Christmas is around the corner, and for a lot of us our four legged buddies are at the heart of the celebrations.
So why not make it extra special and create some memories that you and your dog will cherish for years?
Yes, it is possible.
All you need to do is hone your photography skills and pamper your buddy with some healthy dog food, and leave the rest to me.
You see, like all things, dog christmas photoshoot trends are evolving too. So much so that the latest photo inspirations are already more creative (and cuter) than ever.
But you need not face the FOMO or get frantic searching the trends as I’ve compiled the best dog christmas picture ideas for festive season 2024 and beyond.
I searched the internet from top to bottom for the latest dog christmas photo ideas so you don’t have to. Plus, I’ve shared my own pet expert insights and creative tips for pet parents like you.
So read on, brainstorm with your buddy, and decide which pet christmas photos fit best for both of you.
The best dog christmas picture ideas for 2024
1. Good old christmas tree pose
When it comes to christmas picture ideas for dogs and owners, there are a few styles that never go out of trend. And once style is the classic christmas tree pose, something without which our festivities are simply incomplete.
Herein, you’ll capture your dog, and likely yourself too, sitting in front of a well-decorated xmas tree. This is the perfect backdrop for the occasion with all those vibrant lamps and ornaments draped around the tree.
Now, this christmas pet photography idea is so timeless that you could find dog xmas tree poses going back to a hundred years.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t add your own flair of creativity. In fact, dress your dog in cute dog sweaters curated for the occasion, place a few dog gifts around them, and you’ve created a new trend blending modern with tradition.
Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?
2. Santa pet photography to suit the occasion
If there’s one christmas memory that all pets likely have, it is of Santa Claus, just like their human friends.
And what could be better than rekindling that nostalgia with a Santa pet photography theme?
The idea here is simple: You’ll dress up your dog in an elf costume and Santa hat, exactly like you did as a kid. After all, not only is this dog christmas photoshoot theme playful but it’s also sure to overwhelm everyone with your dog’s cuteness.
But what if your dog isn’t comfortable or feels hesitant wearing a full on Santa costume?
Well, in that case you can first get them used to the costume by letting them sniff it before dressing up.
Also, if they still don’t feel comfortable wearing the costume, you can simply go for an xmas collar or bow tie for a similar experience.
3. Festive family snuggle pictures
What can be better than some family snuggle photos with your dog (plus family and friends if you feel like).
You see, while snuggling up with our pet buddies is an almost everyday occurrence, we hardly think about creating memories by clicking some pictures.
Nevertheless, christmas might be the perfect occasion you do so, the reason why snuggle snaps are among my top dog christmas photo ideas.
Take it from me, nothing comes close to the warmth of candid shots of you snuggled up with your pet buddy. Even better, you can dress up your dog in a matching outfit, creating the perfect memory of the bond between you and your furry buddy.
Pet parent tip: While you’ll likely click candid pictures, it best to give them a festive touch with a mug of cocoa and a fireplace in the backdrop.
4. Pet and owner in a winter wonderland
If you live somewhere that has snow around christmas, then this has to be among your top dog christmas picture ideas.
As the name suggests, a winter wonderland photo shoot is all about making the most out of the magical appeal of xmas snow.
How?
Your shots can be anywhere from your dog playing in the snow to catching snowflakes to wearing fancy dog dresses designed for winters. In fact, you simply can go out for candid photography and let the natural snow create a picturesque backdrop.
Also, if you’ve a tripod, you can set a timer and be in the pictures with your dog.
Got a sunny day too?
You’re in luck as the sun reflecting off the snow will add a bright festive xmas glow to your photos.
5. Xmas light wrap-up
Let’s admit it: Christmas is as much about lights as it is for gifts, food, and get-togethers.
So why not try a dog christmas photoshoot with your best buddy wrapped up in Xmas lights?
This photo theme is playful, adorable, and set to create a whimsical vibe for the occasion. Not to mention the cute ambiance of your dog wrapped in lights makes for stunning photos for you and your pet to cherish.
And if you’re wondering about safety, let me tell you that with the right lights this is 100% safe for your dog.
For instance, LED string lights are perfect for this dog photoshoot since they are both cool to touch and safe for pets. In fact, wrap them around large dog tee shirts and you can rest assured of safety.
However, it goes without saying that you should always monitor your dog and keep the light wrap-up short. And one of the ways you can do so is by keeping their favorite treats handy to maintain their attention while you snap that perfect picture.
6. Kiss your dog under the mistletoe
If christmas is all about the spirit of love then mistletoe is its best symbol. So much so that some festive enthusiasts consider Xmas incomplete without a kiss under the mistletoe.
And that’s exactly why the trend of mistletoe photography is now on the top of dog christmas picture ideas.
The best part: This is the easiest of all christmas photo ideas with dogs. That’s because all you’ve got to do is set your camera on a tripod and kiss your dog or hold them close while your Xmas photos are being snapped.
Also, you can pose your dog under the mistletoe and click a few solo pictures of them.
Now that’s both simple and trendy, isn’t it?
Pet parent tip: Always use non-toxic mistletoe that’s pet safe since real mistletoe can be harmful if your dog accidentally ingests it.
You’ll agree when I say that holidays are synonyms with baking. And this is an extra special moment for our pet buddies who come wagging their tail in excitement of getting a special treat.
Now, this christmas dog photoshoot idea is inspired by the baking tradition of holidays and lets you go all out creative setting the photo set.
Herein, you can set up a kitchen scene with holiday cookies, rolling pins, and some pet safe flour. Thereafter, make your dog wear a small chef’s hat, place them in the middle of the kitchen scene, and snap plenty of pictures.
After all, not only does this theme let you capture some heartwarming holiday moments but also makes your dog feel a part of the baking tradition.
8. Reindeer-themed santa pet photography
Your furry friend is as excited about the arrival of Santa as you are (or even more). And what’s better than making this wait and anticipation exciting by transforming your dog into Santa’s reindeer.
All you need to do is get a pair of adorable antlers for your dog to wear, and you’ve got the perfect christmas pet photography theme.
Moreover, for those who have time and patience, you can also make a DIY sleigh or wagon for your dog to pose with.
Now, keep your dog’s treats handy, make them pose, and get a few shots. In fact, if your dog is small to medium in size, you can also make them sit in the sleigh prop.
You see, apart from regular festive photos this theme is also great for christmas card photos with pets.
9. Santa’s cute four legged gift
Remember when as a kid you found your Xmas gift, opened it, and got thrilled to find that little teddy bear you always wanted.
You can create a similar memory, albeit better, for your family while also utilizing it as a photo-op.
How?
Well, get them that dog they’ve always wanted. And for a cute and interactive photoshoot, place the dog inside an oversized gift box while keeping the lid slightly ajar.
Take it from me: Not only will this be the best Christmas present ever but you can also create an everlasting memory with gift box dog christmas photoshoot ideas.
10. Dog christmas photoshoot in matching sweaters
When it comes to snapping those perfect christmas family pictures with dogs, you’ll certainly think about getting matching sweaters for the occasion.
And apart from being a trendy photoshoot idea, this is also the easiest and most festive way to click pictures with your dog. So much so that you can simply cozy up with your dog on the couch and let your camera click memories for you.
Easy, right?
11. Outdoor christmas photoshoot with dog
Its festive season and the streets and squares are beautifully decorated.
So, why not take your dog Xmas photoshoot outdoors?
Apart from being an all-time trendsetter this doesn’t need you to think about out-of-the-box dog christmas picture ideas. That’s because you can simply take your dog out and capture some candid shots as they walk around.
Pet parent tip: Your dog might get anxious if the outdoor setting is too crowded. And in such cases, it’s best to go out for a photoshoot during the quieter hours.
How to prepare for a christmas photoshoot with dog?
So far in the blog you already know what are the trendy christmas picture ideas for dogs and how you can go about utilizing them.
But before you start clicking those pictures it is also essential both you and your dog are prepared for the photoshoot. After all, you’re putting in plenty of time and effort to get the right shots and you want them to be picture perfect.
And to that end, here are four things you can do before:
1. Make your dog feel comfortable and relaxed
The more relaxed and happy your dog is, the better pictures you’re going to click. Meaning you can’t overlook your dog’s comfort while preparing for a photoshoot.
Now, one way you can do so is choose a space that your dog is familiar with and feels safe at. Also, if you’re planning an outdoor photoshoot, go to a quiet space as there will be less distractions.
Talking about the dog christmas photoshoot outfit, I suggest you go for a soft apparel which your dog feels comfortable wearing.
2. Get them used to the camera gradually
While some dogs are extroverted and don’t mind being filmed, others can be quite camera-shy. And if your dog is also shy, take some time to get them comfortable with the camera.
The best way you can do so is by letting them off around the camera and sniffing it for familiarization.
After some time, click a few trail shots and treat your dog with their favorite food right after. This will ease them and help get rid of any anxiety they might be experiencing.
3. Reward your dog with treats and toys
Obvious as it might seem, it is important to keep your dog engaged and motivated during the photoshoot. And you can do so by rewarding your dog with such treats and toys that they absolutely love but don’t get often.
4. Give them breaks too
Oftentimes we are so driven by the idea of getting that perfect shot that we almost forget to take any break.
Nevertheless, you can’t do so with your dog as they need sufficient breaks during a photoshoot session to keep up their energy levels.
So I suggest you take breaks after every 10 minutes or so to prevent your dog from experiencing a burnout. After all, this is a fun and engaging exercise and not a tournament.
Dog christmas picture ideas: Frequently asked questions
How to make your dog comfortable for a photoshoot?
However, it doesn’t need any special skill as all you’ve got to do is create a positive environment for them with treats and praises.
Also, for dogs who are camera-shy, keeping the camera in the middle of dog toys and letting them sniff it can help a great deal.
Most importantly, you should never force your dog to pose as it can make them uncomfortable and anxious.
How to keep your dog safe while clicking their pictures?
For instance, while snapping your dog’s pictures in the kitchen, make sure there aren’t any sharp objects around. Also, all the edible items around your dog should be pet safe since dogs have the habit of sniffing and swallowing things.
Similarly, if you want to click your dog’s pictures under the mistletoe, go for an artificial pet safe mistletoe since original ones can be toxic.
How to photograph a hyperactive dog?
Also, I suggest such pet parents use squeaky toys or interesting sounds to keep their dog attentive during the shoot.
To sum up
As you can see, the trendiest dog christmas picture ideas are also some of the simplest to capture. Not to mention, they are fun and engaging for both you and your dog.
In fact, be sure to use my dog photography tips and you can click some of the best professional-grade pet photos this christmas.
Looking for pet goodies to make the photoshoot extra special or want to get your buddy groomed for holidays?
We got you covered!
At Dawg Team Apparel USA, we’ve got the best-in-class dog care products. Also, our team of seasoned in-house dog grooming professionals make your pet look and feel the best.
Simply put, we have all your pet care needs covered for Xmas photoshoot and beyond.