Digital cameras make it easy and fun for amateurs to capture endearing images of their pets. Tiny dogs, big dogs, beautiful dogs, scruffy or ugly dogs; they all have an innate grace about them. The lift and tilt of their head, the quizzical look when you address them, the body-posture of anticipation; we love them and we want great photos. If you want memory-maker photos, try these easy tips:

Choose Bright Light and a Familiar Location: Plan to shoot outside, if possible. The light outside is brighter, and brighter light is best. Pick a familiar outdoor spot, probably your backyard. Think about what kind of shot you want: Do you want a playful, vigorous and alert shot of Max or do you want to see his gentle, sweet and mellow-side? The sun must be to the side of your pet, not behind him. Put Max in the spot where you want to photograph him. Get down eye-to-eye with him and check the background. Is there good contrast between his fur and the background? Are there shadows falling from a roof-line or garage? Is the background messy with children's toys, a trash can or lawn furniture that you don't want in the shot? If so, something has to go -- either the unwanted props or Max. Let Max be the star.

Take Time to Practice: Practice setting up the shot you want. If your dog,(we'll call him "Max") is trained to sit, then you have a great shot right in front of you, if not, then it's a bit like teaching him a new trick. Most dogs do not like to pose but you'll encourage him through repetition. Kneel or lie down close, with the camera positioned at just below his eye-level. Zoom-in and fill the frame with Max. He'll certainly be curious and move in and out of the shot. While Max is getting familiar with you "down there," you can see the lighting and composition of the photo in the LED. Use his favorite toy to distract him or wait-him-out...just relax in position. He'll tire of you, eventually, and suss out the birds or squirrels. Lure him back to the photo spot with a favorite biscuit or snack. He will quickly learn that a treat is in store when he is in the photo spot, and that will mean a good camera shot for you.

Persistence and Repetition: Repeat the practice steps for a week or so, taking photos each day, with and without the flash, and always using the Sport Mode shutter speed. Let Max get to know and expect the flash. After the session is over, you'll make an educated decision about using the flash or not. Delete the practice photos, if you want, and start again tomorrow. The drill is to get Max familiar with the camera in your hand, the flash and the same location every day.

For bold and beautiful still shots: Use the vertical camera position and get close-up to capture his facial features, expressions and the texture of his fur. Start shooting the moment he settles down, and keep shooting. Don't stop to checkout the shot-quality. The best shots will be when he isn't looking directly at you. His eyes are the most compelling feature but it's also important that his ears are up and his nose is moist. Pull back for a medium or full-length shot, using the horizontal camera position.

For vibrant and high-spirited action shots: You know Max well, so you know where he scampers, ferrets and has the most fun. Does he like to roll in the grass, nudge a ball with his nose, or crouch for a low-flying bird? With the digital setting on Sport Mode, snap away. Most digital shutter speeds are not fast enough to capture a moving image at just the right moment, but lots and lots of pics, shot in quick succession, will yield some very good photos of your pet's shenanigans.

Flash Tips: In natural light (outdoors), your flash is probably limited to a range of 10 to 12 feet. Try both flash and no flash to determine what works best. Most digital cameras have a "fill-in" or "force flash" setting. With this option on, you'll get a flash every time you press the shutter button, which should bring out unique details such as the color and texture of fur and luminous eyes. The "fill-in" flash may over-expose and the auto-flash may not activate because it isn't dark enough. Practice, practice, practice and be familiar with your camera to maximize its options.

Indoor tips: Lighting indoors is a special challenge. Use simple lighting and then judge what you need to add or take away. Pay close attention to backgrounds: make sure your pet has a contrasting background and avoid busy patterned fabrics or upholstery.

Tips for dogs and kids: Children can get their pets to do amazing things. Can the kids get Max to wear a hat for a still shot? Great "chase" shots are taken with a child in the lead. Get a shot of your dog "kissing" a child, grandma or gramps, by putting a spot of butter or honey where you want the kiss to be.

General Tips: Have your dog brushed and clean. Consider removing his collar as light can reflect off of it. Keep the atmosphere fun. If you are tense, irritable and impatient your pet will be too. Take lots and lots of shots and you'll get more than a few very good ones.