Do you have a pet that is part of the family? Are you sure to include them in holiday celebrations, maybe even buying them a gift and dressing them up for parties? Pets bring so much joy to a family, but it's particularly special for them to share in the fun during the holiday season.

To make the season even more special this year, consider pet photography to capture your pet's unique personality in a memorable holiday setting. Whether you plan to frame the images, use them to create picture ornaments or include them in the holiday greeting card, this photography will enhance your holiday celebrations in countless ways.

For holly jolly holiday photography featuring your furry family members, consider these three tips from the experts at JCPenney Portraits by Lifetouch:

Attire that bow-wows

While you don't need to dress your pet up for your holiday session, many people choose to add festive accessories of some kind. A holiday sweater or adorable hat is sure to send a joyous message, but if your pet isn't likely to sit still in these, consider a cute collar in a bright hue or plaid pattern. If your pet will be in images with the family, consider coordinating with the color palette you're using and tie in your pet's attire for a cohesive look.

Be purr-fectly prepared

Pack your pet necessities ahead of time so you're prepared for your session. Pack some water, a dish and a favorite dry treat. It might be just what you need to bribe your pet into the perfect pose. On the day of the session, have your pet go to the bathroom before visiting the studio. While accidents happen, many can be avoided by taking a potty break before the session action begins. Not to mention, without the urge to go, pets can focus on posing for amazing photography.

Paw-tastic props

Every JCPenney Portraits studio has a variety of holiday-themed backgrounds and props that can be used to bring out that seasonal feeling in images. However, if you want to add a personal touch to your photography,  feel free to bring props from home. If your pup has a favorite stuffed animal, bring it too. If your kitty has a beloved cozy blanket, make sure to pack it up. These are just a few examples of props, but options are virtually endless, so get creative and work with your photographer to bring your vision to life.

Your pets are part of your holiday experience, so be sure to include them in this year's holiday photography. You'll have a howling good time at your session and you'll get images that you'll cherish for many holidays to come. Call and schedule your holiday pet session today.