Photo Christmas Cards with Pets: Keep It Calm and Card-Ready

One good look is enough. Set up safely, cue eye contact, reward quickly, and let AI handle the backdrop if the room or pet won’t cooperate.

Light and setup

- Window light; overheads off.
- Pet on the floor/stable surface; no perches.
- Clear cords/fragile decor; tape wires; no candles.

Posing ideas

- Pet centered; humans behind slightly blurred—treat above lens.
- Pet between seated humans; hands on fur for connection.
- Matching bandana/bow; minimal props.
- Hands-only: paw + human hands close-up.

Prompts and cues

- “Sit/Stay” or “Down” for 3–5 seconds; reward immediately.
- One squeak/word; then silence to capture the expression.
- Cats: toy near lens; very short sessions (under 3 minutes).

Safety

- No chocolate, ribbons, tinsel, or glass ornaments near pets.
- Keep hot drinks away; avoid costumes that irritate.
- Stop if stressed; don’t force.

If the background is messy

- Move 3–4 ft from a blank wall; crop tight.
- Upload and generate 18 festive scenes in 60 seconds—keep the best expression; export 5x7, 300 DPI.

Quick edit/export

- Brighten slightly; keep fur texture.
- sRGB, 300 DPI; faces/text 0.25" inside edges for print.
- Matte/satin 130–150 lb for a premium card feel.

Reward, capture, and quit—AI can make the background perfect even if your pet is done.