A good example of a close up photo.

• Try to use natural lighting by photographing your pet outside, avoid direct sunlight; a bright overcast day is the best.

• Never use flash, this does not capture the true coloring of your pet and causes
  "red-eye."

• The camera should always be lowered to the eye level of your pet.

• Take at least one close up photo of your pet's face, so that when you focus your pet's face fills up the camera view finder.

• Employ the help of a friend to stand behind you with a toy or make noises to capture a great expression.

• If you are having trouble keeping your pet still for the photo, you can have someone hold your pet or restrict them using a leash. I can omit objects from the photo (i.e. hands and leashes) from the portrait.