- May 7, 2024
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My friend Yvonne Presley, and her pups, Trip-E (scarf in mouth), and Char-Lee, had their annual holiday photos taken. This year we incorporated hurricane damage into the photo. Photo by Jacque Estes
JJ, 33094969 is a 5-year-old terrier mix, available at Halifax Humane Society. Courtesy photo HHS
Squeaky, 33380519, is a 6-year-old black and white male cat, available at Halifax Humane Society. Courtesy photo, HHS
Jack, 33407642, is a 5-year-old male cat, available at Flagler Humane Society. Courtesy photo FHS
Jack, 33407642, is a 5-year-old male cat, available at Flagler Humane Society. Courtesy photo FHS
I was hoping to start my column this week with the news that Phelps, the pup fished out of the Intracoastal, had been adopted, but alas, it’s hasn’t happened – yet. I will let you know when he has a home.
Recently I was interviewing a man who wanted to show me a photo. He opened his wallet to show me a photo of (pick one): His wife? Children? Grandchildren? No, it was a picture of his dog.
We love taking pictures of our pets, and this is the time of year some folks may try to take their own holiday card, or newsletter photos. As someone who has taken pet photos for more than 20 years, here are some things I have learned.
Use a digital camera so you can press on the shutter and take multiple, rapid fire, photos. Cell phones are great for those candid moments, but are generally too slow for the dog on the move.
Last Christmas I took a photo of Kodi at the computer, glasses on the tip of his nose, as if he were writing the column. My son saw it and asked what was wrong with my laptop’s keyboard (only an IT guy is going to be looking at the keyboard). I had put treats on the keyboard seconds before and fired away. I probably took 20 pictures, in less than a minute, to get two I really wanted. No problem – not like it’s film!
Some of you may have pets that will wear a costume; others have dogs like my friend’s dog Trip-E, who shredded the red scarf during our photo session last week. He was having a dandy time playing tug of war, with himself and I had fun shooting away. Of course, after a few pictures, we did get the scarf off him, and out of his mouth.
Keep your camera, or at least your phone, handy throughout the holidays. The best photos are not the ones done in a “shoot,” but those candid moments, when the cat is batting the balls on the bottom of the tree, or in my case, when Rosie, the African Grey, landed in our decorated tree.
Don’t overthink it – just shoot. The only actual photography tips I would offer would be to, focus on their eyes, and use natural light if possible.
I hope to see some holiday pet photos for guest pets of the week!
Both humane societies will be closed to the public on Thursday, Nov. 24. But the sales begin on Friday.
Flagler Humane Society will have free adoptions Nov. 25 through 27. Regular operation hours.
Halifax Humane Society will have their annual Black Friday promotion. All black, or predominately black, animals are $10, all others will have half-off adoption fees. The shelter will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25.
