10 Christmas photo ideas with your dog

Updated Wednesday 28 October 2026

Short answer

The best Christmas dog photos are taken at your dog's eye level, in daylight near a window, with a treat held just above the lens and the camera on burst mode. Ideas that work every year: the matching Christmas card, Santa's little arms, the tree helper, the present unwrap and the after-dinner nap.

How to get the shot

Get low. Shoot from your dog's eye level, not from above.
Use window light. Daylight from the side beats the ceiling light every time. Turn the flash off.
Treat above the lens. Someone holds a treat or squeaky toy just above the camera so your dog looks straight at it.
Burst mode. Hold the shutter down and pick the best frame later.
Be quick. Costume on, five minutes of photos, costume off. See how to dress your dog up safely.

The ideas

The Christmas card twin. You and your dog in matching elf outfits on the sofa. The elf set was made for this.
Santa's little arms. Your dog in the Santa Paws Suit, standing up for a treat. The little arms do the rest.
The tree helper. Your dog sitting by the tree "guarding" the presents. Keep glass baubles and tinsel out of reach.
The present unwrap. Loosely wrap a dog toy in plain paper and film your dog opening it. Clear the paper away afterwards.
Fairy-light glow. Lights in the background, not on your dog, and portrait mode on your phone.
Christmas morning chaos. A wide shot of everyone in pyjamas, with the dog in costume in the middle of the wrapping paper.
The jumper line-up. The whole family in Christmas jumpers and the dog in the middle.
The food coma. Your dog asleep after Christmas dinner. Pairs well with the Frenchie Nap Christmas Jumper.
The doorway reveal. Film your dog trotting into the room in costume. Slow motion makes it funnier.
The frosty walk. On a cold, bright morning, one quick photo outside, then costume off for the actual walk.

Turning it into a TikTok or Reel

Three or four short clips work better than one long one: the costume on the floor, your dog's face, the reveal, the reaction. Add a trending sound and keep it under 15 seconds. Tag #SillySnoot so we can see it.