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Spring 2025

Tips for a picture paw-fect family photo

Get your pet ready for their glam-fur shots
Picture of By Nationwide
By Nationwide

Family photos capture so much more than a picture—they capture a cherished moment in the life of your loved ones. Your pets are an important part of the family, so naturally they should be added to the family photo album whenever possible. But how do you get that notoriously difficult paw-fect picture of your pet? Here are some tips.

Act naturally

Many people try to create the elaborate lighting schemes used in professional studios for their home photos. However, in most cases, natural light is just as flattering—and much easier to control for amateur photogs. When choosing a setting for your portraits, find one that has abundant natural lighting (though not directly in your eyes!). By doing so, you can usually avoid relying on flash, which might scare off pets.

Of course, our companion animals don’t always love sitting perfectly still for long photo shoots. If you're having trouble with blur, see if your camera has a “sports” setting or use multi-shot for a better chance at snapping the perfect pic.

Set the stage

Curating the setting for your photo is half of the fun. Find a background or use props to get the feel you're looking for but be sure to avoid dangerous decor that could get ingested while you’re fiddling with camera settings. Also, avoid high-risk locations such as high counters and slippery surfaces that can lead to falls and injuries.

Capture their attention—and their good side

Getting your pet to look at the camera requires some special effort at times. When pointing or tapping won’t do the job, try using treats or squeakers to get your pet's attention. Just be sure these tools are safe and properly supervised.

Say cheese

The best photo with your pet shows them comfortable and at ease. That isn’t always easy when putting them in an unfamiliar situation.

If your cat is visibly upset, hissing with ears flattened or excessively grooming, they’re distressed—and not photo ready. Similarly, dogs shouldn’t be panting, drooling, snarling or standing with their tail tucked. Not only do these behaviors make for awkward photos, but they are also signs that your pet is uncomfortable, stressed, or otherwise upset.

Call in a professional

If you aren’t getting results on your own, it’s time to call in the pros. Pet photographers are everywhere and they know the tricks of the trade needed to capture that paw-fect family photo.

With this in mind: What better way to celebrate National Pet Month in May than with a deluxe photoshoot with award-winning pet photographer Diane Lewis? Visit our promotions page to learn more about our Picture-Pawfect Pet Protection sweepstakes running May 6-31, 2025 and how you can enter to win a professional photo shoot with your pet.*

*No purchase is necessary. Sweepstakes starts 5/6/2025 and ends 5/31/2025. Sweepstakes not available in GA, IN, KS, KY, ME, MN, MT, NH, PA, WA and WY. See official rules for Nationwide pet insurance members. See official rules for consumers.

Enjoy Nationwide Perks

The Nationwide Perks program introduces great deals and discounts to pamper your pets and more. Download our app to amplify your savings and enhance the wellbeing of yourself and those you love. Get the app
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
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