3 Tips for Including Your Dog in Holiday Portraits This Year
One of these two ate the cookies on set. Hint: Santa denied everything.
Holiday portraits hit different. They carry a little more heartbeat, a little more nostalgia, and a whole lot more meaning when your dog is a part of them. The best portraits never ask for perfection. They simply reveal the love that is already there.
Every season has its charm, but the holidays have a way of pulling us back to the moments we want to remember. Cozy evenings. Cold noses. That one ornament your dog thinks is a toy. And honestly, no story of your year feels complete without the four-legged shadow who has followed you through all of it.
Whether your dog walks in wearing a velvet bow or just shows up with their usual wiggle, they bring a kind of truth to a portrait that no prop can replace. If you are planning holiday portraits on the Crystal Coast this year, here are a few simple ways to help your dog shine.
Match the Mood, Not the Outfit
When it comes to holiday portraits with dogs, styling matters more than people realize. Instead of stressing about matching outfits, think about the overall mood. Choose colors and textures that compliment your dog’s coat. Soft neutrals, cozy sweaters, flannel, even a simple winter scarf can work beautifully in a dog friendly holiday photo session.
When the styling supports your dog instead of overpowering them, the portrait feels intentional and relaxed. No battles with clothes, no “what do we wear” panic, just a frame that feels like you.
Bring Their Comfort
A comfortable dog photographs better. If you have worked with a Crystal Coast dog photographer before, you already know this is the secret sauce.
Bring their favorite treats, a beloved blanket, or that toy they will do anything for. If they need a sniff break or a quick reset, take it. A relaxed dog gives you the soft eyes, loose body language, and the genuine connection that turns a simple moment into a memory.
Comfort is the difference between a stiff pose and a photograph that feels real. It is one of my biggest tips for anyone planning Christmas dog photos or any kind of pet portrait session.
Capture Connection, Not Perfection
Some of the best dog photography moments happen in between the planned shots. A lean into your shoulder. A shared glance. A tail wag you did not see coming.
These small pieces of connection are what become heirlooms. Not the perfectly posed shot. Not the forced smile. Just the two of you being yourselves.
When you let go of the idea of perfect, that is when the magic shows up. That is when a holiday portrait becomes a keepsake you want on your walls forever.
Ready to Plan Your Holiday Portraits?
Your dog deserves to be part of the story you share this season. Let’s make something beautiful together.
If you want dog friendly holiday photos that feel warm, relaxed, and centered on your dog, I would love to create them with you. Make sure to jump on my VIP List for my annual studio Christmas Cheer sessions. This year they sold out to previous clients and our VIP list! Click here to join!