Merry Christmas everyone!

Each year I like to put out a festive card to my clients and friends.  Its a nice way of fostering good cheer, thanking my loyal clients, and of course helps to keep myself visible at the busiest time of year.

For me, Christmas is a time to celebrate and indulge with all my favourite people, and I like my festive message to have all the warmth of an open log fire and boozy mince pies.  It like it cute and cosy, and, well, a little schmaltz never hurt anyone too.  So this time around it was the turn of my favourite cockapoodle, the Prince of Fluff, Alfie.

One chilly December afternoon my friend Rosie brought Alfie around for cuddles and a quick game of sofa-chew.  Fond of dressing up and all things Christmas, Rosie popped a little santa hat on Alfie and there was much laughter as the cute-ometer exploded into a million pieces of cute.  Suddenly the perfect Christmas card was born in my mind and we set about trying to make a picture.

Of course, Alfie being only just a year old, he doesn't sit still for long, so he wasn't about to make the photoshoot any way simple for us.

2013 Christmas Alfie 21 DecLondon, UK. Christmas Alfie, 21 December

Alfie not best pleased with this tinsel scarf... or santa hat... or novelty reindeer antlers

2013 Christmas Alfie 21 DecLondon, UK. Christmas Alfie, 21 December

There's something a little exploitative about wrapping a dog in tinsel and baubles intended for a tree, but in exchange for meaty lamb treats it soon appeared to be a fair deal and Alfie was cooperating, albeit with all the enthusiasm of a sulking teenager.

I had Rosie stand behind the camera to hold his attention whilst I lay flat on the floor in front of him, repeatedly calling his name.  This worked for about 10 minutes before he lost interest and went for a wander and a sniff around the room.  No dog, no photo.

2013 Christmas Alfie 21 DecLondon, UK. Christmas Alfie, 21 December

"OK, so I sit here and then you give me a biscuit, right?"

2013 Christmas Alfie 21 DecLondon, UK. Christmas Alfie, 21 December

"Does my bum look big in these antlers?"

2013 Christmas Alfie 21 DecLondon, UK. Christmas Alfie, 21 December

And then it happened!  Seemingly out of nowhere, one frame appears as if by magic!  (Almost) everything I was looking for transpired in a single picture!  

I finally got Alfie's attention right down the lens, with his body posture upright and handsome, and that lifted paw is just adorable and really finishes the greeting, I think.  The Santa hat is a little wonky on the top of his head but easily corrected in Photoshop.  Likewise the long shadow on the roll paper on the floor, created by the low side light camera right, which again I fixed in Photoshop.  There was also some editing to ensure the background was true white whilst keeping the warmth of the light on Alfie.

For me, the important lessons learned from this quick shoot were:

• [1] Be clear with yourself about the image you want and go for it;
• [2] Have the awareness to end the shoot when this image has been achieved, because dogs get bored quickly!
• [3] Animal photographers have a very specific skill set and are worth their weight in gold!

Merry Christmas everyone and a very happy New Year!