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Did Someone Say Cheese?

Pet Portraits That Capture Sit, Stay and 'Say What?'

Newborn portrait photographer Nickie Cole discovered another niche for her business when trying to capture the essence of her beloved dog, Cody, as he entered his golden years. Fur Baby Photos By NJP (or Nicola Jane Photography) is her way of helping others hold on to the sweet, silly and soulful personalities of our four-legged family members.

Nickie shares her tips on how to capture your own candid photos at home.

“The key is patience — and lots of treats,” says Nickie of mastering the art of dog portraits. “Every pet is different, so I read their body language and go at their pace. Some respond to squeaky toys; others need a few minutes to feel safe.” 

Other tips for photographing your pet at home:

• Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. The best photos happen when your pets are being themselves: rolling on their back, yawning, or flashing puppy-dog eyes.

• Keep it fun! Talk to them, make silly noises, or hold a favorite toy near the camera to catch their attention. Candid photos are all about capturing personality, not perfection.

Find Nickie at nicolajanephotography.com and furbabyphotosbynjp.com.