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A smiling older man in a flat cap leans into a selfie on a porch beside a happy dapple Dachshund in a blue collar. 12 / 36

Grandpa Leaned In for a Porch Selfie. He Wasn't the One Who Stole the Show.

AI imagedachshundselfieporch

Flat cap on, cheeks rosy, and a smile that reaches all the way up to his eyes, Grandpa Ray is leaning in for the perfect porch selfie. Pickles sits right beside him, her black-and-silver dapple coat sparkling in the soft daylight, her blue collar bright against her chest, and her mouth open in an unmistakable grin. Her floppy ears frame her face like a little bonnet. Behind them, the porch is wonderfully cluttered with rubber boots, a galvanized watering can, a basket of gardening gloves, a jar of brushes, potted geraniums, and an old jacket hanging on a chair.

Getting a dog to look at the camera is half the battle in any pet photo. Holding a treat or a squeaky toy right above the lens is a popular trick. Getting down to your dog's level makes a big difference, too, and soft natural light, like the shade of a porch, is often more flattering than harsh midday sun. Keep sessions short and fun, and reward your dog at the end. Dachshunds are typically lively, expressive dogs with a lot of personality, which makes them great little photo subjects once they are relaxed. Sharing pictures like this can be a happy way for grandparents to stay connected with family who live far away.

One look at those two faces and it is easy to see who the real star is. Grandpa Ray does not seem to mind sharing the spotlight one bit.

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