcome to bring any favorites.  We may not use them but it can be good to have them on hand.  Also, if your dog has any food allergies be sure to bring high value treats that they can have.  

Cats
Brave kitties are welcome but please check the schedule to see if the event is in an enclosed room.  Some events are in a quiet room and some are in the middle of a store.   When kitty comes out of the carrier they will be held by you or Santa and we'll move quickly so they can go back into the safety of the carrier.

Shy Dogs
If your dog is not keen on the idea of being in a photo with the "scary man in the hat and beard" then Santa Paws can step out for a moment and your dog can have a solo portrait, or you can be in the photo with them.

Energetic Wiggly Dogs
Going to get a photo with Santa Paws may be very exciting for your pup!  We have a lot of experience with excited pups.  Having Santa Paws (or you) in the photo to hold your pup (or the leash) is very helpful.  Once your pup is in place I'll make some unexpected sounds the get their attention - CLICK!  

YOU

You are welcome to join the photo (with or without Santa Paws)!  However, the backdrops are small and not ideal for groups, but one or two people/kids can easily join.

GENERAL

• We will do our best to stick to the schedule, but appreciate your patience if we are running late.
• Holiday and Santa Paws sittings are limited in time but we will attempt to get as much variety as possible in the short time allotted.  
• Expect to get three to five final shots.  The instant print will be the photographer's choice.
• Please check in with the volunteer to check in when you arrive, The donation fee is due at check in. 
• You will receive one instant 4x6 print to take home and have the option of purchasing additional prints, digital files or holiday cards online afterwards.
• What gets your pup's attention?  When we're shooting I'll be using squeaky toys, sounds and phrases to get them to perk up and look directly at the camera.  Give some thought to what gets your pup's ears up.  Questions like: Where's the BALL? Wanna go for a walk?  Where's (name of familiar buddy or family member)?  Food motivated pets will alert to the sound of a crinkly treat bag (which I'll have on hand).  The trick with sounds and phrases is they must be used sparingly.  
• The background changes every year!  So you can come, support animals and need, and always get a photo that looks different each year!
• Photos from these events make great holiday cards and you'll have the option to purchase digital files or holiday cards from the photographer.

These are just a few tips for preparing. 
Please let us know any special concerns you may have so we can be sure to set you up for a great photo sitting!
 

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