COURTESY STAN WRIGHT The Nakano family posed perfectly for this portrait in Stan Wright's studio. Wright makes little noises to attract the dogs' attention so they'll hold still.

Calendar showcases
beloved pets

Many pets are well-loved members of the family. This month, people with pampered pets have the unique opportunity to help animals that need homes -- while showing off their own beloved companions.

Pets in Paradise Call for photo entries for the 2006 calendar: Deadline: May 31 Entry fee: $15 per photo, a fund-raiser for the Hawaiian Humane Society Entry forms: Pick up at the Hawaiian Humane Society, 2700 Waialae Ave., or download from www.hawaiianhumane.org Rules: Must be color prints in a horizontal format, no bigger than 4 by 6 inches, and must depict only animals (no people). Digital photos must be printed on photo-quality paper. Photos will not be returned.

"We love seeing how pets are honored in their favorite photographs," said Pamela Burns, Hawaiian Humane Society president. "The Hawaiian Humane Society is dedicated to promoting the human-animal bond. We're looking for great pet photos for our 2006 calendar."

This is the fifth year for the society's Pets in Paradise calendar. Entry fees and calendar sales promote the work of the society. The calendar project has grown to be an important source of revenue that helps provide care for lost and injured animals.

"So by showing off your companion animal, you'll be helping homeless dogs, cats, birds and animals to find a new family," Burns said.

A professional photographer, Stan Wright, poses lots of families and their pets in his studio and in outdoor settings. He is called upon to document doggie birthday parties and weddings where pets are part of the ceremony. He also serves as a judge for Pets in Paradise entries.

With the deadline for photos on May 31, Wright offers a few tips for taking better pet pictures.

"When I'm reviewing the entries," said Wright, "I look for the photos that grab my attention immediately. Usually the setting is uncluttered, and the animal has a particular sparkle. It's easy to tell when a pet is well loved."

Sometimes a winning photo is a happy accident, but more often, being prepared produces the best results.

"Get up close to your animal, focus and be ready to snap the photo when you say 'treat' or whistle. Match your pet's eye level -- lie on the floor or ground and wait for the right moment," Wright said. "Be ready to capture that picture-perfect look."

COURTESY STAN WRIGHT It's not always that easy, though, as shown below.