Say Cheese? Nah. Say Squirrel Call and Rubber Chicken

May 23, 2025

Tips and Tricks for Capturing Genuine Smiles

(of the furry and human kind)

Let’s be honest: getting pets (or their people) to “say cheese” doesn’t exactly guarantee a winning photo. You might get a frozen grin, a confused dog, or a look that says “I’m only here for the snacks.”

That’s why I leave the cheese to the charcuterie boards and rely on a few delightfully oddball tricks—and a whole lot of genuine connection—to coax out those tail-wagging, ear-perking, heart-melting moments.

🎶 The Symphony of Squeaks, Whistles, and Wonder

One of my secret weapons? A braided lanyard that jingles with potential chaos.

I’ve got:

A squirrel call that makes Terriers do double takes;
A toy squeaker that’s seen better days;
A classic training clicker;
And a rabbit distress call that sounds weird enough to turn any dog into a four-legged detective.

Different dogs react to different sounds. And when I land on just the right one—the one that makes their ears perk or their head do that perfect tilt—that’s the money shot.

🧀 The Real High-Value Treat? Connection.

Sure, I keep the good stuff on hand (freeze-dried liver, anyone?), but the real magic comes when clients interact with their pets—not the camera.

Some of my favorite photos happen when I simply ask clients to:

Snuggle their pup in their lap;
Lean in for a kiss;
Scratch the good spot behind the ears;
Or just watch them play with joyful abandon.

No posing. No pressure. Just real love and joy, captured forever.

🐷 Tricks Up My Sleeve (and Sometimes Between My Knees)

Okay, I may not be a magician, but I’ve definitely got some crowd-pleasers tucked away.

Sometimes, I:

Wedge a grunting rubber pig between my knees for a hands-free what-was-that?! moment;
Toss a rubber chicken just above my lens (dogs love aerial poultry);
Pretend to toss a treat straight over the camera to redirect focus and get those adorable “what just happened?” expressions;
Have the pet parent crouch or stand directly over me while I’m lying on the ground, so their pup locks eyes with the person they love most.

Dogs aren’t wired for abstract thought—but they’re experts at reacting to movement, sound, and, most of all, the energy of their humans. So I meet them where they are... even if that’s lying flat on my belly, whispering sweet nothings while honking a rubber pig between my knees.

🐾 Final Bark: Say Cheese? No Thanks.

At the end of the day, I’m not after perfect poses or plastered-on smiles. I’m here for the nuzzles, the giggles, the windswept ears, and the real-deal expressions of connection.

So whether your dog responds to squeaks, snacks, or the call of the squirrel, just be in the moment with them. Let them play, snuggle, and be their full furry selves. I’ll be right there—camera in one hand, chicken in the other—ready to turn that moment into heARTwork.

Got a sound your dog can’t resist? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for the next weird noise to add to my lanyard lineup! 🎖️

I’m Kelly McNamara, award-winning professional pet photographer and storyteller based in Southern California. My mission is to create heirloom-quality heARTwork that celebrates the deep connection between people and their animals — and to use my art to give back.

(949) 433-9629

kelly@kellymacstudios.com