However, taking pictures of pets and pictures of people are two different animals, so to speak. But that's not to say that taking photos of pets is impossible. With some advance planning and a bit of patience, you can have photographs of your pets that you will cherish for years to come.

Beth Sayles of Sayles Studio in Waterford said pets are easier to work with than most pet owners expect. What it comes down to is being ready and timing. She suggests making a grooming appointment for your pet sometime during the week of the photography appointment.

Then, the day of the photo session, bring along a special treat that the pet responds to. Sayles said she loves working with pets.

"Their personality always comes shining through," she said.

Courtney Hedglin, owner of Windsong Images in Waterford, said she enjoys working with pets as well. She said she'll play with a dog before snapping photos and let him roam around so he is comfortable and relaxed.

Great photos of pets often happen spontaneously, Sayles said. Knocking on the door or squeezing a squeaky toy with a sound the pet isn't familiar with can cause him to turn his head and perk up his ears - resulting in a fabulous photograph, she said.

However, Sayles said it's not a good idea to try and attract a dog's attraction with a favorite toy, because instead of being curious about it, she'll come running for it.

Patience is key, said Hedglin. She said it's a matter of waiting and catching the pet at the right moment. Making sure the pet is relaxed and offering rewards such as a pat on the head or a treat can also also help, she added.

A photograph of a pet will be something the family can treasure for years because it's timeless, said Sayles. Unlike people whose clothing and hairstyles change with the times, a pet portrait will always look fresh and undated, she said.

Many families have photos of their pets taken for the holidays, or have greeting cards or other items made from the photos, said Sayles. Hedglin had a client make a calendar using pet photos as well.

Others include pets in their family portraits or simply want a photograph of their pet to hang on the wall.

Sayles said most pet photos are of dogs, but that she has taken some striking photos of cats and other pets as well.

It's pure joy capturing the expression on a pet's face, she said.