Getting a Relaxed Pet Portrait in Front of a Themed Backdrop

Scroll through the Paws and Reflect gallery and you'll see dogs in a Halloween setting, a Santa hat, a boater hat at a picnic, a camping scene, a pink flamingo float and reindeer antlers in front of a snowy backdrop. Some of them look like they're having the time of their lives. Others have the quiet, slightly puzzled look of a dog who's been told this is important. Both are charming, and both usually trace back to how the session was set up.

Shane, the salon manager and groomer, is the resident photographer. He offers photo add-ons and monthly themed shoots, and he has years of experience around animals of all kinds. This post is general advice for owners who want a portrait of their pet and would like the session to go smoothly.

Start with a calm pet, not a perfect pose

The photos people love most usually show an animal that looks comfortable. That means the most useful preparation happens before anyone touches a camera. A pet who has had a walk, a bathroom break and a quiet moment arrives in a better mood than one who's been cooped up and excited all morning. Tired is fine. Wound-up is harder.

Think about your pet's usual temperament. A dog who greets every stranger as a long-lost friend will probably enjoy the attention. A shy dog may need a slower start and a chance to look around the space before anything happens. A portrait is not the time to push a pet past what it can handle, and a willing photographer will work with that rather than against it.

What to bring

A few small items can make a big difference. High-value treats, the soft, smelly kind your pet gets only for special things, are the best tool for holding attention and getting a good expression. Bring a favorite toy, especially one that squeaks or crinkles, since a sound from behind the camera often draws an alert, curious look. If your pet has a security item, such as a blanket, bring it for the car and for breaks.

Bring a leash or carrier you're comfortable with, a towel in case of drool or a little mess, and a brush if your pet's coat tends to get messy quickly. If your pet takes any special handling, such as a sore joint or a dislike of being picked up, make sure the photographer knows before the session begins.

Help your pet get used to props

Costumes and accessories are part of what makes themed portraits fun, but not every animal enjoys wearing them. Hats, bandanas and antlers can feel strange. If you know an accessory is coming, you can introduce something similar at home. Drape a bandana loosely near your dog, reward calm behavior, and build up slowly to wearing it for a few seconds at a time. Make each session short and cheerful.

Watch for signs of stress. Lip licking, yawning, a tucked tail, turned-away eyes and shaking off are all ways animals tell you they've had enough. If you see them, take a break. A pet who's been given a pause usually returns to the set in better shape, and photographs that you took at the end of a stressed session rarely look as good as the ones you take after a rest.

Dress rehearsal for the backdrop

Backdrops can be bright, shiny or textured, and some animals are suspicious of anything that looks unfamiliar on the floor. Let your pet sniff the setup, walk across it and get a treat on it before anyone asks for a pose. A pet that has decided the backdrop is safe will usually relax into it. Once you have a few good frames, stop. Quitting while your pet is still in a good mood makes the next session easier.

Pay attention to the cues you give, too. Cheerful, steady voices help most animals. If you are hovering and nervous, your pet notices, and the photographer can often work more easily if you step back and let the animal focus on the person with the camera and the treats.

Ask about the next theme

The gallery shows holiday and seasonal backdrops, and with monthly themed shoots the theme changes. If you're curious about what's coming next, or whether a photo add-on fits with your pet's next visit, the best move is to ask. A call or a text is the quickest way to find out what the next theme is and how to take part.

Whatever the theme, remember that the point is to capture your pet as the animal you know. A gentle, patient session usually produces the picture you'll still want on the wall years from now.

To ask about the next themed shoot or a photo add-on, call or text Paws and Reflect at (262) 423-3500. The salon is on Main Street in Germantown, next to The Vault Pet Supplies, and works by appointment Tuesday through Saturday, 9 AM to 3 PM.