Beneful

	How many of us have put on birthday parties for our pretty pooches, and have the photos to prove it? Our dear old Pekingese Suzie celebrated her 6th birthday in a baby frock. My sister even managed to put a pair of sunnies on her just long enough to take a shot. She looked quite the princess, until she started hoeing into the peanut butter and cream cheese tarts. Whether it's dress ups for a laugh, candid shots in the backyard or a professional portrait sitting, taking photos of your pet is a wonderful way to keep memories alive and peer into the souls of our four-legged friends. Pet photographer Peter Gibney, who runs Furrever Pet Photography, says there's no real secret in getting a great pet shot - it's all about lighting, timing, patience and luck.

	1. The right light He says try to make the most of natural lighting and surrounds. As a rule, evenings and mornings are best. Shooting in the shade and on gloomy looking days can also be surprisingly effective. "Overcast days are quite good because you've got one huge light source spread out which is preferable than intense light beating down," says Gibney.

	2. On home turf Snapping your dog in its own setting, with its favourite toys or play spot, keeps them relaxed and adds meaning to the picture. Position is also important to show your dog's view of the world. "A lot of people will stand up and point the camera down but you're not seeing the world from the dog's perspective. So I spend a lot of my time on my hands and knees or lying on my stomach which creates a great angle." 3. Picture Perfect While some dogs respond to toys and noise, others prefer balls and sticks to grab their attention. But sometimes the best photos are the ones when owners are just being natural with their dogs, says Gibney. "When you get some really nice expressions is when you get the owner to talk quietly to the dog about a family member or another pet." Furrever's photographer suggests avoiding food treats to keep dogs still. "Sometimes they get a fixed look in their eye and will salivate, and there's more to their personality than begging for food." 4. Models in fur coats Pyjama designer Peter Alexander, who features his dogs in his sleepwear catalogues, says a great pet photo session is all in the timing. He says the important thing is to prepare your shot in advance. "When photographing dogs you've got to get it done in the first 10 minutes. You can't have an hour shoot. We prepare the shot lightning wise and get it all ready. Then I organize the dog and art direct and tell the photographer to just keep clicking." His two new canine models Betty and Butch aren't quite as natural as the late Penny, who seemed destined for the spotlight. "Penny loved the camera. She wanted to be the centre of attention and we'd have to hold her back all the time," says Alexander.

	5. Treasured memories Gibney says photos help to keep memories alive, remembering his own childhood photos - his first day of school holding a kitten, and as a teenager with his dog. "What I really like about this job is the bond I see that people have with their pets. When people come to look at the photos and say that's exactly the look that she gives, I really feel like I've achieved something."