How to Take Holiday Photos of Your Pets (and With Them!)

How to Take Holiday Photos of Your Pets (and With Them!)

The twinkly lights are out, the cozy sweaters are back, and your camera roll is ready for a holiday refresh. Whether you’re making a family card or just want to capture your dog’s cutest grin under the tree — a little prep goes a long way toward a photo that sparkles (and so does your pup’s coat!).

Here at WashBar, we believe clean fur = camera confidence. So before you hit “cheese,” here are a few simple tips for taking festive photos of (and with!) your pets — plus, how our Original WashBar Soap for Dogs can help your furry friend look extra radiant this holiday season.

1. Prep Before You Snap

The best photo sessions are calm ones.

  • Pick a time when your dog is relaxed — after a nice walk or playtime.

  • Set your stage: maybe a decorated living room, a twinkly tree corner, or a snowy backyard.

  • Keep props simple — a cozy blanket or festive scarf does the trick.

And most importantly, give your dog a day to rest after bath time before the big photo shoot. That’s when fur looks fluffiest and natural shine returns!

2. Bath Time = Shine Time

Nothing transforms a photo like a clean, glowing coat. Before your session, treat your pup to a gentle wash with our Original WashBar Soap for Dogs — made from natural goodness that brings out the best in every coat.

Here’s why we love it for photo-ready pups:

  • Lemon-scented tea tree oil helps calm bath-time jitters and leaves a light, fresh scent.

  • Natural oils and botanicals enhance shine and brightness — hello, glossy holiday glow!

  • No synthetic nasties — just pure ingredients that nourish skin and fur.

  • Each bar = over 600ml / 20fl.oz of liquid shampoo, so it’s good for your pup and the planet.

It’s the kind of simple, natural clean that makes your dog look as good as they feel. 

Shop our Original Soap for Dogs

3. Capture Their True Personality

The best photos show who your dog is, not just what they look like.

  • Get down on their level — eye-to-eye shots always feel more intimate.

  • Use natural light (near a window or outside on a cloudy day) for soft, even tones.

  • Keep treats or a squeaky toy handy for those adorable head tilts.

  • Let them move! Some of the cutest photos happen mid-shake or mid-smile.

Remember: the goal isn’t “perfect” — it’s “pure joy.”


4. Quick Editing Touches

Once you’ve snapped your favorites, try a few light edits to highlight your pup’s freshly cleaned coat.

  • Gently increase brightness or warmth for a cozy holiday vibe.

  • Crop in tight on those sparkly eyes and glossy fur.

  • Add a festive filter — but keep it natural. You want that real WashBar glow to shine through.

5. Share the Love

Print your photo for holiday cards, post it to your feed, or hang it by the fireplace. However you share it, don’t forget to tag @washbar_nz — we love seeing your clean, happy, camera-ready pups!

Final Woof

Your dog is more than just part of the photo — they’re the heart of the holiday memory. A simple, natural wash before the big shoot brings out their brightest self: soft, shiny, comfortable, and full of character.

This year, let your pet’s sparkle start with a WashBar bath and end with a keepsake photo that’ll make you smile for years to come.

Happy holidays, from all of us at WashBar.

Clean dog. Happy life. Camera ready. 🎄

The Dog Blog